Part of our Decoding High School series — plain-language answers to the questions parents actually want to know.
Here’s a fact that surprises a lot of families new to high school: your teen can start earning college credits — and trimming future tuition bills — while they’re still in high school. At United Charter High Schools (UCHS), more than half of our upperclassmen already do. There are two main ways to get there: Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment. They sound alike, but they work differently.
What is Advanced Placement (AP)?
AP courses are college-level classes taught right in our schools, using a national curriculum from the College Board.
- Your teen earns college credits by scoring well on each AP exam they take.
- Credits are recognized at various colleges across the country (each sets its own score policy).
- AP classes are among the hardest courses a high schooler can take, so choosing them shows colleges your teen is ready to challenge themselves.
At UCHS, that includes AP Calculus, Biology, and Computer Science at our AMS schools, and AP Literature, Psychology, and U.S. History at our HUM schools.
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment (also called dual credit) means your teen takes an actual college course — through partnerships like CUNY College Now and others — and earns real college credits.
- Credits are based on coursework and grades, not a single exam.
- Courses appear on an official college transcript.
- Students get a genuine taste of college expectations before they arrive on campus.
Which is right for your teen?
The best fit depends on how your teen learns and on where they hope to attend. Some students thrive under one big exam, others do better with steady coursework toward their goal. It’s a great conversation to have with your child’s counselor, who can map a four-year plan. Many UCHS students do both!
Have questions about earning college credits at UCHS? Reach out to your campus counseling team anytime.
About United Charter High Schools
United Charter High Schools is a network of seven award-winning and tuition-free charter schools serving 9th-12th grade students and families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We are united in our mission to close the opportunity gap by ensuring equal access to rigorous STEAM and Humanities academics and unwavering support for post-secondary readiness. Get to know us at www.unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open now.
