Eastmont High School students design and conduct their own chemistry experiments while investigating how different liquids evaporate at different rates during a College in the High School lab activity.
At Eastmont High School, students have the opportunity to earn college credit without leaving campus through College in the High School (CiHS) courses.
In Shaila Brookover’s Chemistry class, students are completing coursework designed to mirror an introductory 100-level college course. Brookover, who has taught at Eastmont for over 20 years, is now in her third year teaching College in the High School Chemistry. “The requirement of the class is that it has to have the rigor of a university class,” Brookover explained.
“CiHS courses are a great path for students to take to earn college credit with no out-of-pocket expense, with teachers that will give a little extra support,” said EHS Assistant Principal Tom McCrae.
The CiHS program is offered throughout Washington state, although individual courses vary by school depending on partnerships and instructor qualifications. At Eastmont, students can earn college credit through Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, Wenatchee Valley College, and the University of Washington. Approved courses currently include Leadership, Senate, United States History, Math 101, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, Spanish, Art History, English 131, Chemistry, Wildlife Biology, and a variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses.
Unlike AP courses, which are often designed for students pursuing highly specialized majors, CiHS courses can provide an accessible college-credit option for a wider range of students and future career paths.
This year, approximately 85 Eastmont students in grades 10–12 are enrolled in CiHS Chemistry alone.
One of the biggest benefits of the program is that students can experience college-level expectations while still receiving the support systems available at the high school. Students remain connected to their teachers, counselors, activities, athletics, fine arts programs, and peers, while families continue to benefit from direct communication and support from the district. Because courses are built into the regular school day, students can pursue dual credit opportunities without transportation barriers or schedule conflicts that can sometimes come with off-campus programs.
Teachers also monitor student progress throughout the full school year, helping students build the skills and confidence needed for future success after high school.
“We’re trying to offer rigorous coursework that gets kids ready for their next step,” Brookover said. “Our philosophy is we are trying to challenge all of our students here at Eastmont.”
“Kids will do hard things if you put it out there for them,” she said. “They’ll rise up.”
Programs like College in the High School reflect Eastmont’s continued focus on academic excellence, effective instruction, and career-connected learning opportunities that help prepare students for success after graduation.
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