What is an ECHS?
Early College High Schools (ECHS) propel students toward high school graduation and college credentials simultaneously during grades 9-12.
ECHSs are tuition free and open to the same students served by their home district, including ethnically diverse students, low-income youth, first-generation college attenders, and English Language Learners. Each school has established minimum entrance requirements and determines eligible candidates by lottery if applications exceed the enrollment slots available.
ECHSs offer rigorous academic courses, alongside and career technical education courses aligned to each school’s priority Career Pathways.
Each ECHS works in partnership with colleges and community partners and share responsibility for student success.
What are the defining characteristics of ECHS?
Early College High Schools typically:
- Have no more than 100 students per grade level, allowing for carefully constructed wrap-around supports for each student
- Are located in close proximity to a college or university partner – often on their campus
- Use a form of scheduling that allows for acceleration of the graduation requirements so upperclassman can take college courses
- Offer limited high school electives, as most elective credits are earned through dual credit coursework
- Grow slowly in the school’s early years, often opening with ninth grade only and taking four years to reach full capacity
Why would students and families choose an Early College High School?
Early college high schools typically have higher high school graduation rates than traditional high school. Additionally, students who earn postsecondary credentials or degrees in addition to their high school diploma can outearn their non-ECHS peers and enter the workforce sooner at a higher level of skill. Additionally, students and families can save time and money If students choose to pursue higher college credentials or degrees.
Other benefits include:
- Greater opportunity for individualized attention due to small school size
- Enables highly motivated students to move through four years of high school and the first two years of college in only four years
- Helps students grow in responsibility and maturity in balancing both high school and college environments
It’s important to note that ECHS students taking college-level courses are building their college transcript, as well as their high school transcript. Course completions and grades have an impact on college GPAs and future financial aid.
What students do ECHSs seek to serve?
Early College High Schools serve students who:
- Are in 9th to 12th grades
- Have a sincere interest in academics and a willingness to work hard
- Want to start their college coursework sooner and earn a college credential or degree sooner
- Are typically underrepresented in higher education, including low-income students, students of color, and first-generation college-going students
Do students need to have a high GPA or be in a gifted program to participate?
No. Students and parents need only demonstrate a commitment to fully participate in an academically rigorous program.
How can I find out if Early College is available in my district? What questions should I ask?
- Do any of high schools offer college credit-bearing coursework for learners? If so, can a learner earn either an industry credential and/or receive college credit?
- Does the district have an Early College High School Program? If so, is what is the enrollment process? Who should I contact?
- Is the Early College High School on a high school campus or college campus?
- Are college courses primarily in person or remote?
- If on a high school campus, how do students get to the college for courses?
- Are the college courses taught by high school or college faculty?