What is Dual School?

Dual School is a private, online, early college high school for accelerated learning. We partner with community colleges while students are still in high school to offer a seamless, supportive path to college - and beyond. By optimizing available educational resources, Dual School helps students save time and money on education, while giving them more freedom and flexibility to explore what makes them unique.

Dual School is launching its first full-time cohort in Fall 2025. We are a fully online school, open to students anywhere in California. Our model combines early college, dual enrollment, and a guaranteed UC transfer pathway-offering a faster, more flexible route through high school and into higher education. Dual School is built for ambitious, self-driven students who are ready to move faster, go further, and take ownership of their future.

Our Mission

We are on a mission to help students save time and money on their education.

Our vision is to create the new face and pace of education - one that is more efficient, flexible, and future-oriented.

Our Values

At Dual School, we believe students don’t need more school - they need better school.

At a Glance

• High school is slow → Graduate early and move at your pace
• College is expensive → Save $90,000+ by getting two years of college credit in HS
• Curriculum is duplicative → Combine HS + college courses to eliminate redundancy
• Admissions are competitive → We guarantee a UC transfer via TAG
• Students lack time for their passions → You co-design your education for your passions

Apply Now

Our first full-time cohort begins in Fall 2025 - and we’re looking for pioneering students to join the Class of 2029. If you’re ready to take ownership of your education and move faster toward your goals, we’d love to hear from you.

Fill out our Interest Form

This quick form helps us learn a bit about you and what you’re looking for. From there, we’ll follow up directly to schedule a call or answer any questions you have.

I'm Interested

Application Process

• Interest Form → Submit a quick form to let us know you are interested.
• Intro Call → We’ll connect personally to walk you through the program, expectations, and what life looks like at Dual School.
• Application → Complete your official application.
• Acceptance → Secure your spot with a 10% deposit and signed Enrollment Agreement.
• Onboarding → Receive onboarding and course planning support - and begin your Dual School experience!

Tuition & Payment

Tuition at Dual School is all-inclusive - covering core academic courses, dual enrollment support, college planning, and access to our digital learning tools. There are no hidden fees or surprise costs.

Once accepted into Dual School, a 10% non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot, along with a signed Enrollment Agreement.

We keep tuition significantly lower than most private schools and college-prep programs to make a fast, flexible, future-oriented education more accessible to all.

2025–2026 Tuition Rate: $10,000/year
*Tuition credits available for students enrolling as part of a pod (see below)

Pod Enrollment & Referral Credit

Dual School is built for flexibility and community. We encourage students to enroll as part of a local pod - whether that’s a group of friends, teammates, or like-minded learners.

To support this, we offer a $500 tuition credit per student for any students enrolling as a group. Pod up, support each other, and save together.

Dual School Financial Benefits

We don’t just save you money - we save you time, which multiplies your long-term return on investment.

Our Philosophy

At Dual School, we believe a great academic program should do more than help students graduate - it should help them excel, stand out, and move forward with purpose. That’s why we’ve reimagined high school as a launchpad: blending rigorous college coursework with personalized support, modern tools, and meaningful flexibility. Our students don’t just keep up - they have the option to leap ahead.

The 3 + 1 Model

3 Years of High School + 1 Year of Community College

At Dual School, the core curriculum is carefully designed to be a blend of high school and college classes every semester. To preserve the UC guarantee, in Year 3, students technically graduate from high school. In Year 4, students are full-time college students and finish their AA degree - securing guaranteed admission to the UC system through California’s Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG).

What is TAG?

TAG stands for Transfer Admission Guarantee - and it’s one of California’s best-kept secrets.

Through the TAG program, students who complete an AA degree and meet specific course and GPA requirements are guaranteed admission to their choice of one of six University of California campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz.

At Dual School, every student is expected to meet the exact TAG requirements for their chosen major and campus - turning a once-uncertain college application process into a secure, streamlined pathway.

TAG provides a secure foundation, but not a ceiling. Students can still apply to any out of state or private college while knowing they have guaranteed admission to a strong UC campus if needed.

Two Chances at College Admissions

At Dual School, students get something rare - two chances to get in to their dream college.

• Year 3 → First, students apply to colleges as high school seniors in the fall of Year 3. If they get in, they can skip the fourth year of Dual School and go straight to the college of their dreams. They would be considered a “Freshman Applicant” so while transferability of the college courses taken to date would be up to the transferee university, we help provide the credentialling and support to obtain maximum transferability.
• Year 4 → Then, they apply again in the fall of Year 4, as transfer students after Year 4, with an AA degree in hand and guaranteed UC admission through TAG as their safety net.

With a top 50 university already guaranteed as the “safety school,” we encourage every student to aim high in both rounds, and we provide admissions guidance and application support to get the best results possible in every individualized case.

Standing Out and Differentiating Yourself

At Dual School, we do more than help students meet requirements - we help them stand out.

We build in the time, flexibility, and support for students to differentiate themselves through meaningful, real-world experiences - tailored to their goals. Dual School is designed to help students identify their unique strengths, craft a powerful narrative, and develop a college-ready portfolio that reflects who they really are.

College admissions are about more than checking boxes - they’re about showing who you are. We give students the tools and time to do exactly that.

Embracing Technology in Education

Most schools fear emerging tech. We teach students to master it.

At Dual School, we integrate technology not as a shortcut - but as a catalyst for deeper learning, independence, and ability. From AI tutors to planning tools, students learn to use modern tools with wisdom and purpose.

How We Use Technology

• AI Learning Experiences → To prompt deeper thinking - not just give answers.
• Remote-First Model → For flexible, high-quality learning
• Innovative Planning Tools → For goal setting, pathway planning, course tracking, and reflection.

Built Around You

At Dual School, we didn’t just redesign the classroom - we reimagined the entire student experience. We believe students thrive when school is efficient, flexible, and designed to fit their life - not the other way around.

That’s why every part of our model gives you more control over your time, your learning, and your future. We focus on what’s essential - core academics, transferable college credit, and personal growth - and leave the rest to you.

The result? More space for the things that matter most outside of school: sports, work, creative projects, family, travel, health, and passion. You get the freedom to pursue what makes you you.

What Life Looks Like at Dual School

• Online classes on your time → Daily access to high school and college coursework from anywhere.
• Weekly check-ins with advisors → For personalized planning, accountability, and encouragement.
• On-demand AI tutor (Khanmigo) → Helps with writing, problem-solving, and building independent learning skills.
• Flexible PE credit → Earn credit through dance, sports, fitness, martial arts, or personal training.
• Student-led schedules → Learn during your most productive hours and build a rhythm that fits your life.
• Real connections → Optional in-person classes, meetups, pods, and community activities.

Designed for Passion and Purpose

Dual School is built for students who want more than a diploma - they want to explore their passions, define their path, and do something meaningful. Our flexible structure gives you time during the day to chase what you love - whether that’s building a startup, training for nationals, volunteering, writing a novel, or working a job.

We believe students learn best when they have time to live. That’s why we’ve removed the busywork and long school days, and replaced them with real accountability, self-direction, and freedom. You’ll build confidence not just as a student - but as a person.

Learn How to Learn

Most high schools expect students to “figure it out” on their own. At Dual School, we teach you how to manage your time, advocate for yourself, and lead your own learning journey. Our “EdXcelerate Your Life” wraparound course ensures you build the skills that matter - the ones that last beyond high school.

You're a Great Fit If You...

• Are self-driven, curious, and motivated → You like taking initiative and asking questions that matter.
• Have a passion or pursuit outside of school → Whether it’s sports, coding, art, or activism - you want time to pursue it seriously.
• Value flexibility, freedom, and real results → You’re not just looking for a different schedule - you want a better outcome.
• Want a clear path to college - but on your terms → You want options and guarantees, without losing your individuality.
• Prefer doing over sitting, and creating over cramming → You learn best by building, exploring, and applying - not just memorizing.

Dual School is led by a team of educators, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners who believe every student deserves an education that works for them.

Can I do this “3 + 1” plan on my own?

In theory, yes-but in reality, it’s difficult. Most high schools don’t support early graduation or guide students through the UC TAG process. One misstep can cost the guaranteed UC admission. Dual School makes the process seamless and supportive from start to finish.

What about social life?

Social connection is a core part of our model. Students engage in team sports, physical education, local “pods” of peers, and optional community college courses. We encourage friendships, collaboration, and real-life learning beyond the screen.

Is using AI ethical?

Yes-when used well, AI can be a powerful learning tool. Our Khanmigo partnership supports ethical, guided tutoring that teaches students to think critically, not copy. We teach students how to use modern tools responsibly and effectively.

Why do you partner with Lake Tahoe Community College as the default community college?

LTCC uses a quarter system, which allows students to take more units each year and progress faster. It’s one of only three CA colleges with this advantage, and their courses transfer well across the UC system.

What if my child isn’t planning to go to college?

That’s okay. Dual School is designed to prepare students for life-college, entrepreneurship, trades, creative careers, and beyond. We work with each student to help them clarify their goals and chart a personalized path forward.

Can I take college classes at 13?

Yes-with the right support. With our EdXcelerate Your Life course and planning tools, we guide you step‑by‑step to thrive.

Can my child get in-person instruction if we want it?

Yes. Students can opt into in-person electives or hands-on courses at their local community college. This adds structure, socialization, and opportunities for deeper engagement when needed.

Why is Dual School a private school instead of public or charter?

Being structured as a private school gives us the freedom to design an education model that puts students first. We’re not bound by state funding rules, so we can offer a fully customized experience. Our low tuition model allows students to save thousands in the long run.