Highly Capable programs within the high school campus: 
Each comprehensive high school offers highly capable programming via acceleration, clustering and counseling.  Dual credit coursework such as Advanced Placement, College in the High School, and other recognized rigorous programming is offered in multiple subject areas. Students may also accelerate based on demonstrated and assessed talents in the performing and visual arts.  Acceleration is recommended for any student who has met standard on the grade level state assessment.   

CWU - College in the High School/Cornerstone: 
The College in the High School/Cornerstone Program is designed to offer highly capable students the opportunity to take rigorous college courses while in high school. The courses are taught by qualified high school instructors who have been approved by appropriate Central Washington University and/or University of Washington academic department and colleges as affiliate faculty. Courses must be university catalog courses at the 100- or 200-level and require the same prerequisites.

The program is accredited by the National Alliance for Concurrent Partnerships (NACEP) and adheres to their standards to ensure rigorous university oversight for consistency in educational experiences between students enrolled in this program and students enrolled in campus sections.

Running Start is an additional offering for students and families who desire options beyond the Puyallup School District’s High School Course of Study. Information is available in each high school’s counseling center. 


AP Capstone is an Innovative program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork and communication skills valued by colleges. AP Capstone was developed in response to feedback from higher education. The two AP Capstone courses, with their associated performance tasks, assessments, and application of research methodology, complement the rigor of AP courses and exams


Read about changes to AP Federal Funding under ESSA.