As counselors prepare to meet with students regarding their schedules for the 2025-2026 academic year, parents and students need to understand the benefits and logistics of the College in High School (CHS) program.
CHS is a groundbreaking initiative that enables high school students to enroll in college-level courses while still completing their high school education.
These courses are typically taught at schools around, often by skilled educators who may also be qualified college instructors.
What sets CHS apart is that these courses adhere to a college curriculum and are affiliated with local universities and colleges, ensuring a rigorous academic experience.
With the rising costs of higher education, making informed decisions now can have a profound impact on both academic readiness and financial savings later.
The following are the pros to look at when considering this program:
- Affordability: With college tuition rates on the rise, CHS programs provide an economical option for earning college credits while still in high school. For example, while the average cost of one college credit is around $1,500, CHS-approved courses at BPHS can cost as little as $225 per class for three college credits.
- Preparation for the Future: Students will get a feel for the demanding nature of college academic standards in a supportive environment. CHS courses are designed to be more demanding than standard high school classes, similar in rigor to Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
- Enhanced College Applications: Admissions committees look favorably upon students who challenge themselves with advanced coursework, and CHS classes are a great way to demonstrate this commitment that will be useful in the long run.

While both CHS and AP courses provide valuable advanced learning opportunities, there are key differences to consider:
- Guaranteed College Credit: CHS guarantees college credit for students who pass the course, while AP classes require students to take an exam and achieve a certain test score to potentially earn a future college credit.
- Credit Acceptance: While some colleges widely accept AP credits, many institutions also recognize CHS credits, though it’s essential for students to check with their prospective schools before going any further.
- Grading Criteria: CHS courses are graded based on classwork and assessments throughout the semester, whereas AP credit hinges on performance on a single exam.
Counselors will be meeting with students in their history classes during February and March to discuss class selections for the upcoming year.
This is an excellent opportunity to explore CHS options and ask any questions regarding which courses may be the best fit.
In summary, the CHS program represents a unique opportunity for high school students to challenge themselves academically, save money on future college expenses, and enhance their readiness for post-secondary education.
As students begin filling out their course selection sheets, consider the long-term benefits of enrolling in CHS classes.
For further information or specific questions, feel free to reach out to the school counseling office as they’re here to support students in making the best choices for their academic future!