• What is Early College High School?

    Early College High Schools (ECHS) are innovative high schools that allow students the opportunity to attend college and to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 college credit hours or more with the possibility of earning an Associate of Arts degree. Early College High Schools:

    • provide dual credit tuition at no cost to students or their families
    • offer rigorous instruction and accelerated courses
    • provide academic and social support services to help students succeed
    • increase college readiness, and
    • reduce barriers to college access.

    In the coming years, jobs that require a minimum of an associate’s degree are expected to grow at twice the rate as opposed to those that require no college experience.

     

    Benefits of Early College High School

    • Small school enrollment
    • Innovative, accelerated, and advanced courses
    • Develops college-level skills
    • College going culture with access to facilities and services
    • Support systems: tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and small learning communities
    • Reduces barriers to college access
    • Facilitates transition to 4-year colleges and universities
    • Increases likelihood of post-secondary education and training

    A well-educated population is essential to the success of our nation. The knowledge gained from a community college education, credential and degree supports social mobility, employability, global understanding and higher earning potential.

     

    How is Early College Different from a Dual Credit Program?

     

    Dual Credit

    Marine Creek Collegiate

    Typically offers between 12 and 30 hours of college credit.

    Provides up to 60 hours of college credit or more.

    Students usually begin taking dual credit in the 11th or 12th grade.

    Students begin taking dual credit in the 9th grade.

    Support services vary.

    Academic, social, and emotional support programs are required for all students (e.g., tutoring, mentoring, AVID, Saturday school, college and career advising).

    Students have the opportunity to earn and Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree.

    Students may earn a high school diploma with one or more of the following endorsements: Multi-Disciplinary, Arts & Humanities, STEM