Dual Enrollment & Early College
Chavez Collegiate High School (CCHS) is committed to providing students with rigorous academic opportunities that prepare them for success in college, career, and life. One of the school's most impactful initiatives is its Early College Program, which allows students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously through partnerships with local colleges and universities. Through both academic and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, students gain valuable college experience, reduce future educational costs, and accelerate progress toward certificates, degrees, and industry-recognized credentials. The program supports CCHS's mission of ensuring every student is college and career ready while helping close achievement gaps and expand opportunities for all learners.
The leadership team, instructional staff, support personnel, and community stakeholders at Chavez Collegiate High School have worked diligently to create a culture of academic excellence and postsecondary readiness. The Dual Enrollment Program provides students with access to college-level coursework while still in high school, allowing them to build confidence, develop essential academic skills, and make meaningful progress toward their future educational and career goals.
In addition to traditional dual enrollment courses, students may participate in selected Career Technical Education courses that offer college credit and lead to industry-recognized certifications or support the completion of certificate pathways through Bakersfield College and Cerro Coso Community College. These opportunities help students explore career interests while gaining valuable credentials that prepare them for both the workforce and higher education.
The Dual Enrollment Program reflects CCHS's commitment to the vision of "Achieving Academic Excellence – A Student at a Time." By providing all students with access to college coursework and career pathways, the program promotes educational equity and expands opportunities for success beyond high school.
Program History
In 2014, the Delano Joint Union High School District, in collaboration with the leadership team at Chavez Collegiate High School, recognized the need to strengthen college and career readiness opportunities for students. As a result, the school implemented a College and Career Readiness course utilizing the Career Choices curriculum, designed to help incoming freshmen begin planning for their futures through intentional academic and career exploration.
In 2015, CCHS partnered with Bakersfield College to align its College and Career Readiness course with Bakersfield College's Student Development course. This partnership marked the beginning of the school's Dual Enrollment Program and gave students the opportunity to earn college credit while remaining on the CCHS campus.
Since then, the program has expanded significantly, creating seamless pathways for students to transition from high school to college. Through dual enrollment, students not only challenge themselves with college-level coursework but also save time and money by earning credits that can count toward certificates, associate degrees, and transfer requirements before graduating from high school.
Program Implementation and Student Support
Student interest surveys are distributed and reviewed by counselors to identify career and academic pathways aligned with individual goals. These surveys help guide course selection and ensure students have access to opportunities that support their postsecondary aspirations.
Once students successfully complete foundational college-readiness coursework, they can continue into additional dual enrollment courses because they are already connected to the college system and familiar with college expectations.
Student success is closely monitored by counselors, dual enrollment instructors, site administrators, and CTE leadership. A comprehensive support system is in place to ensure students remain successful in their courses. Academic interventions include after-school tutoring, individualized guidance, progress monitoring, and frequent communication with families.
Students facing academic challenges receive additional support and may explore alternative options when appropriate within established college enrollment timelines. Families also play an important role in student success through access to real-time academic information using the Aeries Parent Portal.
Results and Outcomes
The Delano Joint Union High School District regularly analyzes program and student data to ensure that the needs of all students—including English learners, foster youth, and students with disabilities—are being met. The Dual Enrollment Program continues to demonstrate a positive impact on student achievement and college readiness.
Through partnerships with institutions such as Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso Community College, and California State University, Bakersfield, CCHS has expanded access to college coursework and increased opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school.
Participation in dual enrollment has helped students develop confidence in their ability to succeed in college-level courses. Many students continue taking additional college classes beyond the traditional school day, demonstrating increased readiness and motivation to pursue postsecondary education.
The program has also contributed to improvements in A-G completion rates and overall college readiness. Students have opportunities to complete courses that satisfy both high school graduation requirements and college transfer requirements, creating more efficient pathways to higher education.
Examples of dual enrollment courses available to students include:
- College and Career Readiness
- Expository Composition
- Elementary Spanish
- United States History
- Foundations of Health Science
- Music Appreciation
- Introduction to GMAW and FCAW Welding
- Additional academic and Career Technical Education pathway courses
Students are also completing Career Technical Education pathways at increasing rates. Many of these courses are articulated or offered through dual enrollment partnerships, providing students with valuable college credit and industry-relevant skills before graduation.
Importantly, the rigor of dual enrollment has not negatively impacted graduation rates. Instead, CCHS students continue to rise to the challenge, supported by a strong college-going culture and comprehensive academic support systems.
Today, many students graduate from Chavez Collegiate High School having earned substantial college credit, industry certifications, and, in some cases, associate degrees through partner institutions. CCHS remains committed to expanding opportunities that prepare students for success in postsecondary education, career training, military service, and the workforce.
As a school recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and student achievement, Chavez Collegiate High School will continue building upon its successful Dual Enrollment Program to ensure that every student has access to meaningful opportunities that support lifelong success.