Piner High School (PHS), and Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), have joined in an educational partnership to offer the Piner High School-SRJC Early College Magnet Program to qualified incoming 9th graders. Students participating in this unique program can earn college credit without having to pay for tuition or books while enrolled at Piner High School. This exceptional educational opportunity provides students with accelerated learning in the company of other college bound students, while preserving their high school experience in sports, drama, music, student government, and other extra-curricular activities. Because students in the program will not have to pay for SRJC tuition or books, families will save several thousand dollars in college costs.
Program Details:
- Freshmen and sophomores enroll in specific classes at PHS geared to prepare them for college success.
- As juniors and seniors, students take four courses at PHS and two courses per semester at SRJC.
- Students may choose to transfer up to one year of earned SRJC units directly to the University of California System, California State University System, or private institutions of higher learning. Students also have the option to continue their studies at SRJC in order to earn an associate degree, or an SRJC career certificate.
Student Expectations:
- Pursue post secondary education
- Devote a minimum of two hours daily to homework
- Participate in PHS-SRJC Early College Magnet activities and events – including California college campus tours in freshman and sophomore years
- Attend SRJC support counseling classes
- Maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average at PHS and SRJC
- Complete all Santa Rosa City Schools high school graduation requirements
- Abide by all SRCS & SRJC rules
Student Support Provided by Piner High School:
- A dedicated Counselor skilled in college preparatory assistance who will work with students to create an individual graduation plan
- An onsite program coordinator
- Rigorous college preparatory courses, including Honors and Advanced Placement classes
- FREE transportation to and from SRJC during junior and senior years
- Teachers knowledgeable of expected student outcomes in the program
Student Support Provided by Santa Rosa Junior College:
- FREE college class tuition – Up to 30 units – and FREE textbooks
- An SRJC counselor with knowledge of magnet program and college entrance expectations
- Resource room for PHS students on the SRJC campus
- Ongoing collaboration with PHS staff
SRJC support classes include:
- Counseling 299 (Differences Between High School and College)
- Counseling 60 (Effective Study Workshop)
- Counseling 370 (College Orientation)
- Counseling 61 (Introduction to Career Development)
- Early College Magnet Program students enjoy all the privileges of SRJC students, including access to SRJC libraries, research facilities, labs, and academic tutoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of the Early College Magnet Program?
Piner High School students can earn up to one year of college credit in a highly supportive environment. The college credit will result in career certification that translates into high skill levels and wages in the job market; an Associate Degree, or completion of undergraduate courses leading to a Bachelor’s Degree.
What does the Piner High School campus have to offer?
Piner High School’s state of the art facility includes a performing arts center, culinary arts facility, synthetic sports field and all-weather track, five high-tech science labs, and an Internet connected library and media center. Classroom technology includes connection to the Internet, as well as the most up to date auditory enhancement equipment. The challenging academic curriculum, which includes honors and Advanced Placement courses in core classes, is delivered by highly skilled teachers who are appropriately credentialed.
What does the SRJC campus have to offer?
Santa Rosa Junior College offers a comprehensive educational program for students planning to continue their education at a four-year college or university. It grants associate of arts and science degrees. In addition, over 170 occupational certificates are offered through coursework designed to prepare students for successful careers in business and industry. Recognized for its rigorous academic programs, outstanding faculty, all-inclusive student services, and first-rate facilities, SRJC consistently ranks as one of the top community colleges nationwide. The Early College Magnet Program at Piner High School prepares students for college success, makes the pathway to college more accessible, and represents an ongoing partnership between SRJC and the Santa Rosa City Schools.
Do I have to enroll in SRJC College courses Monday through Friday?
We have created a flexible schedule, which will allow you to take SRJC classes during the school day in your junior and senior years at Piner. You may also take SRJC classes on evenings or weekends. This flexibility will allow you to take the classes you need at times that conveniently fit your schedule.