San Leandro

Unified School District

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SAN LEANDRO USD

2600 Teagarden St.
San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-667-3500
Fax: 510-667-6234
Email: communications@slusd.us

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Dual Enrollment

Early College Credit

The term Early College Credit refers to earning college/university units while a student is in high school. There are various learning models that allow students to earn such credit. It is an umbrella term that encompasses early college and university opportunities that benefit students and meet their educational needs.

San Leandro Unified School District (SLUSD) students can earn Early College Credit through the following models:

  • Through Dual Enrollment courses at the high schools during the school day and after school
  • Through the passing scores of AP or IB assessments (passing range between 3 to 4) 
  • Through selected articulated courses at the high schools during the school day
  • Through Independent / Individual Dual Enrollment courses through the colleges/universities

Dual Enrollment Benefits

Dual Enrollment is part of Early College Credit and is a way for students to earn college/university units while in high school. This means that SLUSD students may earn high school credit and meet graduation requirements while also earning college units that can be applied towards a college or university degree. Students benefit from Dual Enrollment, as it is associated with higher high school retention and completion rates, as well as improved attendance among student participants. It has also been linked to higher college enrollment after high school and to overall academic achievement. 

Dual Enrollment is a notable way to expand educational opportunities for students, improve their economic mobility after post-secondary education, and meet California’s workforce needs. Across California, dual enrollment has been steadily increasing, as both high schools and colleges view this opportunity as a potential means for students to access college and career pathways. To read more about the intent of Dual Enrollment, click on the Dual Enrollment – Overview (PDF). 

To learn more about SLUSD college and career pathways, go to the SLUSD College & Career Pathway Webpage.

Dual Enrollment in SLUSD

In SLUSD, there are two forms of dual enrollment. One is Dual Enrollment, and the other is Independent / Individual Dual Enrollment. Dual Enrollment courses are coordinated by SLUSD, while Independent / Individual Dual Enrollment is arranged independently by the student and requires pre-approval from the school to take college courses. Below are other differences between the two.

Dual Enrollment Independent / Individual Dual Enrollment
  1. Students may take no more than 15 college units per term
  2. Courses are coordinated by the SLUSD or high school and the college or university.
  3. Courses, materials, and books are free of charge.
  4. Courses are offered on an SLUSD campus, and only SLUSD students may take these classes. 
  5. Courses can be taught by college/university faculty or TK-12 teachers if they meet the minimum qualifications and obtain clearance from the college/university. 
  6. Students do not need pre-approval to enroll in a course. 
  7. College course units can be applied towards high school credit and high school graduation requirements.
  1. Students may take no more than 11 college units per term.
  2. Courses are not coordinated by SLUSD as they are arranged independently by the student. 
  3. The college or university may waive the course cost, but this is not guaranteed, and students may be charged for materials and books.
  4. Courses are typically offered on a college/university campus, outside of the school day, and members of the public can take them.
  5. Courses are taught exclusively by college/university faculty.
  6. Students must obtain pre-approval from their SLUSD counselor to enroll in a course. 
  7. College course units can be applied towards high school credit and high school graduation requirements, but with the school’s pre-approval. 

How To Enroll in Dual Enrollment

Students may speak with their counselors to learn more about Dual Enrollment at their high school, including the courses that are coordinated by SLUSD and offered on their school campus.