Published November 5, 2026
NEWPORT BEACH | AROUND NEWPORT | NOVEMBER 5, 2026
Here’s something Newport families might actually want to get ahead of: local high school students can take college classes this spring without paying tuition.
Newport-Mesa Unified announced its Spring 2027 dual-enrollment program, open to students in grades 9 through 12.
Dual enrollment means students take college courses while they’re still in high school, earning college credit and, depending on the class, high school credit too.
Three local community colleges are participating.
Orange Coast College is offering online classes in introductory marketing and real estate principles. They run January 25 through May 22.
Coastline College is offering online courses in food and culture, philosophy and academic reading and writing, running January 30 through May 29.
And Golden West College is offering something different: an in-person Automotive Express Service class.
That course meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., beginning February 1. It offers four college units, and free transportation is available.
So students interested in working on cars can get actual shop training instead of only watching somebody rebuild an engine online.
One detail matters: Coastline’s college English course provides high school elective credit, but it doesn’t replace required high school English classes. Students should also confirm how college credits fit their future transfer plans.
The district says space is limited. Families can start registration online or speak with a school counselor or College and Career Center.
For families thinking about college costs, starting with a few credits before graduation is worth looking into. Especially when the tuition price is zero.
Sources: Newport-Mesa Unified Spring 2027 Dual Enrollment
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