Dual Enrollment

Earn college credit while in high school

Downey Unified’s Dual Enrollment Program is designed for students who want to earn college credits before graduation. Each semester, students from all grade levels can enroll in this program. Students can choose from the available courses that will count towards their high school diploma while allowing students to get a head start on their higher education goals. These classes are free and most transferable to the UCs and CSUs, saving you time and money in college!

Program Requirements

  • Minimum GPA of 2.6 (3.0 preferred)
  • Must have great attendance
  • Must be prepared for college-level workload

    Student Benefits

    • Save time and money when a student attends college
    • Opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in a shorter time
    • Students more likely to graduate and attend aa four-year college

    By earning college credits in high school, students could save two years’ 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are there limits to how many classes I want to take in a semester?

    Yes. Students may only enroll in 11 units for the Fall and Spring semesters and 7 units for the summer. The amount of units varies by class, therefore the specific number of classes students can take vary. 

    Is dual enrollment free?

    If you take a course we offer on one of our campuses, Cerritos waives tuition and fees, and Downey Unified covers the cost of books and any additional fees.

    What is the difference between the Dual Enrollment and AP Courses?

    Advanced Placement (AP) courses are high school courses taught by Downey Unified high school teachers that tackle the college-level curriculum provided by College Board.

    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. 

    Unlike dual enrollment classes where students earn credit based on their completion of the course, students who participate in AP classes must earns a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam to determine if they receive college credit. Issuance of college credit for a passed AP Exam is at the discretion of the university.

    See the Program Comparison table below for additional details.

    What if I want to take a class not offered on my high school campus?

    We ask that you fill out a Community College Course Approval Form, even if you take a course at Cerritos College. We would like to make sure your counselor is aware of any courses you take that may modify your 4-year plan.

    Can my child still participate in sports while being part of the Dual Enrollment?

    We highly recommend that students interested in an athletic program and the Dual Enrollment reach out to their high school’s Assistant Principal. Each school is making its best effort to minimize schedule conflicts to encourage participation.

    Can my student take Advanced Placement (AP) courses while participating in Dual Enrollment?

    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.

    Program Comparison

    EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM DUAL ENROLLMENT ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
    • Application-based
    • ONLY incoming 9th graders are eligible
    • Requires a 4-year commitment
    • Graduate HS with 46.5 CSU / UC-approved credits
    • Only offered at Downey and Warren High Schools
    • No cost to the family
    • Courses are taught by Cerritos professors
    • Increases GPA
    • Available to ALL grade levels
    • Commit to one semester at a time
    • More self-paced, a la carte offerings
    • Graduate HS with some college credits- CSU and/or UC-approved credits
    • Depending on the classes available may be offered to Columbus, Downey, and Warren High School students
    • No cost to the family
    • Courses are taught by Cerritos professors
    • Increases GPA
    • AP Course offerings vary per grade level & school site
    • Offered at Downey and Warren High Schools
    • Year-long courses taught by Downey Unified high school teachers
    • Implements college-level curriculum provided by College Board
    • At a cost to the family, an optional AP Exam specific to the AP course is offered in the spring
    • Can receive college credit if the student earns a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the designated AP Exam
    • Issuance of college credit for a passed AP Exam is at the discretion of the university
    • Increases GPA

    EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM

    • Application-based
    • ONLY incoming 9th graders are eligible
    • Requires a 4-year commitment
    • Graduate HS with 46.5 CSU / UC-approved credits
    • Only offered at Downey and Warren High Schools
    • No cost to the family

    DUAL ENROLLMENT

    • Available to ALL grade levels
    • Commit to one semester at a time
    • More self-paced, a la carte offerings
    • Graduate HS with some college credits- CSU and/or UC-approved credits
    • Depending on the classes available may be offered to Columbus, Downey, and Warren High School students
    • No cost to the family

    ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

    • AP Course offerings vary per grade level & school site
    • Offered at Downey & Warren High Schools
    • Year-long courses taught by Downey Unified high school teachers
    • Implements college-level curriculum provided by College Board
    • At a cost to the family, an optional AP Exam specific to the AP course is offered in the spring
    • Can receive college credit if the student earns a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the designated AP Exam
    • Issuance of college credit for a passed AP Exam is at the discretion of the university

    Ready to Join the Downey Unified Family?

    Enroll Today