One day you’re an eighth-grader attending a high school orientation meeting, and the next you’re walking into a stadium, wearing a mortar board and tassel as “Pomp and Circumstance” plays in the distance.
It all happens so fast.
That’s why John Acha, Turlock Unified School District’s director of secondary education, wants to help Turlock and Pitman high school students make the most of their time.
“We have a lot of different ways students can earn college credit, on campus, during the school day, with us, and meet graduation requirements, as well,” said Acha. “Dual enrollment courses will also save students money, because they’re taking a college course for free.”
Turlock High’s freshman orientation is slated for March 20, while Pitman’s is scheduled for March 24. Incoming high-school students who are interested in dual enrollment courses are encouraged to discuss the options with a counselor.
“Parents and their students are going to be attending these orientations and they’re going to be hearing about these classes,” said Acha. “And wouldn’t they like to know these things now, so they can start building out an academic plan.”
The courses aren’t just for incoming freshman. Current freshman, sophomores and juniors can also take advantage of dual enrollment as they set out to solidify their 2025-26 schedules.
Turlock and Pitman both offer Art Appreciation and Music Appreciation, while Pitman offers a third option: Basic Drawing.
“These classes will give you transferable credits to UC’s and CSU’s,” said Acha.
There’s also a list of more than two dozen courses — Advanced Floral Design, History of Art and Floral Design, Ag Engineering, Ag Welding, AP American Government, Business and Finance, Chemistry and Agriscience, Biology and Sustainable Ag, Child Development and Guidance, Criminal Justice, Criminal Investigation, Educational Psychology, Environmental Horticulture, Health and Character Education, Sports Medicine, and Video Arts (pending) — that will go toward an associate’s degree or a certificate from a community college (and could possibly help some when transferring to a four-year university).
Additionally, TUSD students have an opportunity to take courses that will be transferable exclusively to Stanislaus State.
For the 2025-26 school year, the fall term will feature an Introduction to Philosophy at Turlock High, and Physical Geography at Pitman. For the spring semester, the classes will flip-flop and be offered at the opposite campus. However, it’s important to note that these courses are only available before school (about 7:30 to 8:20 a.m.), and with no bus service at that time of the morning, students need to provide their own transportation to campus.
“When you’re thinking about electives, choose wisely,” advises Acha. “Make them count, make them worthwhile, because there are a lot of good options available for students.”
