Dual Enrollment Early College Academy | El Rancho Unified School District & Rio Hondo College
Dual Enrollment Early College Academy
El Rancho Unified School District partners with Rio Hondo College to offer students a powerful opportunity to begin their college journey while still in middle and high school through the Dual Enrollment Early College Academy.
This program allows students to take college-level courses that may count toward college certificates, associate degrees, or transfer requirements for UC and CSU universities, helping students get a head start on their academic and career goals. Through dual enrollment, students gain valuable experience in college coursework, time management, and independent learning, all while receiving support from their school counselors and teachers.
Courses are offered during the school day, after school, and online, providing flexible options that fit students’ schedules. For many students and families, the program provides a meaningful pathway to explore college early while reducing the time and cost required to complete a degree after high school.
A Pathway to College and Career Success
The Early College Academy offers structured pathways that allow students to explore career interests while building college credits. These pathways are designed to connect academic learning with real-world careers and future opportunities.
Students can explore pathways in:
Each pathway includes a sequence of college courses that help students develop foundational knowledge and practical skills related to the field.
Dual Enrollment Opportunities Begin in Middle School
Students can begin exploring the dual enrollment pathway as early as middle school through preparatory courses offered in partnership with Rio Hondo College. These courses help students build academic confidence while introducing them to the expectations of college-level learning.
Students begin with this noncredit course designed to strengthen the foundational skills needed for college success. Students learn strategies such as:
- Effective study and note-taking skills
- Time management and organization
- Test preparation and academic planning
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Stress management and personal well-being
This course helps students build the habits and confidence needed to succeed in future college-level coursework.
Students who complete the fall course receive priority consideration for this credit-bearing course. In this course, students explore:
- Foundational leadership theories
- Personal leadership development
- Decision-making and program planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Understanding self, others, and community
Through this course, students gain early exposure to college-level expectations while earning transferable college credit—all while still in middle school.
These early experiences help students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prepare for continued participation in dual enrollment opportunities throughout high school.
Benefits of Dual Enrollment
Participating in the Dual Enrollment Early College Academy provides many benefits for students and families, including:
- Free college tuition and textbooks for many courses
- Opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school
- Exposure to college expectations and academic rigor
- Ability to explore career pathways and interests early
- Access to Rio Hondo College resources and student support services
- Potential to reduce the time and cost required to complete a college degree
Students who complete multiple Early College Academy courses may also receive special recognition at graduation.
Preparing Students for the Future
The Dual Enrollment Early College Academy reflects El Rancho Unified School District’s commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success. By providing access to real college courses and meaningful career pathways, the program empowers students to explore their interests, build confidence, and take the first steps toward their future.
Through partnerships like this with Rio Hondo College, ERUSD continues to expand opportunities that help students learn, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Fill out the 2026 Interest Form and a Rio Hondo College representative will contact you with more information about the program and next steps.
Fill Out the 2026 Interest Form →