For families searching for a college prep high school in New York City that goes beyond the basics, United Charter High Schools (UCHS) offers something most high schools can’t: the opportunity to earn free college credits before graduation. Through Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual enrollment with the Monroe University and City University of New York (CUNY) College Now program, UCHS students in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens are already getting ahead, at no cost to their families.
What Are Dual Enrollment and AP Courses?
UCHS offers two clear pathways to free college credits in high school. AP courses, which include AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Computer Science, AP Literature, AP World History, and more at UCHS campuses, allow students to earn college credit by scoring well on College Board exams. Our dual enrollment program through Monroe University and CUNY College Now goes even further, letting students take actual college-level courses while still in high school and earn credits that transfer directly to CUNY schools.
Who Can Take These Classes?
Both pathways are available to upperclassmen across all seven UCHS campuses. In fact, more than half of all UCHS juniors and seniors are currently enrolled in AP or dual-credit college courses, reflecting our network-wide commitment to rigorous, postsecondary readiness for every student.
Why Free College Credits in High School Matter
Every free college credit earned in high school is one less credit a family pays for in college. For many UCHS families, that means real tuition savings and a faster path to a degree. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, getting a jump start through a tuition-free charter high school in NYC is one of the smartest moves a student can make.
College starts now at United Charter High Schools. Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open. Visit our enrollment page to learn more and apply today.
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 unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open now.
