Academy of the Canyons

Academy of the Canyons (AOC) is a unique early college high school located on the campus of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California. Operated in partnership between the William S. Hart Union High School District and the community college, the school is designed for students who are looking for a rigorous, non-traditional academic environment. By integrating high school coursework with college-level classes, AOC provides a "middle college" experience where students can earn high school diplomas while simultaneously accumulating transferable college credits, often graduating with an Associate’s degree or significant progress toward one.

The school is characterized by its focus on academic autonomy, maturity, and preparation for higher education. Because classes take place in a collegiate setting, the environment promotes independence and critical thinking, appealing to students who may feel constrained by a traditional comprehensive high school experience. Through this dual-enrollment model, Academy of the Canyons aims to bridge the gap between secondary and post-secondary education, offering a challenging, accelerated pathway that saves students both time and tuition costs when they move on to four-year universities.