Santiago Charter Middle School’s first dual enrollment cohort with Santiago Canyon College has proved that 12- and 13-year-olds can succeed in college-level studies.
After 64 students successfully earned credits through the pioneering program during the 2024-25 school year, a second group of Santiago Charter middle schoolers will have the opportunity to do the same during the 2025-26 school year.
With proud parents and relatives looking on, the 50 students who qualified for the second cohort were announced individually Nov. 10 in a special ceremony in the school’s auditorium.
Santiago Charter Principal Ashley Pedroza said the students in the first cohort completed their coursework with “incredible success,” earning close to 300 college credits collectively.
“Year one showed us what’s possible, and year two reminds us that this is only the beginning,” Pedroza said. “Together we are building a bridge between middle school and college, between hope and opportunity, and between what has been done and what can be imagined.”
Students in the cohort not only earn real college credits, but they also build confidence and set a high bar for students in future cohorts, the principal said.
By June 2026, dual enrollment students are estimated to earn close to 800 college credits collectively.
The program offers age-appropriate courses that meet UC and CSU General Education requirements.
Students apply for the dual enrollment cohort through an essay submission, a teacher’s recommendation and an interview.
“Dual enrollment is the type of experience that promises to change your life in profound ways,” said Santiago Charter teacher and dual enrollment coordinator Joan Ekdale. “Whether you are finishing your fourth college course or just beginning this incredible experience, you are all taking charge of your futures.”
Baila Pruter, a Santiago Charter dual enrollment student, shared about her journey and how dual enrollment has helped her to become a better student and a more mature person.
She also shared tips on how to get the most out of dual enrollment with the least amount of stress.
“What has helped me is by putting my mind in a headspace where I can focus on my future,” Pruter said. “I think many of the students who’ve done dual enrollment before can attest to this. Before dual enrollment, we didn’t really focus on our future. We focused on, you know, what we’re having for dinner tonight, what type of homework do we have for tonight. Not really about what high school we’re going to, what college we might think about, what’s realistic, what’s in reach for us.”
The program has not only helped Pruter become a better student, but also to become a better teacher, she said.
“And just remember something that kind of goes with dual enrollment is that dual enrollment is everything that you put into it,” Pruter said. “As much as you put into dual enrollment, it’s all that you’re going to get out of it.”
Baila Pruter’s mother, Kristi Pruter, said dual enrollment has helped her daughter become more focused, develop structure and listening skills and to contemplate her future.
“Her dad and I have always preached that knowledge is power, and the more knowledge you gain, the more power you have,” Kristi Pruter said. “And I think the one thing that this has taught her is how to listen to rules, listen to steps you need to take on turning things in, and that’s the essence of life.”
It’s a little more structured, or higher level, than just the regular classes that she’s taking, her mom said.
“One of the main things she’s had to learn in these college courses is how to think outside the box, put her own thoughts on paper, and some of those things,” Kristi Pruter said.
Christine Dieu, mother of Santiago Charter student Liam Dieu, said her son is athletic and was anxious to participate in sports at the middle school.
But Liam is also a straight-A student, his mother said, so once the family found out about the dual enrollment program, “that’s what really brought us here.”
“I’m really excited that I could get a head start in college and just get a feel of the life of college as a middle schooler,” Liam Dieu said.
Jason Parks, vice president of academic affairs at Santiago Canyon College, acknowledged being a bit skeptical when the concept of dual enrollment between the college and middle school was first presented.
But once he learned more specifics and noticed how confident Santiago Charter Middle School administrators were in offering college-level courses, Parks became enthusiastic.
Parks also said the role of the parents can’t be underestimated.
“We know they’re probably frustrated sometimes when the work gets hard, and you guys are there for them,” Parks told parents attending the ceremony. “We know your kids are staying up late. I’m so proud of all of you who are taking these classes, who are taking this on, and who are just getting that much further ahead in your college careers.”