Steps To Get Started
High School Students
Start Your College Journey
Get started earning college credit while you're still in high school.
Whether you're enrolled in a traditional high school, an adult high school, or participating in a dual enrollment partnership, you'll find the steps below to get started at College of Alameda.
Have questions? Need assistance getting started?
Visit our Welcome Center during business hours or call 510-748-5207.
Choose Your Path
Traditional High School Students (Concurrent Enrollment)
You're enrolled in a traditional high school and want to take college classes at College of Alameda. After speaking with a counselor, follow these steps.
1. Create An Account ➜
You will receive emails confirming you've opened your account - save your CCCID number – this can be used to help find your application. Make sure to indicate in the application that you’re currently in high school or lower.
2. Complete the My Journey page and choose a program
3. Complete the remaining sections and submit.
4. Check For Your Welcome Email
Within about an hour of applying, you will receive an email from the college with your new Student ID. Use it to activate your student email and portal logins — you'll need this ID for everything that follows.
5. Complete Your Special Enrollment Form
*Once you've received your Peralta Student ID number
Choose the form that applies to you:
- High School Student Special Enrollment Form ➜
- Elementary & Middle School Student Special Enrollment Form ➜
- Download the appropriate Special Enrollment Form.
- Complete and sign the form.
- Have your parent or guardian and your school representative(s) approve the form. Electronic signatures or typed names are accepted.
- Home-schooled students must obtain approval from their local school district.
6. Submit Your Form
- Email your completed form and a copy of your photo ID to coaadmissions@peralta.edu, or submit them in person to the Admissions & Records Office.
- English, Math, Chemistry, and other prerequisite courses must be cleared by a COA counselor before your form can be processed.
- Schedule a Counseling Appointment ➜ to have prerequisite courses reviewed and cleared.
- Forms submitted by email are typically processed within 2–3 business days.
Adult High School Students
You're enrolled in an Adult High School program and would like to take college classes at College of Alameda. After speaking with your Adult High School counselor, follow the steps below to get started.
1. Create An Account ➜
You will receive emails confirming you've opened your account - save your CCCID number – this can be used to help find your application. Make sure to indicate in the application that you’re currently in high school or lower.
2. Complete the My Journey page and choose a program
3. Complete the remaining sections and submit.
4. Check For Your Welcome Email
Within about an hour of applying, you will receive an email from the college with your new Student ID. Use it to activate your student email and portal logins — you'll need this ID for everything that follows.
5. Complete Your Adult High School Special Enrollment Form
*Once you've received your Peralta Student ID number
Adult High School Special Enrollment Form ➜
- Download the Adult High School Special Enrollment Form.
- Complete and sign the form.
- Have your Adult High School counselor and principal approve the form. Electronic signatures or typed names are accepted.
6. Submit Your Form
- Email your completed form and a copy of your photo ID to coaadmissions@peralta.edu, or submit them in person to the Admissions & Records Office.
- English, Math, Chemistry, and other prerequisite courses must be cleared by a COA counselor before your form can be processed.
- Schedule a Counseling Appointment ➜ to have prerequisite courses reviewed and cleared.
- Forms submitted by email are typically processed within 2–3 business days.
Dual Enrollment Students
Interested in taking a College of Alameda class through your high school?
Dual Enrollment courses are offered through partnerships between College of Alameda and participating high schools. Contact your high school counselor or Dual Enrollment coordinator to learn about available courses, eligibility requirements, and the enrollment process.
Continue Your Journey
Complete Orientation
-
Complete the online orientation and Sexual Harassment Prevention Training in Canvas. You will not have access to these courses until you have enrolled in classes.
- ESOL students should complete the ESOL Orientation and Guided Self-Placement. Orientation is recommended for all new students.
Register For Classes
Once you've completed the previous steps, you're ready to register for classes using the Student Portal.
- Complete the online orientation and Sexual Harassment Prevention Training in Canvas. You will not have access to these courses until you have enrolled in classes.
- Complete ESOL Orientation if applicable.
- Log in to the Student Portal.
- Open the Manage Classes tile to search for and register for your classes.
Get Your Student ID
- Bring a valid photo ID and your current class schedule as proof of enrollment to the Welcome Center (A Building) to get your student ID card and semester sticker.
- Your student ID card provides access to: Basic Needs support such as The Market, Boutique and One Stop Shop as well as campus events, library services, and local store discounts.
Get Your Books & Course Material
- You can purchase your textbooks at the Peralta Campus Store. More information can be found here.
High School Student FAQs
Who can take special enrollment courses?
- Students in High School or lower with the approval of their school representatives and a parent or guardian.
All courses taken become part of the students’ official college record.
- This means special enrollment students have a big responsibility because their performance in these courses will be on their permanent record and can affect their admission to other colleges or universities, their eligibility for financial aid and their eligibility for athletics.
Tuition & Fees
- Special admit students who are California residents will not be charged enrollment fees or any other college/district fees.
- Home schooled students must get written approval from their local high school district.