Middle College Program
What is Middle College?
Located on the De Anza College campus, Middle College is a partnership program
between Fremont Union High School District and De Anza College. This program
is limited to students within Fremont Union High School District. Some students
do not flourish in a traditional high school environment, so through this unique
program these students have the opportunity to explore and be challenged by
new options at the 11th and 12th grade levels. Students complete their requirements
for high school graduation while also exploring individual interests through
a diverse college curriculum. De Anza courses earn both high school and college
credit.
Middle College History
The first Middle College Program was jointly founded in 1974 by the New York
City Board of Education and La Guardia Community College. De Anza’s Middle
College was established in 1989 and is the model for similar programs at San
Jose City College and the College of San Mateo. Contra Costa College in San
Pablo also has a Middle College High School. De Anza Middle College has been
the recipient of both local and national recognition for its excellence.
Who is the Middle College Student?
- The student may be in jeopardy of not completing high school.
- The student has the potential maturity needed to succeed in the independent
environment of De Anza College.
- The student may be a creative, independent thinker.
- The student may show a discrepancy between standardized test scores and
actual grades.
- The student may be gifted in one area, such as music, art, or computers,
but may not be socially connected to the high school “scene.”
- The student may not feel connected to the typical high school but has a
sincere interest in completing high school and going on to college.
Curriculum
Middle College students are required to take two high school courses that satisfy
high school graduation requirements. Juniors take an integrated course in American
Literature and United States History. In addition, juniors complete sixty hours
of community service for which they receive high school credits. Seniors take
literature and composition, as well as semester courses in economics and American
government. A peer communication class is also offered for elective credit.
Students round out their schedules with a variety of college courses for which
they earn high school and college credit. Flexible scheduling allows students
the opportunity to work and earn college credit through De Anza’s cooperative
work experience program.
Student Support Services
Middle College students have access to De Anza’s comprehensive student
services program and all facilities on campus. These include:
Expected Impact on Students
The impact of Middle College on students is expected to include:
- A strong connection and identification with a community of learners
- Increased motivation and engagement in learning
- Improved grades in all academic areas
- Increased maturity and problem-solving skills
- Improved communication skills
- High school graduation
- Accumulation of college credits
- Preparations for college admission
- A sense of responsibility toward self, school, and community
Middle College Staff
The required high school courses are taught by Fremont Union High School District
teachers. These teachers also monitor student progress in the program and register
students each quarter for their De Anza classes.
Questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact:
DEIRDRE PALERMINO
408-864-8634
deirdre_palermino@fuhsd.org
11th Grade Instructor
HEATHER PORTER
408-864-8617
heather_porter@fuhsd.org
12th Grade Instructor
Fremont Union High School District
Middle College Program
589 West Fremont Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94807
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