Middle College Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What does it mean to come to a Middle College?
A: Middle College is a program that provides structured supports for students to successfully complete community college courses while also attending high school. All students enrolled at Jefferson are Middle College students and must meet the requirements of the Middle College program to receive a Middle College diploma. For the Class of 2023, all students must earn 12 college credits and take one onsite PCC class.
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Q: How much do I need to pay for my child to attend Middle College?
A: There is no cost to families. The program covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, materials, and supplies.
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Q: Does my student need to attend Jefferson High School in order to access the Middle College?
A: Yes. Other schools have connections with colleges and universities, but students need to be enrolled at Jefferson in order to take part in Middle College.
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Q. When can I register for each term?
A: Middle College registration for PCC classes happens in August, November, and March.
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Q: How soon can my student access college-level classes at PCC?
A: Students can begin taking PCC classes the summer before their junior year.
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Q. How many credits can I take each term?
A. Students can take up to five credits per term.
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Q: What kind of supports are in place to make sure that students are fully prepared to take advantage of the Middle College?
A: Our freshmen academy focuses on 9th-grade success, which includes double-blocked English and Math. Our juniors and seniors take Beyond High School, a course that teaches students how to navigate college. We also offer after-school tutoring and bi-monthly in-school tutoring.
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Q. What if I haven't taken a PCC placement test or met the prerequisites for a class I want to take?
A: Meet with your Middle College advisors to determine if you are eligible or if you need to take the placement test.
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Q: How can I get extra help in my college classes?
A: Look at your course syllabus for your professor's office hours and preferred method of contact. Remember to always use your MyPCC email when contacting your professor. Tutoring is also available at the PCC Tutoring Center.
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Q. If I have an IEP or a 504 plan, can I get support/accommodations in my PCC classes?
A: Yes! Accommodations are available. Contact Disability Services.
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Q: I have heard something about dual credit. What is dual credit and what courses are currently available on the Jefferson campus as dual credit courses?
A: Dual Credit is the term used to describe courses at Jefferson that are taught by Jefferson teachers, meet all of the college course criteria, and are approved by a college or university to earn college credit. Students can receive Portland Community College dual-credit for Advanced Art/Art 115; Ethnic Studies/ES 101; Junior English/Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW 115); Pre-Calculus/MATH 95; Oregon Institute of Technology for Anatomy & Physiology/BIO 103; and Portland State University credit for Senior Inquiry.
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Q: If I don't take a PCC class will I still graduate from Jefferson?
A: Yes, if you meet the high school graduation requirements, you will still receive a diploma, but not a Middle College diploma.
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Q: Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Garin Gregory, Vice Principal and Middle College Director.
