San Jose Middle College

Why Middle College

Credits- Students earn college and high school credits at the same time

Small learning environment- Students can receive tutoring, individualized support and academic guidance due to the size of the program

Class choice- There are a wide range of transferable college classes that also fulfill the requirements for high school graduation .  Plus, College Classes are Free!

Community- Middle College has a motivated and diverse student body that creates a safe and thriving academic community

Academic Life

Middle College students earn college and high school credits at the same time. Students can get individualized tutoring, support, and academic planning. There are a wide range of transferable college classes that also fulfill the requirements for high school graduation. Plus, college courses are free!

Additionally, students are expected to take on the responsibilities of college students when it comes to creating and following a daily schedule.

Instructional Calendar

2020-21 Calendar

In order to give our students a full day off from college and high school classes, Middle College follows a modified version of the San José Unified and San José City College schedules. However, the number of days of instruction remains the same as the rest of San José Unified. 

Differences from the San José Unified calendar include: no Fall Break in October; shorter Winter Break in February; earlier SJCC Spring Break; and earlier last day of instruction in the Spring.

A Day in the Life

Middle College classes run from 10:45 AM to 2:15 PM, Monday through Thursday, with a half hour for lunch. Friday classes run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with no lunch. Typically, a student schedules college classes in the mornings before their high school start time. Most students take 2-3 college classes.
NOTE: Middle College students cannot schedule college classes during high school hours.

While this is the “typical” schedule, students have flexibility in choosing their college courses.  Students can choose early morning, afternoon, night, and/or weekend classes

Requirements

Students must test at a reading and writing level of 2 or 3 on the San José City College placement test, which is used as a prerequisite for many college classes.

Students should have at least 2.0 GPA. This is a requirement for all inter-district students.
Students need to demonstrate a certain level of maturity through their school records and come to Middle College with strong recommendations.

NOTE: Interdistrict transfer students must renew their applications annually.

Responsibilities

Students will take all high school courses on the San José City College campus and are responsible for their own transportation.

Students will be enrolled in 6-9 credits of college coursework. Students are responsible for attending class regularly and for all communication with their college instructors.

San José Unified’s behavioral guidelines apply to this program. Those guidelines are defined in the Student Handbook, which is updated and distributed annually to students and parents.

Grades, Graduation & Home High Schools

The high school program issues six-week progress reports twice a semester and report cards twice a year. College instructors do not need to issue progress reports. However, we solicit them twice a semester on behalf of Middle College students.

Students will graduate with other Learning Options programs. Middle College has a special event every June to honor our students.

Application Process

There are three (3) phases to the application process. Students should not apply to San José City College until their Middle College application has been reviewed by the staff.

Phase 1

The student completes and delivers the Middle College application packet to the Middle College office on the campus of San José City College at 2100 Moorpark Ave., San José, CA 95128. The office is located in the Student Center, across from the main parking garage, in room SC-211.

The application packet includes:

• Administrator Recommendation
• Teacher Recommendation (core subjects only, AT LEAST 2)
• Student & Parent Questionnaires
• 504 Plan (if applicable)
• IEP Letter (if applicable*)

* An IEP placement meeting with San José Unified is required prior to Middle College enrollment. Learning Options representation is required if a decision to place a student at Middle College is made.

Click below to download each part of the application packet and a checklist:

• Application Checklist
• Administrator Recommendation
• Teacher Recommendations At Least 2
• Student Questionnaire
• Parent Recommendation

 

 

Phase 2

All students are required to complete a San José City College (SJCC) application form online. After submitting the application, the student will be assigned an SJCC student ID number.

Phase 3

Students who are accepted into the Middle College program will receive notification and must register for SJCC courses. Accepted students will need to sign a Middle College Behavioral/Academic/Attendance Contract.

Reasons for Refusal

Students may be declined admission to the Middle College program for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the following:

The student has demonstrated substantial behavior or attendance issues.
Transcripts indicate that the student may not be successful in the Middle College program.
The admission interview brings to light issues that suggest the program will not meet the student’s needs.

Testimonials

“I came to Middle College because I wanted to become a better student”- Lydia

“The staff really cares about you both academically and personally.” - Jennifer

“The Middle College staff has been great because they provide you with a plan in order for you to be a successful student.” - Lilly

“I like the class size of Middle College and how the people you meet become like your family.” - Alyssa

“The students at Middle College strive for academic success, which causes us to motivate each other.” - Jadon

Location & Office Hours

Middle College at San José City College
Business building 107 (B-107)
2100 Moorpark Ave.
San José, CA 95128.

Tech classroom: T-421
Drama Classroom: D-108

Click here for directions and campus map

Office hours
Monday through Thursday
9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Tel: 408.535.6539

Instructors are generally in the office on Fridays from 12:15 PM to 2:00 PM, and a counselor is available Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have more questions? We may have already answered them…

How will credit from college courses be counted by the student’s high school?

A typical 3-credit college course translates to 10 high school credits. College courses that are more than 3 credits can translate to as many as 10 high school credits.

Do you offer AP classes in the high school program?

Instead of AP courses offered in the comprehensive high school students take college courses and are able to earn college credit by passing each class with a C or better.

Will Middle College hurt/help my chances of getting into a four-year university?

A number of our students have gone directly to a four-year university. Middle College follows the A-G subject requirements. Many colleges and universities are familiar with the concept of middle college programs, and some weigh the college courses taken by high school students.

Is there a GPA bump for passing college classes?

San José Unified School District does not weight GPA, however some colleges and universities including CSU and UC attribute grade points for college courses in admission consideration.

How much does this program cost?

College classes are free. Most students rent their books for a nominal fee. SJCC offers an Eco pass for under $10 which allows students to take unlimited VTA public transportation for the semester. Students are responsible for buying parking permits if they drive to campus.

What type of support is offered?

Students are given one-on-one support with their high school classes and meet with Middle College staff several times a semester to check in on their progress. Further support in academics and personal time management is provided as needed. SJCC support services, which include tutoring in math and writing and health and counseling services, are also available to all Middle College students.

How many college classes can I take?

Students, by law, are allowed to take no more than 11.5 college credits a semester. Students generally take 7-9 credits a semester.

Which high school classes will I take? Do I have to?

All students need to take four (4) high school classes to meet the required 180 minutes a day. Juniors take English and U.S. History as well as 2 high school electives. Seniors take English and U.S. Government/Economics as well as 2 high school electives.

Will I be able to play sports or go to prom?

All Middle College students may participate in clubs and student activities on campus at San José City College. Once enrolled in Middle College, you are a Middle College student and are no longer associated with your original high school.

Will I be able to graduate with my home high school?

Once you enroll in Middle College, you are no longer associated with your original high school, and you will participate in the Learning Options graduation ceremony.