Tualatin Academy @ Pacific University

Pacific University allows talented local junior and senior high school students to take Pacific undergraduate courses for college credit without having to pay tuition, and on a space-available basis. This program is called Tualatin Academy @ Pacific University. 

If approved into this program, high school students will register as non-degree-seeking and may enroll in one course per semester.  Students may take up to a total of two university courses while you are in high school. Some high schools may grant graduation credit for courses taken in this program.

Enrollment will be confirmed a few days prior to the start of a given semester. Pacific University students have registration and enrollment priority. Certain courses are not available due to prerequisites, placement criteria, etc. Students must complete this application form for each semester they wish to participate.

Forest Grove High School (FGHS) sophomores may participate to access 2nd-year World Languages courses; eligible students may take more than two foreign language courses for credit.

When Should I Apply?

We invite local students from participating schools to apply in the months leading up to the start of the next semester. Applicants should be in good academic standing, high achievers, and able and mature enough to handle the rigors of the college classroom. We are generally looking for a high school GPA above a 3.2. 

  • Fall semester begins in late August, please apply in June, July, and August.
  • Spring semester begins in late January, please apply in December and January. 

What is the Deadline to Apply and Register?

  • The deadline for the Tualatin Academy application to be submitted:
    • Spring semester is January 20th
    • Fall* semester is August 20th 
      • *for the course Latinos: New Frontiers A/B the deadline is August 30th
  • Class Registration deadlines are always the Wednesday prior to the start of the semester.

How to Apply

Step One | Please complete the Tualatin Academy Student Application form (pdf), which requires parent/guardian support, insurance waiver, and high school counselor approval. Please submit this completed application along with a copy of a high school transcript to mike.shingle@pacificu.edu

Step Two | Identify a course to enroll in on the BoxerOnline class schedule (go in as a guest). Work with your high school counselor and Academic & Career Advising at Pacific University to make sure this course is appropriate. If a course has prerequisites, we will need to ensure that they are met. Please refer to Math prerequisites which include either prior college-level Math credit or ACT/SAT scores to ensure you qualify. 

Step Three | Once approved and a course is chosen, please complete the course registration form in consultation with Academic & Career Advising. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be covered by Insurance before I am eligible?

Yes. The student's parent/guardian must fill out the application to include insurance information and students must be covered all times during participation in Tualatin Academy. Please see the details on the student application (pdf).

Do I need to meet course prerequisites prior to enrollment? What if I do not meet the course prerequisite?

Yes, students must meet the established prerequisite for any course in which they plan to enroll. Some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis in some subjects. Math prerequisites are firm. Please ask us if you have questions about prerequisites. 

What is considered good academic standing to be eligible for Tualatin Academy?

The Director of Academic & Career Advising will review students' high school transcripts and test scores to determine eligibility. Generally, we are looking for A's and B's and a track record of taking challenging and rigorous coursework while in high school. 

Why the name Tualatin Academy?

Tualatin Academy was a secondary school established in 1848 and operated as a sister institution to Pacific University until 1915. You may read more about the history of Pacific University as well as more about Mary Frances Farnham who was an important person in the connection of Tualatin Academy and Pacific University. 

Contact Us

Mike Shingle | Director, Academic & Career Advising
Pacific Hall 130 | mike.shingle@pacificu.edu