Wenatchee High School (WHS) announced the expansion of its college credit opportunities through the enhanced Accelerated Pathways program. Students can now take College in the High School classes to earn college credit or complete a full Associate of Arts and Sciences degree without leaving the WHS campus. The program allows students to graduate from high school with two diplomas—a high school diploma and a two-year college degree— without ever leaving the high school campus.

"Students no longer have to choose between earning college credit and being part of their high school community," said WHS Principal Donna Moser. "Through Accelerated Pathways, they can walk across the graduation stage having already completed one to two years of college—all without missing out on the high school student experience."

Three New Pathways to College Success on Campus

The Accelerated Pathways program offers students three new routes to college readiness:

Two-Year College Degree at WHS: Students can complete a full Associate of Arts and Sciences degree on the WHS campus and graduate ready to transfer to a four-year university as juniors. Students can also complete specialized associate degrees in high-demand fields such as Early Childhood Education or Engineering Technology, with most coursework completed at WHS and the remainder at Wenatchee Valley College (WVC).

General Education Requirements: Students complete core college classes accredited through Central Washington University (CWU) that transfer to any Washington State public university, enabling them to begin their majors immediately as college freshmen.

Career & Technical Education (CTE): Students gain industry certifications, real-world skills, and hands-on experience through job shadows and internships, graduating workforce-ready with credentials valued by employers.

In addition to the new Accelerated Pathways program, students can continue to choose Running Start, where students take classes and receive advising at the Wenatchee Valley College campus. 

Significant Financial and Academic Benefits

All college courses offered through the Accelerated Pathways program—including tuition, books, and fees—are provided completely free to families, potentially saving thousands of dollars. Students who complete the two-year degree program can save an estimated $15,000-$30,000 in college costs while gaining a significant head start on their post-secondary education.

Key benefits for students and families include:

• Savings of thousands in college tuition, books, and fees
• Ability to stay at WHS for all four years and participate fully in sports, activities, and clubs
• Graduating ahead with one to two years of college already completed
• Personalized support from dedicated Pathways staff
• Flexible scheduling with access to the WHS Pathways Center and Academic Lab
• Regular communication from Pathways staff to keep parents connected to their student's progress

The program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for college degree programs and 2.0 GPA for CTE programs. Every participating student receives comprehensive support, including quarterly planning meetings with a dedicated Pathways counselor and biweekly grade checks.

In its first year, the pathways program has seen tremendous enrollment growth, offering students an alternative to traditional Running Start. "This program provides college-level rigor and future-ready learning possibilities that work for students and families," added Wenatchee Superintendent Dr. Kory Kalahar. "Our students don't have to sacrifice their high school experience to get ahead academically. They can have both—and that's exactly what we're seeing."

Current WHS students interested in learning more about the Accelerated Pathways program can contact their school counselor. Prospective students and families can learn more by calling Wenatchee High School at (509) 663-8117 or visiting the Accelerated Pathways website.