Middle College High School

in partnership with University of New Mexico - Gallup

THE PATH TO COLLEGE STARTS HERE

About Middle College High School

Middle College High School (MCHS) is a public charter school serving students in grades 9-12, providing an innovative and high-quality individualized learning environment for a distinct set of students. It is currently located on the University of New Mexico – Gallup campus, operating in partnership with the university to provide a seamless educational continuum that benefits students as they move from high school to their post-secondary goals. The school, operating since 2002, serves approximately 140 students.

The mission of MCHS is to increase student involvement in postsecondary education with an emphasis on serving students of diverse backgrounds who are normally underrepresented. Students can earn an associate degree in a number of fields, including liberal arts, general studies, and specific sciences and health sciences.

Middle College High School is Student-Centered

Even prior to applying for, and receiving, official early college high school designation from the New Mexico Public Education Department, the goals of MCHS have been to:

Provide high quality, learning-centered education to all MCHS students
Provide effective and efficient services to all MCHS students, fostering their independence as they transition into the postsecondary environment
Provide an educated and skilled workforce to enhance Gallup’s economic development

Each of these goals align well with the design principles of early college high schools which are nationally recognized and reinforced by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Those principles include:

Ensuring Equitable Access for students underrepresented in postsecondary education
Developing Academic Pathways leading to industry certifications and/or college credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree
Incorporating Robust Student Support in the form of academic and non-academic wrap-around services, including structured tutoring and a weekly seminar
Promoting Connections to Career through workplace experiences, including job shadowing and service learning courses
Fostering a High-quality and Deep Partnership between the high school and college

How does Middle College High School benefit students?

As McKinley County’s leading early college high school, MCHS prepares students for success by providing the opportunity to earn an Associate’s degree from top tier faculty and to save an average of $20K on future college expenses. With a 98% graduation rate, MCHS is a school of excellence.

Middle College High School boasts a college matriculation and retention rate that exceeds 80% of its high school graduates.

Preparing students to become active leaders of the future, Middle College High School in Gallup, NM, is living true to its mission of providing an innovative and high-quality individualized learning environment for a distinct set of students.

Content for this spotlight page was provided by Dr. Robert Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Middle College High School