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College Before Graduation

Would you like to get started on your college degree while in High School?

Or how about earning industry certification so you can start your career sooner?

The College Before Graduation Program allows students to earn college/industry certifications and high school credits simultaneously. Students may significantly reduce their college expenses, increase the likelihood that they will complete college, and earn marketable workforce skills by taking college credit courses. BVSD offers a variety of ways for students to earn these credits.

In order to participate in this program, please see the information below. All courses must be approved by the student's high school principal and counselor. BVSD pays the equivalent of the current Community College tuition rate for courses at Front Range Community College and CU Boulder. CU Boulder tuition rates are higher. Families are responsible for the paying the difference plus books and fees as required by each school. Fees for 2020-21 will be posted once the colleges release them. Grades earned become part of the student's permanent college transcript and GPA, so please consider wisely if this program is appropriate. Courses taken Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory are not covered in this program (except as allowed during the COVID-19 crisis Spring 2020). 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.

Deadlines to turn all BVSD paperwork in to your counselor are:

For Fall courses: May 1
For Spring courses: November 15 - if you do not receive notification of approval by December 1, please contact madeline.brockish@bvsd.org
For ASCENT: February 1 (of your senior year)
For Summer courses: March 15

** Please visit college websites (CU Boulder, FRCC) for updated COVID information and policies.

Centaurus High School graduating senior smiles

Enrollment Procedures

Step 1: Meet with your counselor to discuss appropriate course options.

Step 2: Complete this CBG Request google form.

Step 3: Complete and submit to your counselor this agreement form signed by you and your guardian. Click here for the agreement form in Spanish.

Step 4: After your counselor has approved your course selection, you are responsible for working with the college, registering for the approved course(s), and paying the appropriate tuition and/or fees. See this CU checklist / FRCC checklist for more details.

Step 5: Turn in your course schedule to your high school counselor.

* IMPORTANT: If you have specific, individual needs (i.e. 504 or IEP), you must contact CU’s/FRCC's Office of Disability Services to learn about how your needs will be met. Please do this as soon as possible so that accommodations are in place when classes start.

College Before Graduation FAQs

What age/grade requirements are there for the program?

What types of classes can students take through this program?

In order to truly 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.

Here's information and links to courses that are guaranteed to transfer to any public Colorado college or university.

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 for various degrees.

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 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.

It is the responsibility of the family to reimburse the District in a timely fashion for the prepaid tuition costs and any other financial assistance should the student either register and take a course that was not approved or earn in the approved college course/s a grade of “D”, “F”, "I", or “W”. Payment plans can be set up if needed.

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 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?

Dates and Deadlines

CU Information

Tuition: BVSD pays only the local community college tuition rate (after COF is applied), regardless of which college or university the student attends. For example, tuition for approved courses taken at Colorado Community Colleges are fully covered, but families are responsible for the additional tuition costs of any other public post-secondary institution.

Click here for next steps after submitting BVSD paperwork

Spring student welcome letter

CU Tuition and Fees

CU Academic Calendar (including drop deadlines)

Resources: Students taking classes through CU Boulder are encouraged to utilize these services:

Front Range Information

Click here for next steps after completing BVSD paperwork

Student Fees (fees vary depending on campus and online classes; student is responsible for paying student fees. If funds are available, BVSD will pay fees for students in need)

Resources: Students taking classes through FRCC are encouraged to utilize these services:

Contact Us

Madeline Brockish
College Before Graduation Administrative Assistant
720-561-5166

Also check out the Colorado Department of Education website on options for earning college credit while in high school.

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