{"id":17994,"date":"2025-10-10T15:52:47","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T22:52:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/?page_id=17994"},"modified":"2026-04-15T12:49:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T19:49:41","slug":"early-college","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/early-college\/","title":{"rendered":"Early College"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; top_divider_style=&#8221;wave&#8221; top_divider_color=&#8221;#F4F4F4&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Early College Program<\/h1>\n<p>Downey Unified&#8217;s Early College Program is designed for students who want to get a head start in college. Students have the opportunity to take Cerritos College classes at their high school and complete approximately 46.5 units transferable to a CSU and\/or UC while earning their high school diploma simultaneously. Participating students get a \u201ctaste\u201d of college while still enjoying their high school journey, and <span>are better prepared for post-secondary options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2025\/10\/DSC_7698-800&#215;500-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;High school graduate&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_7698-800&#215;500&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#F4F4F4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;40px||40px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|20px|20px|20px|false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;off|6px|6px||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Student Benefits<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Free tuition and books<\/li>\n<li>Save time when a student attends college<\/li>\n<li>Opportunity to complete an AA degree while in high school (additional classes will be required)<\/li>\n<li>Access to several Cerritos College services<\/li>\n<li>Save money<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>By earning college credits in high school, students could save two years&#8217; worth of the cost to go to college. This is a savings of approximately $28,000 (UC) and $11,600 (CSU) by completing general education classes prior to college.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2025\/10\/cost-comparison.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Cost comparison for general education classes&#8221; title_text=&#8221;cost comparison&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|20px|20px|20px|false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;off|||6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>College Freshman<\/h5>\n<p>Students who complete this program can apply to a UC\/CSU as college freshmen and will have earned a general education (GE) certificate from Cerritos College. While the university may require additional GE courses based on university requirements\/major, a large portion would have already been completed.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>Transfer Student<\/h5>\n<p>Students who wish to apply as transfer students must attend at least one semester at Cerritos College after high school graduation. Once they transfer, they will be starting as a third-year student!<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;19px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>A &#8220;Taste&#8221; of College<\/h2>\n<p>Even though most Early College Program classes will take place on-campus, they will be mostly taught by Cerritos College faculty. As such, students will be responsible for their coursework and assignments, as they would in a college setting. Students are expected to initiate communication with their college instructors and must learn time management to balance school and personal life.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Program Requirements<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>8th Grade GPA of 3.0 or higher desired<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Complete the Early College application<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Interview Process by high school staff<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>4-year student commitment<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2021\/07\/DSC_8410_web.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;graduates&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Graduates&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_id=&#8221;apps&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFC917&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||2px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>How to Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2025\/10\/complete-and-submit.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;complete and submit&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;50%&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1rem|1rem|1rem|1rem|false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">1. Complete and submit an application<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeM2bVxqSyv-LEJ9AodmRy8-7wzis92oFC0TqUTjzvnpzooCw\/viewform\">Submit applications<\/a> before the deadline. There will be sections for both students and parents to fill out. Application window: <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"> March 4-22, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2025\/10\/meeting.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;info meeting&#8221; title_text=&#8221;meeting&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;50%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1rem|1rem|1rem|1rem|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">2. Attend Parent Info Night<\/h3>\n<p>Applying parents and students are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and tour the campus. This event is usually scheduled at the beginning of the application window.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2025\/10\/interview.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;interview&#8221; title_text=&#8221;interview&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;50%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1rem|1rem|1rem|1rem|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">3. Interviews<\/h3>\n<p>Interviews are not always necessary. <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">If an interview is required students will be notified by April 17th.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2025\/10\/notification.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;notification&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;50%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1rem|1rem|1rem|1rem|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">4. Attend Parent Night<\/h3>\n<p>Candidates chosen will be notified by mid-April. <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">A parent meeting for new Early College students at Early College Welcome Night on Tuesday, April 21st.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeM2bVxqSyv-LEJ9AodmRy8-7wzis92oFC0TqUTjzvnpzooCw\/viewform&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Application for DHS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>News &amp; Announcements<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; posts_number=&#8221;3&#8243; include_categories=&#8221;214&#8243; excerpt_length=&#8221;150&#8243; show_author=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_text_color=&#8221;#333333&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_id=&#8221;faq&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#e2e2e2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;0.4px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Can anybody enroll in the program?&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The Early College Program has limited capacity and therefore is application-based. Students who fulfill the following requirements are encouraged to apply:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Be an incoming 9th grader<\/li>\n<li>Have an 8th Grade GPA of 3.0 or higher<\/li>\n<li>Have completed the Early College application by the deadline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>Applications will be screened and a pool of candidates will be selected for a short interview. Students accepted into the program <\/span><strong>must attend a mandatory meeting<\/strong><span> and commit to the 4-year program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;What is the difference between the Early College Program and Dual Enrollment?&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"auto\">EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"auto\">Application-based<\/li>\n<li dir=\"auto\"><strong>ONLY<\/strong> incoming 9th graders are eligible<\/li>\n<li dir=\"auto\">Requires a 4-year commitment<\/li>\n<li dir=\"auto\">Graduate HS with 46.5 CSU \/ UC-approved credits<\/li>\n<li dir=\"auto\">Only offered at Downey and Warren High Schools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5 dir=\"auto\">DUAL ENROLLMENT<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"auto\">Available to <strong>ALL<\/strong> grade levels<\/li>\n<li dir=\"auto\">Commit to one semester at a time<\/li>\n<li dir=\"auto\">More self-paced, a la carte offerings<\/li>\n<li dir=\"auto\">Depending on the classes available may be offered to Columbus, Downey, and Warren High School students<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>See the Program Comparison table below for additional details.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;What is the difference between the Early College Program and AP Courses?&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span>Advanced Placement (AP) courses are high school courses taught by Downey Unified high school teachers that tackle the college-level curriculum provided by\u00a0<\/span><i>College Board<\/i><span>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In the spring, students have the option to take the AP Exam designated for that specific AP course (at a cost to the family). AP course offerings vary per grade level and per high school. Some universities provide college credit if the student earns a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam. Issuance of college credit for a passed AP Exam is at the discretion of the university.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>See the Program Comparison table below for additional details.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Who teaches the Early College Program?&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Most classes will be taught by Cerritos College faculty.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Where will the college classes take place?&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Most college classes will be offered on-campus.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Can my child still participate in sports while being part of the Early College Program?&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>We highly recommend that students interested in an athletic program and the Early College Program reach out to their high school\u2019s Assistant Principal. Each school is making its best effort to minimize schedule conflicts to encourage participation.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Which periods will be designated for the Cerritos College classes?&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>At Downey High School:<\/h5>\n<p>Cerritos College classes will be 0 and 1st period; Downey High School classes will be\u00a0 2nd \u2013 6th period<\/p>\n<h5>At Warren High School:<\/h5>\n<p>Cerritos College classes will be 1st and 2nd period; Warren High School classes will be\u00a0 3rd \u2013 8th period<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Can my student take Advanced Placement (AP) courses while participating in Early College?&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#9C1F2E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span>Yes. However, it is important to have a conversation that includes parents, students, and the academic counselor to develop an appropriate academic plan that considers the impact of possible stressors for each student. School-life balance is optimal and we are here to find the best fit for each student and family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#333333&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;40px||40px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Program Comparison<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;\">\n<td style=\"width: 27%; height: 24px;\">EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 27%; height: 24px;\">DUAL ENROLLMENT<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 46%; height: 24px;\">ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"vertical-align: top;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Application-based<\/li>\n<li>ONLY incoming 9th graders are eligible<\/li>\n<li>Requires a 4-year commitment<\/li>\n<li>Graduate HS with 46.5 CSU \/ UC-approved credits<\/li>\n<li>Only offered at Downey and Warren High Schools<\/li>\n<li>No cost to the family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"vertical-align: top;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Available to ALL grade levels<\/li>\n<li>Commit to one semester at a time<\/li>\n<li>More self-paced, a la carte offerings<\/li>\n<li>Graduate HS with some college credits- CSU and\/or UC-approved credits<\/li>\n<li>Depending on the classes available may be offered to Columbus, Downey, and Warren High School students<\/li>\n<li>No cost to the family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"vertical-align: top;\">\n<ul>\n<li>AP Course offerings vary per grade level &amp; school site<\/li>\n<li>Offered at Downey &amp; Warren High Schools<\/li>\n<li>Year-long courses taught by Downey Unified high school teachers<\/li>\n<li>Implements college-level curriculum provided by College Board<\/li>\n<li>At a cost to the family, an optional AP Exam specific to the AP course is offered in the spring<\/li>\n<li>Can receive college credit if the student earns a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the designated AP Exam<\/li>\n<li>Issuance of college credit for a passed AP Exam is at the discretion of the university<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Early College Program Downey Unified&#8217;s Early College Program is designed for students who want to get a head start in college. Students have the opportunity to take Cerritos College classes at their high school and complete approximately 46.5 units transferable to a CSU and\/or UC while earning their high school diploma simultaneously. Participating students get [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-17994","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title>Early College | Downey High School<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Downey Unified\u2019s Early College Program is designed for students who want to get a head start in college in partnership with Cerritos College.\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/downey\/early-college\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta 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