650+ Da Vinci Students Begin Spring Semester with College Classes

Spring 2026 is officially underway — and more Da Vinci students than ever are starting the semester already enrolled in college.

Last week marked the start of dual enrollment classes with El Camino College, and over 650 Da Vinci students across our five high schools are participating. This semester, Da Vinci Schools is offering 20 dual enrollment courses in partnership with El Camino, giving students a head start on college credit, hands-on learning opportunities, and the confidence that they have what it takes to thrive in higher education.

Dual enrollment allows high school students to take real college courses and earn college credit — for free at Da Vinci — while still enrolled in high school. Depending on the course, classes are offered during the school day, after school, and online — providing flexible options for students across schools. At Da Vinci, some of these courses are taught by Da Vinci teachers who have been authorized by El Camino College to instruct college-level coursework, while others are taught directly by El Camino professors.

Many students describe the experience as giving them a deeper grasp of the curriculum and an advantage going into college. One shared, “I've taken many dual enrollment courses in Mechanical Engineering and Spanish. They help me really master the content and give me an advantage in college, where some credits may count toward my degree. These classes aren’t harder than high school courses—just more content-heavy—and it’s really fulfilling to finish a college course while still in high school.”

This spring, Da Vinci students are enrolled in dual enrollment college courses through El Camino such as CAD Drawing and Modeling, Computer Programming in Java, Graphic Communications, Digital Electronics for Engineering, Two-Dimensional Design I, Public Speaking, Elementary Spanish II, Medical Terminology, Production 1, Single Variable Calculus and Analytic Geometry, and more — spanning both core academic subjects and career-focused pathways. Participation continues to grow. Nearly 400 students at DV Connect High are also taking dual enrollment courses through Arizona State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, opening additional pathways in areas such as Psychology, Sociology, Composition, Financial Literacy, and career-focused studies.

Dual enrollment coursework provides Da Vinci students with the opportunity to build college-level academic skills, strengthen their college applications, and gain the confidence that they can succeed in true college-level work — all while still in high school. By expanding access to college credit early, dual enrollment helps level the playing field for all students, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, by reducing financial barriers and increasing early exposure to the expectations of college. Students may even complete some college graduation requirements before earning their high school diploma. Many students say the experience also gives them a glimpse of college life and the confidence to take on higher-level coursework while still in high school.

“It feels amazing to take college classes in high school. I feel like I am getting early experience in college work and college life — and I'm getting credit for college."

“If most college work is like this, then I know I'll be able to survive. Taking college classes in high school does give me confidence."

"It feels great to take a college class in high school because it helps me feel prepared and gives me a glimpse of what college will be like two years early."

"I've been surprised at how easy it is to understand what we're doing. I thought it would be harder. Once you really understand and focus, it seems pretty easy. When I do go to college, it will probably be easier now that I've taken a college-level class. I think it helps that I'm taking the class—it gives me clarity and confidence for when I go to college."

"It feels good to take a college class—it gives me more confidence in my work and it makes me feel like I'm doing well because I'm taking a higher-level class and I understand it. I expected the class to be harder; it's actually really fun and it's been a good experience. I'm glad that I took it. I know that I will be prepared for when I go to college."

College credits earned through dual enrollment are widely transferable to many public and private universities, though transfer policies vary by institution and major. In many cases, students can enter college with some credits already completed, potentially accelerating their path to a degree. For families, earning college credit in high school may also reduce future tuition costs, depending on how those credits apply at a student’s chosen college or university.

Dr. Steve Wallis, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Da Vinci Schools, leads the dual enrollment partnership with El Camino College and also teaches two of the Human Development courses available to all Da Vinci students.

“We’re grateful to our partners at El Camino College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and Arizona State University,” said Dr. Wallis. “Through these partnerships, Da Vinci students have a tremendous opportunity to get a head start on college in high school, strengthen their college applications, and advance on their pathway to a strong early career.”

As participation continues to grow year over year, dual enrollment is becoming an increasingly powerful part of Da Vinci’s college and career pathway model — ensuring students graduate not only prepared for what’s next, but already ahead.