Are you ready to jumpstart your college career while still in high school? Downey High School (DHS), in partnership with Cerritos College, is thrilled to announce the Early College Program! This unique opportunity is designed for motivated students who want to earn college credits, save thousands of dollars, and prepare for success at a university level—all before high school graduation.
Why Choose the Early College Program?
This program offers more than just a head start; it provides a comprehensive pathway to your higher education goals. Key benefits include:
- Significant Cost Savings: Families can save up to $28,000 in UC costs or $11,600 in CSU costs because tuition and books are completely free.
- Earn Transferable Units: Complete up to 43.5 units that are transferable to California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) campuses.
- Standardized Pathway: Students follow the Cal-GETC curriculum, a standardized general education pathway that may satisfy lower-division requirements at participating universities.
- On-Campus Convenience: Most college classes are taught by Cerritos College faculty right on the DHS campus during the regular school day.
- Full Support: Participants retain access to college services, including specialized dual enrollment counseling.
What to Expect
The Early College Program is a rewarding but rigorous journey. Students are treated as college students and must maintain a grade of “C” or better in their college courses to earn credit.
Sample Schedule
Sample 9th Grade Schedule: Your First Year
In your first year, you will balance foundational high school courses with your first taste of college-level academics.
Period 1: College Coursework
- Fall: READ 101 (Literacy & Learning for College Success)
- Spring: MUS 104B (History of Rock & Roll)
Period 2: Student Success Lab
- A dedicated period on the DHS campus to focus on college assignments and study skills.
Period 3: English 9
- Standard or Honors high school English.
Period 4: Mathematics
- Math I or Algebra I, depending on your placement.
Period 5: World Language
- Your first year of Language Other Than English (LOTE).
Period 6: Science (Living Earth)
- A high school graduation requirement.
Sample Curriculum Highlights:
- 9th Grade: Orientation to College (COUN 101A) and History of Rock & Roll (MUS 104B).
- 10th Grade: Public Speaking (COMM 100) and Introduction to Social Justice (CS 101).
- 11th Grade: Freshman Composition (ENGL 100) and U.S. History (HIST 103).
- 12th Grade: Elementary Statistics (MATH 112) and Critical Writing (ENGL 101).
Note: Program participants still complete all standard high school graduation requirements alongside these college courses.
Important Program Details
- Eligibility: Starting in Fall 2026, two cohorts of 30 students (currently in 8th grade) will be selected to join.
- Privacy: Under FERPA regulations, students’ college records are private and cannot be released without their written consent.
- Flexibility: Sample schedules are available for students who wish to participate in other programs like AVID or high school sports.
Meet Your Team
Have questions? The DHS Early College Team is here to help:
- Julie Main, Assistant Principal
- Susan Ruiz, Point Counselor
- Rudy Ojeda & Jackie Guevara, College & Career Advisors
Ready to take the first step toward your college degree? Space is limited to 60 students for the upcoming cohort!