Middle College Program

Overview

Middle College at West Valley College is a joint program with Campbell Union High School District and Los Gatos Saratoga Union High School District that offers an opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students seeking access to the Community College environment while working towards their high school diploma. Middle College students have the maturity and academic skills to be successful in college-level classes.

The program is housed entirely on the West Valley College campus. With a wide selection of clubs, students can be actively involved in the extracurricular life at the college. Students can also participate in extracurricular activities at their home high school. They also receive a diploma from their home high school and participate in their home high school graduation ceremony.

Under the guidance of their high school Middle College counselor, along with a West Valley College counselor, students select classes that meet high school graduation requirements while having access to electives offered at West Valley College. These classes could be credited towards their college degree and transferred to UC, CSU or private schools.

Students are enrolled in two (2) high school classes, as well as a minimum of six (6) and a maximum of eleven (11) college units per semester. Juniors are placed in either an AM block or PM block on Mondays and Wednesdays and Seniors are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are also scheduled in a Counseling (COUN 005: College Success) class in their first year of the program.

Benefits

Complete high school graduation requirements and earn college credit (dual enrollment)
Opportunity for 11th and 12th graders to become more self-sufficient in a college environment
Offers a smoother transition from high school to college
Variety of class selection in a challenging and supportive environment
Flexible schedule

Middle College Class Schedule

For questions about Middle College, contact your School Counselor or Erin Reyes at [email protected].

Application Process

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the Middle College Program. To be considered a candidate for enrollment in the Middle College Program, a student must:

Attend the Mandatory Family Information Night (specific dates are TBA).
Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 (unweighted or weighted)
Submit the online application, which includes:
1. Three (3) Recommendation Forms: 2 from a core subject high school teacher (English, Social Studies, Math, or Science) and 1 from your high school counselor (links to the Recommendation Forms are included in the application, which applicants will share with their respective recommenders)
2. Upload a typed, double-spaced 2.5 - 3 page analytical essay responding to a short story included in the application
3. Short answers responding to application questions
4. Upload a writing sample of a recently graded analytical essay (English preferred)
Students may be invited to attend an Interview. Check your personal email address that you reported on the application for an application status update and/or final status.

If admitted to the program, you will receive "Next Steps" instructions in preparation for your scheduled Orientation date.

Due to an increase in interest and demand, a lottery may take place should we receive more applications than spots available.

Program Requirements

Grades Requirement:

Have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8.
Students are required to pass all West Valley College courses and Middle College classes per semester and session with a “C” or better, including the summer term at the start of the program.
Students must receive letter grades for all West Valley College classes that offer letter grades. Students cannot opt for Pass/No Pass grades unless that is the only grading option available.
Students are required to plan and monitor their academic progress through graduation. Students are encouraged to take advantage of West Valley College Support Services.
D or F Grades and Probation:

- Please refer to the Student & Parent/Guardian Agreement.
Incomplete Grades:
- Students receiving an Incomplete issued by the WVC instructor will have one year to resolve the Incomplete grade for a letter grade unless faculty indicates an earlier due date for completion of work. If the grade is not resolved within the given timeline, the Incomplete grade will result in an F.

Graduation:

Middle College students receive a diploma from their high school and participate in the high school graduation ceremony.
Middle College students should always list themselves as a high school student from their home high school (using the home high school CEEB Code) when applying for college admission, scholarships, financial aid or standardized tests.

Student & Parent/Guardian Agreement

The student must complete and pass a minimum of 6 and/or a maximum of 11 West Valley College units each semester with at least a C or better. Enrollment is limited to 11 units for each regular semester (Fall and Spring). Winter and Summer sessions are optional, and students can enroll in up to 9 units for Summer session or 7 units for Winter session. A petition can be submitted for students requesting to register between 12-15 units per semester. Mission College classes are not reflected on the high school transcript except for the following cases and when prior approval from the high school counselor has been granted: a) it meets a graduation requirement or b) it meets the 6-unit minimum requirement.
Students must earn a "C" or better in all high school and college classes each semester to remain in the Middle College Program. Any D or F grade in high school and/or college classes (including summer and winter sessions) triggers an automatic review and may result in Academic Probation or removal from the program. Students placed on academic probation must work with their counselors to address their academic standing. A second D or F grade while on academic probation will result in the student being returned to their home high school. Students are removed from academic probation when they earn a grade of C- or better in all classes in the subsequent term.
It is expected for students to remain in the Middle College Program for at least one full school year.
Students must abide by the West Valley College Student Code of Conduct, including non-plagiarism, and the local, state, and federal laws while also understanding that behavior not consistent with these standards will be subject to disciplinary measures.
Students may enroll in no more than 1 PE (KINS or DANC) course per semester or term, and students may enroll in no more than 1 online course per semester or term (this is in addition to the Middle College classes).
Incoming Juniors must complete Counseling 005 (College Success; 3 units) no later than the Fall semester of their Junior year in the program.
All college classes must be taken for a letter grade. A Pass/No Pass grade is only allowed if that is the only grading option available.

Attendance Reporting & Agreement

Attendance Reporting for Parents/Guardians:

Parents and guardians are required to call the school district's main office to report student absences for medical appointments or any other reason. All absences must be called in to receive an official excuse.

CUHSD: Contact the District Office Front Desk Support Clerk at 408-371-0960 x2028.

LGSUHSD: Contact the District Office Front Desk at 408-402-6333.

Provide student ID number, last name, first name, day(s), period(s) and reason for absence. Please leave a phone number in case there are questions.

Attendance Agreement:

Attendance in both Middle College high school classes and West Valley College classes is mandatory. Excessive absences may result in a student’s removal from the program. Any extended absences from college classes may jeopardize college grades and credit.
Tardiness and leaving classes early are disruptive to the learning process and could impact a student’s academic success. Students are required to be on time and stay for the full class period.
Students are responsible for notifying West Valley faculty of absences. Students are responsible for getting missed assignments and making arrangements with the instructors to turn in any late assignments.
Parents/guardians must call the High School District Office regarding their student’s absence(s), even if the student turns 18 while enrolled in the program.
Students need to check in with their Middle College teachers of absences, preferably prior to class. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to notify Middle College teachers of their student’s absence prior to the beginning of that day’s class.
Students have the number of days equivalent to those missed to make up the requirements.
Students attending Middle College will follow the Middle College academic calendar.
Students may not be on a high school campus during the school day without prior notification from their home high school. Students must fill out the Participation in Home High School Activities Form and must sign-in and out when entering and leaving their home high school campus.
Students participating in extracurricular activities will be excused from class to attend athletic games and competitions as well as performing arts performances and shows. However, students will not be excused from class for athletic practices or performing arts rehearsals. This policy applies to all students involved in school extracurricular activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Middle College Handbook 2025-2026

Middle College Calendar 25-26