Advanced Programs

The College Board's Advanced Placement program enables academically-prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school.

Classes offered at South Kitsap High School:

• Art History
• 2D Studio Art (Photo/Graphics Tech)
• 2D Studio Art (Drawing)
• Biology
• Calculus AB
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Computer Science Principles
• English Language & Comp. (11)
• English Literature & Comp. (12)
• Environmental Science
• European History
• French Language and Culture
• Human Geography
• Japanese Language and Culture
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Music Theory
• Physics
• Psychology
• Research/AP Seminar/AP Capstone
• Seminar
• Statistics
• U.S. Government & Politics
• U.S. History

For more information contact your high school counselor (360) 874-5600

What is College in the High School (CiHS)?

CiHS allows students to take real university courses at South Kitsap High School. By earning a passing grade, students receive college credits at no cost thanks to state funding under Senate Bill 5048. These credits go directly on a college transcript and are transferable to most colleges and universities.

Why Take CiHS Courses?

• Earn College Credits and Save Money: Courses typically provide 5 college credits per semester, significantly reducing future tuition costs.
• Earn More High School Credit: Many courses offer 1.0 or more high school credits per semester instead of the standard 0.5 credit.
• Taught by Qualified SKHS Teachers: Instructors meet rigorous university standards.
• Smooth Transition to College: Students experience university-level coursework in a familiar setting, helping them prepare for future academic success.

CiHS Courses for 2025-26 

SKHS will offer the following College in the High School courses: 

Central Washington University (CWU)

• Physics 111 & 112
• Pre-Calculus 153 & 154
• Biology 101
• Environmental Science 201 & 202
• Math (Statistics) 211
• English 101 & 102
• Literary Imagination 105
• ASL 151, 152, & 153

Eastern Washington University (EWU)

• U.S. History 111 & 112
• Chemistry 171 (Pending approval)

University of Washington (UW)

• Japanese 103 & 201
• Astronomy 101 & 150
• Spanish 103

Pending Courses

• Math 152 (Functions & Reasoning – slower-paced Pre-Calculus) (CWU)

Next Steps: How to Register

• February Registration: Students must sign up for CiHS courses during February registration for the 2025-26 school year.
• Check the Course Catalog: Prerequisites apply—see the course catalog or the attachment for details.
• AP or CiHS? Many CiHS courses are offered alongside Advanced Placement (AP) options, allowing students to choose once enrolled.
• Parent/Guardian Consent Required: Students under 18 need parent/guardian approval to participate.
• University Enrollment: After school approval, the university will officially enroll students in the fall.

New to CiHS? Here’s What to Expect

• First-time CiHS students will receive a university username and ID to set up their account.
• This account provides access to transcripts and university resources.

Take Advantage of This Opportunity

This is a great chance for students to get ahead in college without the cost. We’re proud to offer these opportunities and look forward to supporting student success.

For questions, please contact your student’s counselor.

Link to Approved College in the High School Courses 2025-2026

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and extends beyond just a program to the "hows" and "whys" to teaching, learning, and supporting students. AVID's mission as a national organization is to close the opportunity gap (the differences in opportunities presented to students - support, access to resources, highly-effective instruction, role models, culturally-relevant instruction, and high expectations) by preparing every student for college readiness and success in a global society.  Learn more about AVID.

The purpose of AVID in South Kitsap School District is to ensure that every student, especially students "in the middle" (low-A to high-C) will:

• succeed in rigorous curriculum;
• complete a rigorous college preparatory path;
• enter mainstream activities of the school;
• increase their enrollment in four-year colleges; and
• become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

AVID South Kitsap's systemic approach is designed to support students and educators as they increase learning and academic performance schoolwide/districtwide. 

The AVID Elective is the core of AVID Secondary. The elective class targets students in the academic middle-low A to C students -with the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. Typically, these students will be the first in their families to attend college and come from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Beginning AVID students are capable of completing a rigorous curriculum but need support in reaching their potential.

South Kitsap places students on the college track, requiring them to enroll in their school's toughest courses, such as Honors and Advanced Placement®. To support them in the rigorous coursework, AVID students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams a reality.

The AVID elective focuses on the following skills, which we call WICOR - Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading.

Success of AVID Elective Students:

AVID sends one-third more students to four-year colleges than the local and national average.

• African American AVID students, whether they participate in AVID for one or three years, are enrolling in college at rates that are considerably higher than the local and national average.
• Students who participate in AVID enroll in college more often than students who don't participate, and the longer students remain in AVID, the better their college enrollment record.
• AVID students are staying in college once they enroll; 89% of those who start are in college two years later and on track to graduate.
• Students accrue social capital (the skills, knowledge, and personal fulfillment necessary to be successful) while they are in the program.
• More than twice the percentage of students with two years of middle school AVID took three or more AP classes compared to students with only one year or no AVID experience in middle school.

The Commitment of an AVID Student

The AVID elective class requires hard work and perseverance and is effective ONLY if participation is voluntary with a commitment to succeed.  Although a parent must also agree to support an AVID student, interest must be shown by the student, not just a parent.  Students must sign a contract agreeing to do the following:

• Enroll in AVID as an elective class
• Enroll in a rigorous course of study
• Study at least two hours a day and complete all assignments
• Maintain an organized AVID binder that includes class notes, studying material, assignments, and completed work
• Participate in AVID tutorial groups
• Assist teachers and students in maintaining a positive learning environment
• Participate in AVID field trips and activities
• Apply to several colleges and universities in their senior year

Select CTE classes allow students to earn both high school and community/technical college credit.  Class offerings range from accounting to veterinary technology. Students must earn a 3.0 or better to qualify for dual credit.
Visit the CTE Department site for more information. 

Running Start provides students an opportunity to enroll at certain institutions of higher education and earn high school and college credit.
Junior- and Senior-year students, as determined by the local public-school district are eligible to participate in Running Start. Second-year Seniors are limited to taking only the classes needed to meet South Kitsap graduation requirements and must have participated in Running Start in either their junior or senior year. Learn more from OSPI website

Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition but do pay college fees and buy their own books, as well as provide their own transportation.

Students earning both high school and college credit can accelerate their progress through the education system. Students taking a full Running Start course load for two years may earn an associate degree by the end of their senior year of high school.

In order to participate in Running Start you must:

• Have a junior or senior standing in high school
• Apply in March prior to the fall quarter you plan to attend
• Enroll in courses that are approved by your high school counselor to meet graduation requirements – does not apply for homeschool students
• Be responsible for transportation, lab fees, and books
• Take the Accuplacer test administered by the college

Participating Colleges:
✓ Tacoma Community College
✓ Olympic College
✓ Clover Park Technical College
✓ Bates Technical College
✓ Pierce College