Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middle College a traditional dual enrollment program? Do I still take classes at my high school?
No. Generally, dual enrollment refers to taking an extra college class at a community college in addition to taking a full schedule of classes at your home school.
The Middle College Program is different. It is a unique collaboration between the MVLA Union School District, Palo Alto Unified School District, and Foothill College. Middle College students join a cohort of 50 high school juniors and seniors who take all of their high school and college classes on the Foothill College campus. Middle College staff teach the high school classes and Foothill instructors teach the college classes.
How many classes do I take in Middle College?
In Middle College, you take three year-long high school classes and 2-3 college courses each quarter -- all on campus at Foothill College.
No. Generally, dual enrollment refers to taking an extra college class at a community college in addition to taking a full schedule of classes at your home school.
The Middle College Program is different. It is a unique collaboration between the MVLA Union School District, Palo Alto Unified School District, and Foothill College. Middle College students join a cohort of 50 high school juniors and seniors who take all of their high school and college classes on the Foothill College campus. Middle College staff teach the high school classes and Foothill instructors teach the college classes.
How many classes do I take in Middle College?
In Middle College, you take three year-long high school classes and 2-3 college courses each quarter -- all on campus at Foothill College.
The Middle College staff teach the junior and senior year college-prep Social Studies and English classes . These are semester classes. Juniors take a full year of US History and American Literature. Seniors take a year-long Philosophy and Literature course, one semester of Civics, and one semester of Economics. All students take Community which provides time for collaboration and team building activities.
Foothill College runs on a quarter system (there are three quarters in one high school academic year). Each quarter, Middle College students can take 7 to 11.5 credits (2-3 classes per quarter) of additional college courses. Typically, that includes two to three subject classes (3-5 college credits each).
Can I still participate in sports and activities at my home high school?
Yes, you can still play sports or join clubs at your home high school as long as they do not conflict with your Middle College or Foothill College classes. It’s easiest to join activities that meet before or after school. Review your intended schedule with your Middle College teachers to check for conflicts ahead of time.
Middle College seniors are also able to take part in all senior year events and the graduation ceremony at their home high school.
Do I still graduate and receive a diploma from my high school?
Middle College students graduate from and receive diplomas from their home high schools. You are still enrolled in your home school and are transferred to the Middle College program for your junior and senior year.
Who is my guidance counselor?
The Middle College staff are both your teachers and counselors. You can talk to them at any time about anything -- they are here to support you! MC teachers are your first stop with any questions or concerns.
Middle College teachers will work with you each quarter to select the best courses to support your post-high school plans, whether that’s going to college, transferring to a UC, or exploring other options.
They will also help you connect with any college or high school services you may need (e.g., Foothill UC/CSU transfer counselors, Foothill Disability Resource Center, CHAC counseling).
Do I earn high school and college credits at the same time?
Yes. All of your classes are shown on your high school transcript. You earn 5 credits per semester for each high school class. And you receive double credit and honors weighting for each college class (e.g., Math 1A 5 college credits = 10 high school credits). The college credits you earn are transferrable to other colleges; college classes are not AP classes and do not require AP tests to receive credit.
Students who graduate from Middle College also receive a Foothill transcript. They can earn up to 60 Foothill College credits that are transferable for UC and CSUs. Private colleges each have their own policies regarding transfer credits and placement.
Do I have to pay extra for college classes and textbooks?
No. Middle College is an alternative high school program funded by the MVLA and PAUSD school districts.
Does the Middle College Program follow the high school calendar?
No. Middle College follows the Foothill College calendar - September through June. All new and returning Middle College students attend Orientation two weeks before the start of Foothill fall quarter classes.
Note: Vacations do not align with the high school calendar. When planning travel, keep in mind that all students need to be in class through finals week each quarter. The Middle College graduation event is typically the last Friday in June.
How is Middle College different from College Now?
Middle College join a close cohort of high school students that take classes together daily and participate in many student lead, community building activities throughout the year (e.g., open mic night, pizza parties, prom, senior camping trip). Middle College teachers see their students daily and also act as guidance counselors so students get lots of ongoing support.
College Now students take all of their college classes independently. They meet on a regular basis with the College Now Advisor to select classes and plan for college. Here is a side-by-side comparison.
Foothill College runs on a quarter system (there are three quarters in one high school academic year). Each quarter, Middle College students can take 7 to 11.5 credits (2-3 classes per quarter) of additional college courses. Typically, that includes two to three subject classes (3-5 college credits each).
Can I still participate in sports and activities at my home high school?
Yes, you can still play sports or join clubs at your home high school as long as they do not conflict with your Middle College or Foothill College classes. It’s easiest to join activities that meet before or after school. Review your intended schedule with your Middle College teachers to check for conflicts ahead of time.
Middle College seniors are also able to take part in all senior year events and the graduation ceremony at their home high school.
Do I still graduate and receive a diploma from my high school?
Middle College students graduate from and receive diplomas from their home high schools. You are still enrolled in your home school and are transferred to the Middle College program for your junior and senior year.
Who is my guidance counselor?
The Middle College staff are both your teachers and counselors. You can talk to them at any time about anything -- they are here to support you! MC teachers are your first stop with any questions or concerns.
Middle College teachers will work with you each quarter to select the best courses to support your post-high school plans, whether that’s going to college, transferring to a UC, or exploring other options.
They will also help you connect with any college or high school services you may need (e.g., Foothill UC/CSU transfer counselors, Foothill Disability Resource Center, CHAC counseling).
Do I earn high school and college credits at the same time?
Yes. All of your classes are shown on your high school transcript. You earn 5 credits per semester for each high school class. And you receive double credit and honors weighting for each college class (e.g., Math 1A 5 college credits = 10 high school credits). The college credits you earn are transferrable to other colleges; college classes are not AP classes and do not require AP tests to receive credit.
Students who graduate from Middle College also receive a Foothill transcript. They can earn up to 60 Foothill College credits that are transferable for UC and CSUs. Private colleges each have their own policies regarding transfer credits and placement.
Do I have to pay extra for college classes and textbooks?
No. Middle College is an alternative high school program funded by the MVLA and PAUSD school districts.
Does the Middle College Program follow the high school calendar?
No. Middle College follows the Foothill College calendar - September through June. All new and returning Middle College students attend Orientation two weeks before the start of Foothill fall quarter classes.
Note: Vacations do not align with the high school calendar. When planning travel, keep in mind that all students need to be in class through finals week each quarter. The Middle College graduation event is typically the last Friday in June.
How is Middle College different from College Now?
Middle College join a close cohort of high school students that take classes together daily and participate in many student lead, community building activities throughout the year (e.g., open mic night, pizza parties, prom, senior camping trip). Middle College teachers see their students daily and also act as guidance counselors so students get lots of ongoing support.
College Now students take all of their college classes independently. They meet on a regular basis with the College Now Advisor to select classes and plan for college. Here is a side-by-side comparison.