The Bonsall High School Early College program is a formal partnership between Bonsall Unified School District (BUSD) and Palomar College’s Fallbrook Education Center (FEC) designed to give high school students direct access to college-level education while still enrolled in high school.

Overview of the Partnership

• The program began Fall 2022 as a collaborative initiative between Bonsall High School and the Fallbrook Education Center.
• It is structured as an Early College model, meaning students take actual college courses on a college campus, rather than only high school-based dual enrollment classes.
• The partnership is intended to create a seamless pathway from high school to college and career through shared planning, instruction, and student support systems.

How the Program Works

• Location: Courses are primarily offered at the Palomar College Fallbrook Education Center, giving students a real college environment.
• Access & Cost: Students can take courses tuition-free, removing financial barriers to college participation.
• Transportation: The program includes organized transportation between Bonsall High School and the Fallbrook campus to ensure access.
• Enrollment: Students remain enrolled at Bonsall High School while simultaneously taking Palomar College courses.

Academic Opportunities

Students enroll in college-level courses for credit, which count toward:

• High school graduation requirements
• College credit

The Fallbrook Education Center offers a wide range of general education and career-focused courses, including pathways in:

• Arts, humanities, and social sciences
• STEM fields
• Career technical education (CTE) areas such as fire technology, administration of justice, and education

Some students can complete certificates or significant college coursework before graduation, such as:

• Associate Teacher Certificate (completed in accelerated format)
• Early childhood education or other workforce-aligned credentials

Student Experience and Benefits

The program provides an immersive college experience, helping students build independence and academic readiness.

• Earning college credits early, reducing time and cost of higher education.
• Improving GPA through weighted college coursework.
• Gaining exposure to college expectations and systems.
• Supporting first-generation college students and expanding access to higher education pathways.

Program Scale and Growth

• Participation has grown steadily, with dozens of students (around 80+) enrolled, reflecting strong student demand and program expansion.
• The partnership is viewed as a successful and innovative model, offering personalized, career-aligned pathways for students.

Distinction from Traditional Dual Enrollment

While Bonsall also offers dual enrollment, the Early College partnership is distinct because it:

• Prioritizes on-campus college immersion at the Fallbrook Education Center
• Provides a more structured pathway toward certificates, degrees, or transfer readiness
• Emphasizes cohort participation and guided student support