State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Inaugural California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that nine schools have been designated as a 2022–23 Exemplary Dual Enrollment School. The newly created Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award publicly recognizes schools that provide students with opportunities to enroll in and earn college credits while in high school. California Exemplary Dual Enrollment schools demonstrate quality, equity-driven dual enrollment programs. This is the first year that schools are being recognized for this award, and the California Department of Education (CDE) plans to make it an annual recognition program.

“Congratulations to these schools for their incredible work providing students with a pathway to succeed in college and careers,” said Thurmond. “California’s dual enrollment programs lead to increased graduation rates, attendance, and college readiness—all while helping underrepresented groups succeed, closing opportunity gaps. Congratulations to all the staff, educators, administrators, parents, and students at these exemplary schools.”

The award program encourages all California schools to strengthen and expand their dual enrollment offerings, particularly focusing on the inclusion of students of color, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and students who are the first in the family to attend college.

California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award schools build collaborative relationships among high schools, colleges, families, community members, and industry partners. These programs had to mirror the student population, include underserved populations, and make progress toward more equitable participation and outcomes. The programs also integrated with college and district plans and/or frameworks and converted college credits to high school credits.

All comprehensive high schools with dual enrollment programs were eligible to apply for the 2022–23 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. Early College High Schools, Middle College High Schools, and alternative education schools will be eligible to apply for the 2023–24 year. Schools recognized as a California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Awardee will hold the title for two years. Read more on the CDE California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award web page.

California’s 2022–23 Dual Enrollment Schools

• Arvin High School, Kern High School District, Kern County
• Avenal High School, Reef-Sunset Unified School District, Kings County
• Centennial High School, Compton Unified School District, Los Angeles County
• Delano High School, Delano Joint Unified High School District, Kern County
• Dominguez High School, Compton Unified School District, Los Angeles County
• McFarland High School Early College, McFarland Unified School District, Kern County
• Mendocino High School, Mendocino Unified School District, Mendocino County
• Rio Linda High School, Twin Rivers Unified School District, Sacramento County
• Robert F. Kennedy High School, Delano Joint Union High School District, Kern County  

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100