Cascadia in the High School (CIHS) Program Information

About

CIHS is a program in which an eligible, college-approved high school teacher offers a college course on a high school campus and eligible high school students are allowed to earn college credit awarded by Cascadia. Cascadia faculty liaisons ensure that courses adhere to the same learning outcomes and level of rigor expected of Cascadia courses. CIHS courses may include both academic and career and technical education (CTE). Cascadia’s program focus is academic/transfer with a few CTE courses tied to specific IT pathways.

Eligibility

High school students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 are eligible to register and earn college credits through CIHS. CIHS courses are rigorous, college-level courses taught in the high school by an instructor that has been approved by Cascadia College. Students need to meet the same course placement and prerequisite requirements as students on our main campus. Cascadia embraces multiple measures for course placement including Smarter Balanced and other assessments but generally your teacher will be able to verify your eligibility in advance by reviewing your grades in previous courses.

Benefits

The College in the High School (CIHS) program offers academically prepared students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. We encourage participating instructors to discuss the following advantages of CIHS enrollment with their students:

1. College Credit: Upon successful completion of a CIHS course, students receive an official Cascadia College transcript documenting their participation and credits earned. These credits are transferable to all public community colleges, public universities, and most private institutions in Washington State. Note: Students planning to attend private colleges/universities or out-of-state institutions are strongly advised to contact those schools directly regarding their credit transfer policies.
2. Financial Advantage: The Washington State Legislature has made CIHS credits available at no cost to all eligible students, providing significant savings on future college expenses.
3. Convenience: Unlike the Running Start program, CIHS allows students to earn college credits without leaving their high school campus, maintaining their regular school routine and activities.
4. Performance-Based Assessment: CIHS programs award credit based on successful course completion rather than relying on a single, high-stakes examination. This approach provides a more comprehensive evaluation of student learning and capabilities.

By participating in the CIHS program, academically motivated students can gain a head start on their college education while developing the skills and confidence necessary for future academic success.

Cost

Credit earned through CIHS is now free thanks to the Washington State Legislature. That means you have the opportunity to save a considerable amount by earning credit now while you are still in high school. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has comparative information available about the cost of tuition and fees at public institutions.

Considerations

Please keep in mind that by registering for college credit, students are creating a permanent college record. A low grade can negatively impact future college experience concerning academic progress and financial aid. Therefore, we encourage students who choose to register for CIHS credit to take it seriously and to do their very best work.

How is CIHS Different from Running Start?

See also Dual Credit Program Comparison.

Admission and Registration for CIHS Classes

High school students who plan to earn credit through Cascadia’s College in the High School (CIHS) program must officially apply and register through Cascadia. Specific information about the admission and registration process for CIHS is found on Get Started and should also be distributed by your high school teacher. It essentially involves three steps:

1. Apply for Admission to Cascadia.
2. Activate your ctclink student account.
3. Register for CIHS classes.

Even if you have earned credit from another Washington Community College, if you have never earned credit through Cascadia, you will need to follow all three steps.

Just like students on our main campus, CIHS students must adhere to posted CIHS deadlines for registration including “add”, “drop” and “withdrawal” dates.

2026-2027 Registration and Withdrawal Dates

Course Offerings

Not all courses are offered at each high school. The courses listed are linked to Cascadia’s College Catalog.

Grade Scale

Program Administrator

Erik Tingelstad – Dean for Student Learning
Cascadia College
18345 Campus Way NE
Bothell, WA 98011
CIHS@cascadia.edu
425.352.8277