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UW in the High School

The UWHS Model

The University of Washington’s College in the High School program, called UW in the High School, allows students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to earn college credit while staying on their high school campus.

To be considered a college-level course, a UWHS class:

  • Is taught by a high school teacher who has met certain educational requirements and has been trained by the college faculty
  • May use the same syllabus and textbook that is used on the college campus
  • Includes the same learning goals and uses the same ways of learning as the college course
  • May use the same quizzes, texts, essays, etc. as the college course

About Dual Credit Programs

UWHS is considered a dual credit program because students can earn high school and college credit at the same time. There are other dual credit options available in Washington, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Running Start.

How is UWHS Different from Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate?

UW courses offered through UW in the High School are actual credit-bearing college courses, meaning you can earn college credit by successfully completing the course.

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are college-level courses that prepare students to take the corresponding exams, and your exam score(s) may allow you to earn college credit at the college or university you attend. 

With UWHS, your grade is based on the work you do throughout the course, not just one high-stakes exam at the end. More than 90% of students who take a course through UWHS successfully earn UW credit.

How is UWHS Different from Running Start?

Courses offered through Running Start meet on a college campus. But when you register for UW in the High School, you'll take your UW courses at your own high school.

For students, a major benefit of UWHS is the convenience — you can take college courses at your school, alongside your friends, taught by teachers you know. There’s no need to worry about transportation to a college campus or juggling your high school schedule with a college schedule.

Which Program is Right For You?

High school is an exciting time, and there are many ways students can succeed.

As you’re thinking about whether UWHS is the right option for you, we recommend the following resources to learn more:

  • Family and friends
  • Your high school counselor, teachers and other school staff
  • Your high school’s website and/or course catalog
  • The State Board of Education’s Graduation Requirements page
  • The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) Graduation Pathways page
  • OSPI's Dual Credit Programs page
  • The Washington Student Achievement Council’s Dual Credit page