College Before Graduation
BVSD works with local colleges and universities to support students in getting a head start on earning college credits and gaining industry certifications. Concurrent and dual enrollment refer to courses where students simultaneously earn college credits while completing high school requirements. Benefits of concurrent/dual enrollment include:
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Experiencing a gradual transition to college coursework while in a supportive high school environment
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Saving on college tuition costs
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Getting ahead on earning a college degree
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Earning college credit while completing high school graduation requirements
Our three college partners are Front Range Community College (FRCC), Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU), and CU Boulder.
The ASCENT and TREP Programs pay tuition, books and fees at MSU or FRCC for the first 1-2 years after students complete high school.
Priority Deadlines For Campus and District Select Courses
|
2023-24 |
At the College |
District Select |
High School Select |
| SUMMER | May 10 | May 10 | n/a |
|
FALL |
May 20 |
May 20 |
7 business days after the 1st day of class |
| SPRING | December 15 | December 15 | 7 business days after the 1st day of class |
For Campus and District Select courses, students may submit paperwork after priority deadlines if there is space available. The enrollment and approval process may take up to two weeks so please complete the steps below early. Students seeking accommodations need to contact the college Disability Support office 2-3 weeks prior to the start of class. District Select courses that have low enrollment by the Priority Deadline may be cancelled.
What do you want to do?
- Earn college credit in my high school
- Earn college credit with other BVSD students after school or during the summer (District Select)
- Earn college credit at the college campus
- Get one year of college paid for after high school - ASCENT
- Get two years of college paid for after high school - TREP - for future educators and school counselors
Earn college credit in my high school
This is the most convenient way to earn college credits. Opportunities vary with each high school. To find out what courses are offered, please visit the Grad+ website or talk with a counselor at the school. Register for the high school course as usual and then, to earn college credit, complete the following steps:
For FRCC (CE) courses:
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Only complete steps A, B, and C of the CBG Agreement. Give the completed form to your teacher.
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When your materials are complete, FRCC will register you for the course(s).
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IMPORTANT: The application and the CBG Agreement must be submitted within 7 business days of the semester start date in order for the student to be registered for college credit.
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If a student decides they no longer wish to receive college credit, they may drop or withdraw from receiving credit while remaining in the course. This, however, is not allowed when an instructor from FRCC (not BVSD teacher) is teaching the course. Please be aware of drop and withdrawal deadlines as listed on the course syllabus.
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Students who have applied to FRCC but do not wish to receive college credit for a particular course, must complete a waiver for that course and submit within 7 business days of the semester start date. Failure to do so may result in receiving college credit for the course.
For courses offered through MSU, CU Succeed and other institutions:
Please see your teacher for enrollment instructions. If you need financial assistance for tuition please talk to your teacher. For CU Succeed courses, please visit the CBG CU Succeed webpage.
Earn college credit with other BVSD students after school or during the summer (District Select)
NOTE: We will be updating this list with more details soon.
GT = Guaranteed Transfer
Remote Real-Time (During the scheduled course times, students will meet remotely in real-time via Zoom or WebEx. There are no scheduled in-person meetings, and the course will be completed 100% real-time remote.)
Once the CBG office has reviewed and approved your request, you will receive an email with the course CRN and instructions on how to register for classes. BVSD District Select course CRNs are not found in the FRCC Class Schedule to prevent non BVSD students from registering.
District Select Courses
Summer 2023
Written Communication
ENG 1021 English Composition I (GT-CO1) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD ELA Electives)
Online Asychronous - Tuesday May 30 - Monday August 7
Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. ENG 1021 and ENG 1022 are required for most 2 and 4 year degrees. INSTRUCTOR:
Are you ready for ENG 1021? Self-Guided Placement Form and Sample Assignment
Human Behavior, Culture, or Social Frameworks
PSY 1002 General Psychology II (GT-SS3) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives)
HYBRID: In person at Centaurus High School - Tuesday 9 -11 am / Additional hours completed online asynchronous - Tuesday May 30 - Monday August 7
Focuses on the scientific study of behavior including cognition, language, intelligence, psychological assessment, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy, life span development, sex, gender, sexuality, and social psychology. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. PSY 1001 is NOT a prerequisite for this course. INSTRUCTOR: Autumn Coppejans
ETH 2000 Intro to Ethnic Studies (GT-SS3) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives)
Remote Real Time: Wednesday 11 am - 1 pm / Additional hours completed online asynchronous - Tuesday May 30 - Monday July 24
Introduces students to the issues of race and ethnicity. Emphasizes ethnic relations in the United States as it pertains to four major groups: Americans of African, Asian, Latino and Native descent. Explores issues of racial and ethnic identity, racism and discrimination, stereotyping, prejudice, segregation, colonialism, integration and acculturation. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. INSTRUCTOR: Jordan Hill
Personal Finance
BUS 1016 Personal Finance - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives and Money Management graduation requirement)
Online Asychronous - Tuesday May 30 - Monday August 7
Surveys the basic personal finance needs of most individuals and introduces the personal finance tools useful in planning and instituting a successful personal financial philosophy. The course emphasizes the basics of budgeting, buying, saving, borrowing, career planning, investing, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and income taxes. INSTRUCTOR: Kelly Isom
Ways of Thinking, Arts and Humanities
PHI 2018 Environmental Ethics (GT-AH3) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives)
Remote Real Time: Tuesday 11 am - 1 pm / Additional hours completed online asynchronous - Tuesday May 30 - Monday July 24
Analyzes theories of the value of the natural world. Topics may include the relation between scientific and moral principles; theories of the moral worth of persons, animals, plants, and other natural objects; historical, religious, and cultural influences on conceptions of nature; alternative accounts of human relationships and responsibilities to nature; and the connection between moral and political values and economic policies. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-AH3 category. INSTRUCTOR: Jordan Hill
Fall 2023
Written Communication
ENG 1021 English Composition I (GT-CO1) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD ELA Electives)
Online Asychronous - Monday August 21 - Monday December 11
Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. ENG 1021 and ENG 1022 are required for most 2 and 4 year degrees. INSTRUCTOR:
Are you ready for ENG 1021? Self-Guided Placement Form and Sample Assignment
Human Behavior, Culture, or Social Frameworks
COM 1250 Interpersonal Communication (GT-SS3) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives and high school communications requirement)
Format, dates and times - TBD
Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social, and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. INSTRUCTOR:
History
HIS 2140 Civil War Era in American History (GT-HI3) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives)
New Vista High School - Mon/Wed 4:15-5:30 - Monday August 21 - Monday December 11
Explores the causes, course, and consequences of the American Civil War. Students will examine four broad themes: union and disunion; slavery, race, and emancipation; the experience of modern war for individuals and society; and the challenges of Reconstruction. This course focuses on developing, practicing, and strengthening skills historians use while constructing knowledge and studying a diverse set of narratives through perspectives such as gender, class, religion, and ethnicity. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-HI1 category.. INSTRUCTOR: Marco DeMartino
Personal Finance
BUS 1016 Personal Finance - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives and Money Management graduation requirement)
Online Asychronous - Monday August 21 - Monday December 11
Surveys the basic personal finance needs of most individuals and introduces the personal finance tools useful in planning and instituting a successful personal financial philosophy. The course emphasizes the basics of budgeting, buying, saving, borrowing, career planning, investing, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and income taxes. INSTRUCTOR: Kelly Isom
Mathematics
MAT 1240 Math for Liberal Arts (GT-MA1) - 4 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Math requirement)
Format, dates and times - TBD
Highlights connections between mathematics and the society in which we live and is intended for liberal arts majors (non STEM majors). Topics include set theory and logic, mathematical modeling, probability and statistical methods, and consumer mathematics. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. INSTRUCTOR:
Students should have completed Algebra I and Geometry with a C or higher.
World Language
ASL 1121 American Sign Language I - 5 credits
(Meets 10 credits of BVSD World Language; must take through Level II to meet BVSD graduation requirement)
In Person - Boulder High - Tues/Thurs 4:30-6:30 - Monday August 21 - Monday December 11
Exposes the student to American Sign Language. Readiness activities are conducted focusing on visual/receptive skills and basic communication. Utilizes the direct experience method. INSTRUCTOR:
Multimedia Graphic Design
MGD 1011 Adobe Photoshop I - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Practical Experience or general elective)
Online Asychronous - Monday August 21 - Monday December 11
Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. Course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop. INSTRUCTOR:
Skill in basic keyboarding and knowledge of an operating system strongly suggested.
Spring 2024
Written Communication
ENG 1021 English Composition I (GT-CO1) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD ELA Electives)
Online Asychronous - January to May
Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. ENG 1021 and ENG 1022 are required for most 2 and 4 year degrees. INSTRUCTOR:
Are you ready for ENG 1021? Self-Guided Placement Form and Sample Assignment
ENG 1022 English Composition II (GT-CO2) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD ELA Electives)
Online Asychronous - January to May
Expands and refines the objectives of English Composition I. Emphasizes critical/logical thinking and reading, problem definition, research strategies, and writing analytical, evaluative, and/or argumentative compositions. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO2 category. INSTRUCTOR:
Prerequisite: ENG 1021, ENG 1031 or English ACT score of 26 or higher
Human Behavior, Culture, or Social Frameworks
COM 2300 Intercultural Communication (GT-SS3) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives and high school communications requirement)
Format, dates and times - TBD
Provides a global view of communication across cultures and brings an awareness of how perception, language, race, verbal, and nonverbal communication impact our behaviors, messages, and interactions. Emphasis is on developing effective and ethical cross-cultural communication skills, while also building an appreciation for different cultures. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. INSTRUCTOR:
History
HIS 2610 History of Modern China (GT-HI3) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives)
New Vista High School - Mon/Wed 4:15-5:30 - January - May
Explores the political, ideological, economic, religious, social, and cultural developments of modern China from the Qing dynasty through the political and economic revolutions of the 20th century. This course focuses on developing, practicing, and strengthening skills historians use while constructing knowledge and studying a diverse set of narratives through perspectives such as gender, class, religion, and ethnicity. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-HI1 category. INSTRUCTOR: Marco DeMartino
Personal Finance
BUS 1016 Personal Finance - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Electives and Money Management graduation requirement)
Online Asychronous - January - May
Surveys the basic personal finance needs of most individuals and introduces the personal finance tools useful in planning and instituting a successful personal financial philosophy. The course emphasizes the basics of budgeting, buying, saving, borrowing, career planning, investing, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and income taxes. INSTRUCTOR: Kelly Isom
Mathematics
MAT 1260 Intro to Statistics (GT-MA1) - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Math requirement)
Format, dates and times - TBD
Introduces descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and statistical literacy. Topics include methods of data collection, presentation and summarization, introduction to probability concepts and distributions, and statistical inference of one and two populations. This course uses real world data to illustrate applications of a practical nature. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. INSTRUCTOR:
Students should have completed Algebra I and Geometry with a C or higher.
World Language
ASL 1122 American Sign Language II - 5 credits
(Meets 10 credits of BVSD World Language and the WL graduation requirement)
In Person - Boulder High - Tues/Thurs 4:30-6:30 - Monday August 21 - Monday December 11
Develops a basic syntactic knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL), basic vocabulary and basic conversational skills. Incorporates vital aspects of deaf culture and community. The direct experience method is used to enhance the learning process. INSTRUCTOR:
Prerequisite: ASL 1121 or ASL Placement Test
Multimedia Graphic Design
MGD 1012 Adobe Illustrator I - 3 credits
(Meets 5 credits of BVSD Practical Experience or general elective)
Online Asychronous - Monday August 21 - Monday December 11
Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Illustrator as an illustration, design and vector drawing tool. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media, and digital screen design. Course competencies and outline follow those set by the Adobe certified Associate exam in Visual Communication using Adobe Illustrator. INSTRUCTOR:
Skill in basic keyboarding and knowledge of an operating system strongly suggested.
Earn college credit at the college campus
BVSD will pay the equivalent of the current community college tuition rate at FRCC, MSU and CU Boulder. This amount will cover full tuition at FRCC and MSU (contracted rate). Students taking courses at CU Boulder will pay what BVSD and COF does not cover. Tuition at other colleges and universities are the full responsibility of the student and formal request in not needed.
- To see what courses are available, please visit the college webpage (listed in the left side panel). Discuss your choices with your high school counselor or designee. You are responsible for transportation to and from your classes. Remember to leave time in your schedule for travel and parking.
- Apply to your school of choice:
Front Range Community College (FRCC)
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU)
University of Colorado Boulder
- Complete the appropriate CBG Google Request form. This must be done each semester for every class you are requesting. Without this, BVSD will not be able to pay your tuition. If you’re unsure yet of the exact course, please request your best guess.
- Read carefully and complete sections A, B and C of the CBG Agreement form. Here is the form in Spanish. Submit the form to your counselor or school Grad+ site lead for approval. They will forward the form to the BVSD College Before Graduation office.
- Once the folks at the CBG office review and approve your request, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for classes. Once you have registered for classes, please let your counselor know.
- Show up for class!
With all college classes, if you are struggling or falling behind, communicate with your college instructor. You have access to all of the support resources available through the college. Students with any type of disability are encouraged to reach out to the Disability Support office at the college prior to the start of class. IEP and 504 plans must be reviewed by the college before accommodations can be made.
Get one year of college paid for after high school - ASCENT
Students completing a minimum of 9 college credits by the end of their senior year, may be eligible for the ASCENT program. This includes one year tuition, books and fees paid for at either FRCC or MSU.
Deadline to apply is May 1 of your senior year.
For details and the application, please visit the CBG ASCENT webpage.
Get two years of college paid for after high school - TREP - for future educators and school counselors
Are you interested in a career in teaching or school counseling? TREP is the program for you! Get two years of paid tuition, books and fees at either FRCC or MSU.
To learn how to qualify and to apply, visit the CBG TREP webpage.
Deadline to apply is March 30 of your senior year.
Concurrent Enrollment
What is it?
| FRCC | CU Boulder | MSU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of 3 credits after COF | $469 | $1341 | $469* |
| Cost after BVSD tuition credit applied | $0 | $872 | $0 |
If you take a class through CU, you will be responsible for paying the difference; in Colorado this is referred to as Dual Enrollment.
*MSU allows high school students to take classes on their campus or through the High School Virtual Network Program at the community college tuition rate.
Benefits and Considerations
Deciding if earning college credit is right for you is a personal decision. Here are some things to consider when making your decision.
Types of CoursesStudents can access courses that lead to industry certifications in any program offered at our partner colleges. Examples include automotive, business, cybersecurity, nursing assistant, forestry, and graphic design. Many of these certifications are the first steps to AA/AS and BA/BS degrees. Also available are courses to meet college general education requirements, such as English Composition I & II, Social Science, World Languages, Math, and Sciences. See Transferability of Credit for more information.
Transferability of Credit
So many options but what is best for you? If you’re hoping to save money and time, you need to be strategic about your choices. How and if your credits will be accepted by another college is up to that college and your area of study. It’s always good to check with your top choices before taking a lot of college courses. All public Colorado colleges and universities participate in the Guaranteed Transfer (GT) program. Credits earned in these courses are guaranteed to be accepted as long as they align with your college program of study. GT courses are marked as GT with another pair of letters and a number, i.e. GT-MA1, GT-CO1. Usually only a select number of credits in a GT category are needed. Save the syllabus from each of your college courses taken in high school; they may be requested if you wish to transfer the credits.
Readiness
College courses may go at a faster pace and delve deeper into a subject than regular high school courses. Self-motivation and time management are key to college success. It is the student’s responsibility to show up to class, submit assignments on time, and participate in all classes. There are resources available if a student needs help with writing and math assignments. Courses taken on the college campus often meet only twice a week while moving at a faster pace. College courses offered in the high school meet within the regular high school schedule allowing students more support as they adapt to the college rigor and expectations.
Time Expectations
College students are told to expect 2-3 hours per credit for studying and completing assignments. For a 3 credit class, that is 6-9 hours of work per week outside of class. This amount can vary depending on the type of course and your level of preparedness. Take this expectation into consideration especially when taking courses outside of the regular school day. Students taking classes at the college need to plan travel time into their schedule.
Cost of Tuition
All courses offered through FRCC are tuition-free and BVSD will cover the cost of associated fees. MSU courses taken at their campus or online are tuition-free; those offered in our high school are at steeply discounted rates, usually $50/credit. For CU Boulder courses, BVSD will cover the equivalent of the FRCC tuition rate; families are responsible for the remaining balance, books and fees. Courses offered through CU Succeed (UC Denver and UCCS), which are taught in select high schools, are offered at reduced rates (between $50-$83/credit).
When COF is deducted, tuition at these schools can run from $156/credit at FRCC to $281 at MSU Denver to $1440-2124/credit at CU Boulder.
Accommodations
Students who have a 504 or IEP need to meet with the Disability Office at the college they want to attend. Students attending FRCC courses at their high school only need to meet with the disability office if their accommodation is not listed in this document.
FAQs
College Before Graduation
College Before Graduation FAQs
- What types of classes can students take through this program?
- What age/grade requirements are there for the program?
- What costs are students/families responsible for?
- How is it determined if a student qualifies for the program?
- How many college courses can a student take per semester?
- Am I guaranteed a seat in courses approved by BVSD?
- Is tuition for summer courses covered?
- Why do I see the full tuition amount on my bill?
- Will credits earned in these courses transfer to any college or university?
- Can I participate in CBG if I am participating in a CHSAA regulated activity?
- How much time do I need to spend on each class?
- Are you ready to take a college course?
What types of classes can students take through this program?
In order to save time and money, you will need to plan strategically so that your credits not only transfer but also apply to future academic or industry requirements. Learn more about transferability.
Students may take courses that are part of the Colorado Guaranteed Transfer program, apply to a postsecondary degree or industry certificate, or is a gateway course. For the student interested in preparing for ASCENT or getting a head start on college general education requirements, here is a checklist to track progress.
To learn more about the difference between degrees and certificates, click here.
Many students save lots of money by getting their Associate's Degree at a Community College before transferring to a 4-year University in Colorado. To get started while in high school, learn more about the Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreements.
Classes must be aligned with the student's ICAP. Based on documented student need, at this time remedial courses may be approved for 12th graders only.
Audited courses (courses taken for "No Credit) will not be approved
What age/grade requirements are there for the program?
What costs are students/families responsible for?
Per the legislative guidelines, BVSD pays only the local community college tuition rate (after College Opportunity Fund (COF) is applied), regardless of which college or university the student attends. For example, tuition for approved courses taken at Front Range Community College are fully covered, but families are responsible for the additional tuition costs of University of Colorado, Boulder.
Additionally, families will need to cover the cost of fees and books associated with the college-level course. Please note that many institutions are no longer mailing a bill, but providing it on the online student account.
Families who have a significant financial hardship and are unable to pay the additional tuition, fees, textbook and/or transportation costs associated with the college course/s may apply to the District to seek financial assistance. Financial assistance is limited.
How is it determined if a student qualifies for the program?
A student will first meet with their counselor to discuss the appropriateness of taking college level courses. These courses must align with the student’s ICAP. The proper forms must be completed and submitted (see checklist for Front Range Community College or University of Colorado). The district will provide final approval to all courses.
Students receiving a "D", "F", "I", or "W" in prior college courses will not be allowed to continue the program.
How many college courses can a student take per semester?
A student may take 2 college courses a semester. Exceptions will be made for CTE programs that require more than 2 courses a semester. Other exceptions may be made with the counselor and building administrator’s recommendation. Each CBG student must be a full-time BSVD student to be eligible for the program. They must take five (5) or more total courses per semester, or 12 credits at the college level.
Am I guaranteed a seat in courses approved by BVSD?
No. Placement into a course is determined by the college and may require a placement test or approval from an instructor.
Also, students are allowed into courses on a space-available basis. Please register for your courses as soon as the college allows. See the calendar here. CU does not open their course registration to High School students until shortly before courses begin.
Is tuition for summer courses covered?
Why do I see the full tuition amount on my bill?
Will credits earned in these courses transfer to any college or university?
Colleges and universities determine which credits they will accept. Colleges issuing credit do not determine which credits will transfer to another school. However, if a course is listed as a Guaranteed Transfer course (GT), credits will be accepted by any Colorado public colleges if they apply to your program. If you are concerned about college credits earned while in high school transferring, please check with the accepting college. Some universities have policies that limit the number or type of credits they will transfer in.
Can I participate in CBG if I am participating in a CHSAA regulated activity?
How much time do I need to spend on each class?
Are you ready to take a college course?
Consider if this is the right time to take a college course. Talk to your parents/guardians and high school counselor to see if you are ready. There are many factors to think about, including:
- Will it work with your schedule? Taking a campus select course will often require an adjustment to your high school schedule. Also, think about your other commitments. You are required to be show up, be on time, and participate in the class.
- Are you disciplined to handle the extra workload? You will need to reserve about 6 hours a week of study time to complete a 3 credit hour class.
- You must get a grade of 'C' or higher for BVSD to pay for the class.
- Will your credits transfer? You will also need to think about how your credit will transfer based on your career pathway.
What are my responsibilities as a student?
Grades earned become part of the student's permanent college transcript and GPA which can have an impact on admissions and financial aid. Please consider wisely if this program is appropriate. Courses taken Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory are not covered in this program. In courses where a letter grade below a 'C" is given (including a 'D', 'F', 'W', or 'I'), the family agrees to reimburse the district for the costs paid. Students are responsible for knowing and following all district and college deadlines.
If you plan to take more than 2-3 college courses, be strategic. It's not about how many credits you earn while in high school. What's important is how many of those credits will be accepted by your intended college or university. Work with your high school counselor and a college advisor to optimize the value of this program. Transferology is a resource to consider; however, we advise that you check with the college directly.
Who approves and pays for the courses?
All courses must be approved by the student's high school principal and counselor. BVSD pays the equivalent of the current Colorado community college tuition rate for courses at Front Range Community College, CCCOnline, and CU Boulder. CU Boulder tuition rates are higher ($300/credit hour). Families are responsible for the paying the difference plus books and fees as required by each school. Fees varies by course and can be as high as a few hundred dollars.
