Private school students were intentionally left out of the law that passed last year providing free college credits to all students in public, charter, or tribal schools that take College in the High School Classroom courses.
According to university and college personnel, the cost is one perceived obstacle to adding private schools to the bill. Passage of SB5048 requires institutions of higher education must provide enrollment and registration in College in the High School courses at no cost for public high school students in grades 9 through 12.
Washington State is invested in increasing student entrance to its colleges and universities. As high schools and higher ed see the potential of opening access to college credits to all students, increased interest could be costly for the State. However, this possibility does not negate that private school students should have the same access as all students in Washington.
