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Dual-enrollment courses at Pacific Grove High linked with higher four‑year college matriculation for Class of 2025
Summary
Teachers and counselors told the board that Pacific Grove High’s dual-enrollment program has expanded and that the class of 2025 posted stronger college application and commitment results, with staff and parents citing CCAP partnerships with Monterey Peninsula College and increased course offerings as drivers.
Pacific Grove High School’s growing dual‑enrollment program — where students earn high‑school and community‑college credit simultaneously — coincided with stronger 4‑year college outcomes for the Class of 2025, school staff told the board at its Aug. 7 meeting.
The high school’s English, psychology, engineering, computer-science and culinary pathways now include College and Career Access Pathway (CCAP) courses taught on the high‑school campus by Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) faculty or by district teachers using MPC course agreements, presenters said. "These dual‑enrollment courses allow high‑school students to earn both high‑school credit and college credit at the same time," said Jessica Grogan, who teaches the English dual‑enrollment course.
Why it matters: District leaders and counselors said dual enrollment gives students transferable college credits, can boost grade‑point averages (similar to AP weighting) and often makes students more competitive in university admissions. Presenters said these benefits can shorten time and cost to degree while strengthening students’ college applications.
What the board heard: Staff said the program has grown rapidly since culinary courses began in 2017. For the senior cohort of 2025, presenters reported roughly 110 students participated in dual‑enrollment offerings; of applicants to four‑year colleges, 96 of 97 were accepted and 81 students committed to a four‑year college — a 19‑percentage‑point increase in commitments from 2024, presenters said. “110 students, 78% took an average of 3 dual enrollment courses,” the presentation recorded. Staff also highlighted that some dual‑enrollment credits map directly to transfer‑level general‑education (CalGETC) requirements, reducing time on campus after high school.
Parent and student comments: A parent who identified herself as Casey said her daughter had completed 27 MPC units across on‑campus and PGHS dual‑enrollment sections before senior year and described the program as largely beneficial while noting technology and MPC help‑desk access as areas for improvement.
Program operations and access: Grogan and Kent Latham, the high school’s college‑and‑career coordinator, outlined that CCAP courses meet on the PGHS campus, removing transportation barriers for many students. Counselors screen and sign off on student participation; staff said students cannot be enrolled in college courses at the district’s expense without counselor approval and required MPC paperwork. Presenters also explained that dual enrollment is offered alongside AP and traditional college‑transfer pathways; students may take AP exams in addition to dual‑enrollment classes.
Discussion vs. action: the item was informational; there was no board vote. Board members said they want continued expansion of access and clearer communication to families about sign‑up steps, prerequisites and technical support.
Ending: Presenters asked the board to recognize dual enrollment as aligned to district goals for college and career readiness and to continue supporting partnerships with MPC to expand student pathways.
