Early College Program
A partnership with Cerritos College
Downey Unified’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 “taste” of college while still enjoying their high school journey, and are better prepared for post-secondary options.
Student Benefits
- Free tuition and books
- Save time when a student attends college
- Opportunity to complete an AA degree while in high school (additional classes will be required)
- Access to several Cerritos College services
- Save money
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.
College Freshman
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.
Transfer Student
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!
A “Taste” of College
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.
Program Requirements
- 8th Grade GPA of 3.0 or higher desired
- Complete the Early College application
- Interview Process by high school staff
- 4-year student commitment
Application Process
The application window is now closed. The next window will open in January 2025. Follow your respective high school on social media for updates or see Downey High’s website or Warren High’s website for more information.
1. Complete and submit an application
Applications must be submitted before the school’s deadline. There will be sections for both students and parents to fill out.
2. Attend Future Freshman Night
Applying parents and students are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and tour the campus.
3. Interviews
Applications will be screened and a pool of candidates will be selected for a short interview.
4. Notification
Students will be notified about program acceptance before May. A mandatory Parent night and 4-year commitment are required once accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anybody enroll in the program?
The Early College Program has limited capacity and therefore is application-based. Students who fulfill the following requirements are encouraged to apply:
- Be an incoming 9th grader
- Have an 8th Grade GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Have completed the Early College application by the deadline
Applications will be screened and a pool of candidates will be selected for a short interview. Students accepted into the program must attend a mandatory meeting and commit to the 4-year program.
What is the difference between the Early College Program and Dual Enrollment?
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
DUAL ENROLLMENT
- Available to ALL grade levels
- Commit to one semester at a time
- More self-paced, a la carte offerings
- Depending on the classes available may be offered to Columbus, Downey, and Warren High School students
See the Program Comparison table below for additional details.
What is the difference between the Early College Program 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. 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.
See the Program Comparison table below for additional details.
Who teaches the Early College Program?
Most classes will be taught by Cerritos College faculty.
Where will the college classes take place?
Most college classes will be offered on-campus.
Can my child still participate in sports while being part of the Early College Program?
We highly recommend that students interested in an athletic program and the Early College Program reach out to their high school’s Assistant Principal. Each school is making its best effort to minimize schedule conflicts to encourage participation.
Which periods will be designated for the Cerritos College classes?
At Downey High School:
Cerritos College classes will be 0 and 1st period; Downey High School classes will be 2nd – 6th period
At Warren High School:
Cerritos College classes will be 1st and 2nd period; Warren High School classes will be 3rd – 8th period
Can my student take Advanced Placement (AP) courses while participating in Early College?
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) |
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- 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
- 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