LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Although not widely known, dual enrollment at Los Alamitos High School is a great opportunity for students looking to get a glimpse into college courses. Partnering with Cypress College, high school students can take college classes for free, which can cover college credits. 

With many ways to participate, Cypress College offers an online study program that is entirely self-paced and independent.  Remote classes meet on Zoom while hybrid courses include in-person meetings with independent online work. Another alternative is in-person classes that require students to go to the college campus for lectures.  

Classes offered are open to 10th-12th-grade students, with some classes also available to 9th-grade students. Students can take introductory courses for business, criminal justice, travel careers, hospitality management, public health, automotive tech and dance appreciation. Cypress also offers cooking courses, like nutrition, culinary and baking fundamentals. They also have numerous computer classes such as computer information systems, networking security and ethical hacking. However, these are just a few of their many other courses of interest.

Lance Sahagun, was a student at Oxford Academy class of 21,  and completed 32 credits through dual enrollment. “Dual Enrollment allowed me the opportunity, community, and the ability to realize my potential career interests. I’m so grateful for the skills, knowledge, and experience I received through Cypress College Dual Enrollment,” Sahagun said.

If students truly want to experience a comprehensive view of college life, Cypress College offers counseling courses. Educational Planning 140 offers an online and remote course, open to students in 9th-12th grade, providing a full look into responsibilities, degrees and career guidance to help set goals for college life and beyond. Academic Life and Success is another option open to students in 10th-12th grade. This course prepares students with the ability to set goals and helps them achieve better knowledge and information about college life. 

For admissions into Cypress College, there are three steps. First, complete a general application. After being accepted to the college, you will be directed to a login username and password, which will get you to the next step. The next step is the dual enrollment special admit form. This step takes the longest as it requires a parent’s signature and a high school counselor’s signature. After approval from a high school counselor, you will register for your class.  And wait for the class to start. 

Noah E, a former student of Marina High School class of 21, completed six credits through dual enrollment.“Not only did I obtain college credit, but through the process of developing an Educational Plan for my future, navigating the system of credits and requirements and prerequisites, and advocating for myself, I learned how to make real, practical steps towards my goals,” he said.