Frequently Asked Questions
How many classes do I take at Palo Alto Middle College High School (PAMC)?
As a Middle College High School student, students take three high school classes every day and around 11 college units (Foothill courses) per quarter (with the exception of summer quarter, where students can take up to 6 units). Most PAMC students take 2 Foothill classes every quarter.
Do I earn high school and college credits at the same time?
At PAMC, students earn high school credits for the courses taught by PAUSD teachers. Students also earn college credit for the Foothill College courses taught by Foothill instructors. All eligible courses count towards earning the 220 semester credits needed to graduate high school in PAUSD. Additionally, PAMC students graduate with a college transcript from Foothill College. Students can earn extensive quarter units on their Foothill College transcript that can then be submitted to four-year universities when applying to transfer.
How many high school credits do I earn from passing a Foothill College quarter course?
For Foothill College courses taught by Foothill staff, students earn double credit. For example, a class at Foothill that is 4 quarter units will earn 8 high school semester credits. For High School courses taught by PAUSD staff, students earn traditional high school credit, which is 5 credits per semester.
Can students attend special academic programs (e.g. Social Justice Pathway, Theater) at Gunn or Paly while attending Middle College High School?
No. Middle College High School students are enrolled in PAMC, not Gunn or Paly. Unfortunately, PAMC students may not take classes at Gunn or Paly during the regular school day. Foothill College offers many electives which allow students to explore their interests and passions through college coursework.
Does PAMC have a specialized curriculum or just Foothill college courses?
Middle College High School students take PAUSD courses in English, Social Science, and Mathematics (up to Algebra 2) with PAUSD teachers, similar to what they would take at Gunn or Paly. Foothill College provides flexible learning options, with college courses offering in-person, virtual, online, hybrid—both synchronous and asynchronous. Middle College High School students receive multiple student support services, including a dedicated counselor to help navigate graduation requirements and college registration process while at PAMC.
Do Middle College High School students earn a weighted GPA for Foothill College classes?
PAMC will follow the PAUSD process for calculating credits earned for Foothill College courses, which includes receiving double the credit. For example a 5 unit Foothill course will earn 10 high school semester units. This allows PAMC students to complete a one year high school course in one quarter at Foothill (for a 5 unit class at Foothill College). Students do not earn a weighted GPA for Foothill College classes. However, students may challenge themselves with academic and Honors coursework offered through Foothill College.
Can I take AP, Honors, or other accelerated courses at PAMC?
AP classes are intended to be college level courses for high school students. Because PAMC are already enrolled in college classes, no AP classes are offered. PAMC students cannot take honors or accelerated classes at Paly or Gunn while enrolled in Middle College High School. However, with the wide number of options through Foothill College, students who would like to take challenging courses will have many options to choose from. Students are encouraged to explore the Foothill College course catalog to learn more about the courses available and talk with the PAMC counselor regarding specific questions.
What happens with math classes at PAMC?
Students can take Algebra 2 with PAMC math teachers. After students have completed and passed Algebra 2, they can take additional math courses through Foothill College. PAMC students not taking PAMC math will be enrolled in additional PAMC elective courses such as Living Skills during the daily high school coursework time.
Math courses at Foothill College can be “open access” (no placement assessment required) or require a placement assessment. Placement is also based on high school transcript information. The PAMC counselor can provide students with additional information regarding math.
What are some additional benefits of being a student at Foothill College?
PAMC students have full access to Foothill resources, services, tutoring, clubs, activities, and more. All Foothill College coursework and resources are free to PAMC students. PAMC students can also pursue degrees and certificates at Foothill College. Examples may include Associate Degrees, Certificates of Achievements, Career Certificates, or Certificate of Achievement in Transfer Studies: IGETC (for transfer to UC/CSU schools).
Completing Foothill degrees and/or certificates can be an ambitious goal and will likely require PAMC students to take Foothill courses during spring and/or summer quarters as well as taking the maximum number of credits possible during fall and winter quarters. Students interested in these possibilities should schedule a meeting with the PAMC counselor as soon as possible to build a plan for meeting student goals.
If a course is not offered at Foothill College, yet offered at Gunn or Paly, can a PAMC student take the class through Gunn or Paly?
No. It will not be possible for PAMC students to take Gunn or Paly classes during the school day at those high schools. The one exception could be taking an 8th period Gunn or Paly class, as long as this 8th period class does not conflict with PAMC or Foothill coursework.
Are Foothill College classes transferable to the UC/CSU systems?
Yes. Most courses PAMC students take through Foothill College are transferable to the UC and CSU systems. The PAMC counselor will help students select courses that can be used for high school graduation requirements as well as courses that can be transferable. Upon graduation from PAMC, students will hold two transcripts, one for high school (which includes the Foothill courses taken to meet graduation requirements), and one transcript from Foothill College, which includes only college coursework. It is important to note that once PAMC students take Foothill classes, they are beginning their college transcript record. Courses cannot be removed from an official transcript. Any courses that transfer to a four-year institution will contribute to the GPA of the student.
Do PAMC students meet the same high school graduation requirements as Gunn and Paly?
Yes. PAMC students are high school students in the Palo Alto Unified School District and must meet all required graduation requirements as outlined by School Board policy. PAMC students build a 4-Year Planning document in collaboration with the PAMC counselor to ensure students are on track for graduation, as well as meeting all A-G requirements for acceptance into UC/CSU schools and other 4-year colleges. PAMC students complete English, history/social science, mathematics, and elective courses with PAMC high school teachers. Additionally, students will take Foothill College courses to fulfill high school graduation requirements in these subject areas: Science, visual and performing arts, world language, career tech ed, physical education, and electives. Students may choose to also take Foothill mathematics courses.
How do 4-year universities feel about Middle College students? Is Middle College an advantage?
Students who have been in a college atmosphere and been successful tend to show better future college outcomes than students who have performed well in advanced high school classes (AP, Honors). Another advantage of being a Middle College student are the experiences students have on a college campus, such as learning how to talk to professors, how to register for classes, how to access tutoring and other student support services, among others. These skills go with students when they transfer to a four-year university. There are many paths to college, students have to decide what feels best for them as an individual.
What is the PAMC schedule like?
Middle College High School courses are held on Foothill College Campus five days a week, Mondays through Fridays for three hours a day. During the time PAMC students are not in PAMC classes, they will take Foothill College classes, which may run in-person, online, or hybrid (a mix of in-person and online).
Can I still participate in after school sports at Paly or Gunn?
Yes! As long as practices and games do not conflict with either Foothill coursework or Middle College High School courses and/or activities, students can participate in athletics at Paly or Gunn (determined by school zone map). PAMC students are eligible to participate in activities and clubs through Foothill College and PAMC also.
What school will be listed as my school on my high school transcript and diploma when I graduate?
Middle College High School is its own school. PAMC students receive a transcript and diploma from Palo Alto Middle College High School upon graduation. Students will also participate in the PAMC graduation ceremony. However, if students in the class of 2026 and 2027 would also like to walk in the Gunn or Paly graduation, this can be arranged.
Who is my school counselor?
Middle College High School students receive multiple student support services, including a dedicated counselor to help navigate high school graduation requirements and the college registration process.
Are there any additional costs to attending Middle College High School?
No. Middle College High School does not require students to pay additional costs. All Foothill College expenses and fees are paid for by PAMC. Attending PAMC is free for students.
Does Middle College High School follow the same yearly calendar as other schools in the Palo Alto Unified School District?
Yes. Middle College High School follows the PAUSD academic calendar for the high school courses. Please keep in mind that PAMC students are enrolled in high school classes and Foothill College classes. Because of this, there may be situations when PAMC students may need to attend Foothill College classes on days that are “no school” days for PAUSD.
Does Palo Alto Middle College High School have a campus?
Middle College High School has a dedicated building on the Foothill College campus. The facilities include six classrooms, with additional office space to accommodate staff and provide counseling, wellness and mental health support.
How many students will be at PAMC?
Middle College High School is anticipating a maximum enrollment of sixty students per grade level.
Do I have to live within the Palo Alto Unified School District?
Yes, to be eligible to apply for PAUSD MC High School, you need to live within the boundaries of PAUSD.
What grades does Middle College High School serve?
Middle College High School is for students grades 10-12.
Can I still participate in sports and activities at my home high school?
Yes, as long as it doesn’t conflict with Foothill coursework and PAUSD MC High School courses and activities. Contact the athletic director at your home high school.
Does PAUSD MC High School follow the high school calendar?
Yes. PAUSD MC High School follows the PAUSD academic calendar for the high school courses.
Who is my school counselor?
PAUSD MC High School students receive multiple student support services, including a dedicated counselor to help navigate graduation requirements and college registration process. Please contact Rachel Dial, counselor.
Do I earn high school and college credits at the same time?
In PAUSD MC High School, you earn high school credits for the PAUSD MC courses taught by PAUSD teachers. You earn college credit for the Foothill courses taught by Foothill instructors. All eligible courses count towards earning the 220 semester credits needed for PAUSD graduation requirements.
Is PAUSD MC High School a dual enrollment program?
PAUSD MC High School is different from Dual Enrollment. Dual Enrollment courses refer to high-school courses that have gone through curricular alignment with a community college and whose students are enrolled in two institutions concurrently, therefore earning high school credits and college credits simultaneously. In PAUSD MC High School, you earn high school credits for the PAUSD MC High School courses taught by PAUSD teachers. You earn college credit for the Foothill courses taught by Foothill instructors. All eligible courses count towards earning the 220 semester credits needed for PAUSD graduation requirements.
How is PAUSD MC High School different from College Now!?
College Now! is a separate program run by Foothill College. Students take Foothill courses on Foothill campus, with guidance from the PAUSD Counselor. Please contact Rachel Dial if you have any questions.
What courses can I take at Foothill College?
You can browse the entire Foothill College course catalog