Early College

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP offers high school students worldwide the opportunity to take college-level courses while attending secondary school. AP courses are invariably more rigorous than other high school offerings. To participate in an AP class is to enter a world of intense discussion and thought. Students are given the intellectual responsibility to think critically, rationally and analytically to gain a more profound understand of course content. Such intellectual training inevitably helps students succeed in college where these skills are essential. In fact, a recent United States Department of Education study shows that participation in AP and other challenging high school courses is one of the strongest predictors of college success.

Administrative Rules

R277-701: Early College Programs

Utah State Board of Education Administrative Rules

Student Resources

CollegeBoard

AP Central: Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day

A not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 4,500 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, The College Board serves over three million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program. The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

AP Students: AP Courses and Exams

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Accommodations on College Board Exams

Teacher and Counselor Resources

CollegeBoard

AP Central: Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day

The official online home for anyone interested in or involved with the Pre-AP or AP programs. General information about the AP program is also available from this website. You will need to register to access the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on AP courses and exams, as well as unique resources and tools.

AP Central: AP Course and Exam Pages

There is a lot more to an AP exam than meets the eye. In this section we provide a glimpse behind the scenes of the two-year development process of one of the largest exam administrations in the world.

AP Central: Exam Dates and Fees

The AP coordinator notifies AP students of where and exactly when the exams they are taking will be given. Exam proctors should allow about an hour for various pre- and post-administration activities and from two to three hours for each AP exam.

Test Ordering Services

Concurrent Enrollment (CE)

The purpose of Concurrent Enrollment is to provide a challenging college-level experience for students in their last two years of high school. Course offerings in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Fine Arts, Humanities, World Languages, Career and Technical programs, and Education have been implemented in high schools throughout the state. Last year, more than 27,000 high school juniors and seniors in our state earned over 188,000 college level credit hours.

To register for concurrent enrollment courses, students must meet with a high school counselor. Registration for concurrent enrollment is a two-part process. First, students need parental permission to register for a CE course. That documentation must be provided to their high school. Secondly, students will be required to complete an application for the institution of higher learning that is offering the course. There may be a one-time application fee charged by the institution. This fee will not have to be paid a second time should a student choose to attend this institution as a higher education student after graduation.

Students who need additional assistance with the CE application process should speak to their high school counselor or CE course instructor.

Annual Reports

Concurrent Enrollment Data
Utah System of Higher Education

Handbook

Revised Utah Concurrent Enrollment Handbook
Utah System of Higher Education

Master List

Concurrent Enrollment Master List
Utah System of Higher Education

Resources

Concurrent Enrollment Geographic Service Areas

Fiscal Year 2021 Concurrent Enrollment (CE) Quantitative Literacy (QL) Math Advisement Document For Counselors and Teachers

Transfer Credit: Common Questions

Rules and Codes

R765-165: Concurrent Enrollment
Utah Office of Administrative Rules

R277-701: Early College Programs
Utah State Board of Education Administrative Rules

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate consists of four programmes that encompass ages 3-19:

• Primary Years Programme (Ages 3-12)
• Middle Years Programme (Ages 12-16)
• Diploma Programme (Ages 16-19)
• Career-related Programme (Ages 16-19)

All four programmes require study in a broad range of subjects including content in cultural education. Special emphasis in language acquisition and language development, the development in the skills of learning, opportunities for individual and collaborative planning as well as a community service component requiring action and reflection, complement the course of study in the IB programmes.

If you have questions, please contact Christy Schreck at (801) 538-7935 or via e-mail at christy.schreck@schools.utah.gov.

Primary Years Programme | Middle Years Programme | Diploma Programme | Career-related Programme
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)

Utah Students Share Their Experiences in the IB Program

• High School Students - I am IB (YouTube)
• Previous IB Student now at U of U (YouTube)
• West High Student now at U of U (YouTube)
• Former IB Student now at U of U (YouTube)

Early College High School (ECHS)

Early College High School provide rigorous, supportive learning environments that blend high school and the first two years of college. They incorporate effective instruction and structural practices common to many small schools. The unique mission of the ECHS is to raise the high school graduation and postsecondary success rates of underserved youth.

Utah has six ECHS operating in partnership with seven of the state's higher education colleges and universities. These public charter high schools combine traditional high school classes, Concurrent Enrollment classes, and Early College on-campus classes to accelerate their student's progress. A large percentage of ECHS students graduate from high school with an associates degree. The high school pays the participating student's college tuition as part of their public education.

Students are selected by a lottery system. Students enter the schools in grades 9, 10, or 11, depending on the school. Students must meet the requirements for Concurrent Enrollment and Early College classes established by the colleges and universities. To be successful in ECHS, students must be focused, willing to devote their time to academic pursuits, and have a strong work ethic.

The program allows ECHS students to move into the college experience gradually over two or three years. Throughout their school experience, there are academic and social supports available that help students succeed. The small size of ECHS and the opportunity for students to participate in a collaborative learning environment becomes a powerful motivator for students. If you are interested in an ECHS experience, contact any one of the ECHS.

Resources

Academy for Math, Engineering and Science (AMES)

Intech Collegiate High School

Itineris Early College High School

Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering and Science (NUAMES)

Success Academy

Utah County Academy of Sciences (UCAS)

Resources

The goal of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is for all students to graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life, to pursue the future of their choosing. Ninety-five percent of new jobs created since the Great Recession require a college education, yet only half of Utah’s population has a college degree or high-quality certificate. Most students will need to earn a postsecondary credential...to achieve a family-sustaining wage in today’s economy.

College and Career Pathways Infographics

These infographics are designed for students and parents to create awareness of college and career options throughout the state of Utah. Be sure to talk with teachers and school counselors about these options.

Other Resources

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

USBE

• Provides all students access to high-quality, rigorous career-focused programs that result in attainment of credentials with labor market value.

Utah College Guide

• An excellent resource in preparing students for college and covers many important aspects:
  • Preparing for college while still in high school – what you need to know about earning college credit in high school, taking the right classes and a grade-by-grade checklist
  • Paying for college – what you need to know about scholarships, student loans, grants and work study options, and submitting Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) paperwork
  • Choosing the right college – what college is right for you, Utah college information and college facts at a glance

Utah System of Higher Education (USHE)

• Provides information on the majors and degrees offered at each public college and university in Utah, including how to prepare to be admitted to a field of study, who to contact for specific questions, and what classes are required to complete a degree. Please note that most four-year universities encourage students to spend their first two years taking general education courses; concentration on major courses typically occurs in the junior and senior years. Therefore, you may pursue almost any career path or discipline of study that requires a four-year degree by beginning at either a two-year community college or a four-year university.

Courses

Concurrent Enrollment

College and Career Readiness Course Standards

PRIME / First Credential Program

The PRIME grant program offers support to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with limited Concurrent Enrollment, Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes and Youth Apprenticeship offerings. Utah’s First Credential program was created through HB260 (GS 2025) and builds on the success of Utah’s PRIME program pilot, transforming a pilot opportunity into a sustainable, statewide system. This is a statewide effort to ensure every student has the opportunity to graduate with a highly valued high school diploma and a credential of recognized value. To explore the First Credential Master Plan and learn how the framework connects K-12, higher education, and industry, please visit: https://www.schools.utah.gov/cte/firstcredentialprogram

PRIME Grant Funding Program

An LEA can be awarded grant funding to increase availability and promote advanced coursework for all students. Funding would be used to establish CTE pathways, Concurrent Enrollment and Apprenticeship offerings, which can include recruiting students into the programs (both in person and for distance learning programs).

PRIME Application Process

Each spring, USBE sends out emails to the Early College Coordinators, CTE Coordinators, and Curriculum Directors regarding the new year of PRIME grant funding. PRIME applications are due in the spring of each year.

PRIME Scholarships

There are 2 levels of certificate in the Utah PRIME, the Launch and Transform levels. The Launch and Transform levels offer students options in Concurrent Enrollment, CTE courses and Apprenticeship courses. Students who earn the TRANSFORM certificate are eligible for a  Utah Systems of Higher Education (USHE) scholarship. For more details, see the USHE Prime Program Scholarship homepage: https://ushe.edu/prime-program-grant/

For more information contact: 

Christy.Schreck@schools.utah.gov ( Concurrent Enrollment )

Jonathan.Frey@schools.utah.gov ( Career Technical Education)

Breckon.Heyward@schools.utah.gov (Apprenticeship)

Scholarships@ushe.edu (Prime Scholarship)