Dual Enrollment Classes

St. Francis Catholic High School gives students the chance to earn real college credit before they graduate. Through our partnership with Sacramento State University's Accelerated College Entrance (ACE) program, qualified students take dual enrollment classes on our campus, taught by our own instructors using syllabi approved by Sacramento State’s Department Chairs, and the credit counts. St. Francis is one of the only Sacramento-area Catholic high schools to offer more than one dual enrollment course, with additional options on the way for 2027–2028.

What Is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment lets high school students take a college-level course that satisfies both a high school requirement and a college course requirement at the same time. At St. Francis, our dual enrollment classes are offered through Sacramento State's ACE program, so students earn official credit, accepted by Sacramento State and many other colleges and universities, while still in high school — not just college-prep coursework.

Dual Enrollment Classes at St. Francis

Currently, two courses are offered:

• AP World History
• Interfaith Dialogue

More dual enrollment courses are planned starting in the 2027–2028 school year as the program continues to grow.

Dual Enrollment vs. AP

Dual enrollment and AP courses both offer college credit opportunities, but they work differently. AP credit depends on exam scores and each college’s own AP policy. Dual enrollment credit, like our ACE courses, is awarded for coursework completed, becomes part of a student’s official Sacramento State transcript, and can transfer to many other universities, though acceptance varies by institution. St. Francis students can pursue both.

Why It Matters

• Real college credit, real savings. Grades earned in ACE courses become part of a student's official college academic record. Credit can apply toward a degree at Sacramento State or transfer to many other universities, though acceptance varies by institution.
• A head start on college. Students experience college-level coursework and expectations while still supported in a high school environment.
• Campus privileges. ACE students receive many of the same privileges as regular Sacramento State students, including library access, campus computer labs, Saclink email, student rates on campus events, and free public transportation in Sacramento (each requires a OneCard).

Eligibility & How to Apply

To participate, students must:

• Maintain good academic standing at both St. Francis and Sacramento State (GPA of 3.0 or higher)
• Meet the prerequisites for the specific ACE course
• Apply by the semester deadline through their course instructor
• Maintain a grade of B or higher in the dual enrollment course

St. Francis staff work directly with students throughout the application process.

Application windows:

• Fall semester: applications open mid-August
• Spring semester: applications open mid-January

Students who miss the deadline are not able to participate that semester, so early planning matters.

Cost

The ACE program fee is kept minimal through St. Francis's agreement with Sacramento State and adjusts slightly each academic year. For the 2026-2027 school year, the fee is $45.

Take the Next Step

Current students should reach out to their counselor or dual credit teacher for more information.

Prospective students and parents: Want to see how a St. Francis education sets students up for college success — starting before they even graduate? Schedule a visit or contact our admissions team to learn more about dual enrollment and our full academic program.

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