University Center @Elsie Allen High School
In the fall of 2005, ninth and tenth grade students started their unprecedented opportunity to participate in a unique and innovative program: The University Center at Elsie Allen High School, a partnership between Santa Rosa City Schools and Sonoma State University. The program offers a rigorous curriculum schedule and enrollment in university courses as high school juniors and seniors. Currently, Elsie Allen University Center juniors and seniors are taking Introduction to Anthropology, Introduction to Psychology, Cultural Geography, Astronomy, Computer Science, and other exciting courses.
This talent development program supports students through the college preparation process with a series of seminars that provide participants with the skills they will need to be successful at the university level. Entrance to the program is by competitive application. Participants will be selected based on academic performance, teacher recommendations in their core classes, parent/guardian questionnaire responses, and through an interview process. Students who have completed Algebra 1-2 successfully in eighth grade will be able to start Sonoma State University as eleventh graders; students who complete Algebra 1-2 in ninth grade will be able to start classes at Sonoma State University as twelfth graders. Students must be highly motivated to succeed at the college level.
Program Highlights
- Six college prep courses in each of their freshman and sophomore years allow students to complete core high school graduation requirements, pursue elective areas of special interest and take up to 2 classes per semester at the university in their junior and/or senior years.
- Students can still participate in high school extra-curricular activities (sports, drama, music, choir, etc.).
- While high school juniors and seniors attend Sonoma State University, they will save $1,400 to $2,400 annually; they only pay $15 tuition each semester.
- Elsie Allen High School students register first for Sonoma State University classes.
- Students can access the state of the art fitness club, new library facilities, financial aide assistance and counseling services free of charge.
- While students attend classes at Sonoma State University, a program coordinator will be stationed on the college campus to assist University Center students.
- Transportation to and from the high school campus and the university is provided.
- Students have guaranteed admission to Sonoma State University and can choose to complete their degree at Sonoma State University without having to re-apply as a full time student.
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9th |
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Honors English |
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Ac/Honors Biology |
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Honors World History |
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Ac/Honors Geometry |
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Ac. Spanish/French |
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Physical Education |
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Fine Arts (College Prep) |
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10th |
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Honors English |
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Ac/Honors Chemistry |
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Ac/Hon/AP U.S. History |
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Ac/Hon. Algebra 3-4 |
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Ac/Hon. Spanish/French |
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Physical Education |
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Fine Arts (College Prep) |
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11th |
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Ac English |
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AP Language/Comp. |
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AP Biology |
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Hon.Trig./Pre-Calculus |
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AP Spanish / Ac French |
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SSU GE Courses |
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SSU GE Courses |
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12th |
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AP Literature |
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Hon Physics/Hum Anatomy |
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AP Calculus |
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AP Spanish/Lit/AP French |
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SSU GE Courses |
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SSU GE Courses |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Since all high schools offer a University Pathway and AP classes, why did Elsie Allen High School establish the University Center?
- To offer motivated students throughout Sonoma County the potential to earn up to a year of transferable college credit through Sonoma State University at minimal cost, the opportunity to prepare for a successful university experience via increased guidance, and the opportunity to take more courses and to have more enrichment experiences.
- To better prepare motivated students, who might not otherwise be on the university tract to succeed in the transition from high school to college.
- To expose students to a rigorous curriculum and excellent faculty at both the high school and college level that will lead them into advanced fields of study and careers.
What is the application process for admission to the University Center and how many students will be admitted?
General admission criteria includes potential, talent, motivation, creativity, and academic achievement as determined by the student’s transcripts, recommendations from teachers, counselors, and/or administrators, student essays, and a student interview.
Elsie Allen will accept up to 60 incoming ninth graders into the program. Having smaller cohorts allows students to build community and receive individualized support from teachers.
Are there any prerequisites for the University Center Program?
Students are expected to complete the majority of college entrance requirements prior to the start of courses at Sonoma State University, including advanced math, advanced laboratory science and a second year of world language. This means that students, who complete algebra before high school, take geometry in their freshman year and advanced algebra in their sophomore year will get to start courses at Sonoma State University in their junior year. Students who wait to take algebra in their freshman year will start classes at SSU in their senior year after completion of Advanced Algebra in their junior year. Students must also participate in honors/AP English courses to ensure preparation of critical thinking and writing skills before college courses are taken. Students must have a C or better in all classes to go to SSU.