Advanced Placement (AP)

AP stands for Advanced Placement. AP courses can help students acquire the skills and habits needed to be successful in college. Students will improve writing skills, sharpen problem-solving abilities, and develop time management skills, discipline, and study habits. 

Through AP's college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admission process, and save hundreds or thousands of dollars in college tuition. To earn college credit, a AP exam is offered early May. Registration and fee is required.

Learn more about Advanced Placement:

• Curtis High School’s AP Program Offerings Website
• College Board AP Program Website
• AP Credit Policy Search Tool (Use this tool to find colleges that offer credit or placement for AP scores)
• Talk to your school counselor

College in the High School (CiHS)

College in the High School courses provides college level courses while in high school. It is a way for students grades 9-12 to earn college credit and fulfill their high school graduation requirements at the same time while remaining in high school. Staff are adjunct faculty through the university. Students receive official college transcripts. 

Curtis High School offers courses in collaboration with Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University. 

Learn more about College in the High School

• OSPI Dual Credit Website
• Washington Student Achievement Council Website
• Central Washington University
• Eastern Washington University

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education classes are designed to achieve four key goals for students:

• Students earn high school credit
• Simultaneously earn FREE college credits with our local community and technical colleges. (Bates Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, Pierce College)
• Learn marketable job skills in a chosen career field
• With a “C” or higher grade, students will earn high school and college credit

To learn more about CTE Dual Credit:

• CTE Dual Credit Information Website – Pierce County Careers Connection
• CTE Dual Credit Classes - Statewide Enrollment and Reporting System
• Talk to your CTE teacher, CCRC or school counselor

Running Start

The Running Start program is a dual credit program in which junior and senior students take courses at the local community college and earn high school credit in addition to college credit. Students earn college credit by attending a local 2-year community or technical college.

Students interested in Running Start or specific programs at other local colleges such as Clover Park Technical College or Bates talk to your school counselor.

To learn more about Running Start programs:

• CHS Running Start Webpage