Some innovative public and private high schools are offering qualified students the opportunity to participate in Early College High School (ECHS). While these programs are not the right choice for every student, when it is a good fit for your child, ECHS can offer many benefits and a jump start on the transition to college.
What Is Early College in High School?
Through participating high schools, young people who are ready to take on the challenge of college level coursework can earn up to two years of college credits, or even an associate’s degree, in the time it takes to complete high school. This approach is more than college prep by allowing students to attend college classes and earn actual credits toward their future degree.
These programs were specifically designed to help young adults who may not be able to afford college, or who are first generation college attendees in their families. ECHS allows any qualified student to take this path regardless of financial factors and broadly expands access to higher education for all young people who can take advantage of this fast track to a college degree.
For students who are wondering how to finish college early and parents who are trying to budget for the costs of college, ECHS can be a viable option to maximize academic achievement and save up to two years of time on their future career path.
What Are the Benefits of Early College Programs in High School?
The educational advantages of ECHS have been proven in the early years of the program. The program helps young people succeed by providing:
- Increased rates of graduation. Studies have shown that students who participate in ECHS are significantly more likely to graduate from high school. Additionally, 88% of ECHS graduates enroll in college for the fall term after graduation.1
- Advanced preparation for college. By attending college level courses and entering the college environment, students have the opportunity to learn to navigate these waters with the support and assistance of their high school. Many find the transition to college much less stressful after high school graduation.
- Mental focus on being college bound. ECHS turns attending college from a dream into a reality and helps a young person feel capable, confident, and focused on following through with the remainder of their degree. Their high school teachers and counselors provide help with any problems and help foster the sense of accomplishment that these students have earned.
- Financial savings. Graduating high school with up to two years of college credits means that a student can finish in about half the time. They can also enroll in more advanced classes as soon as they transition to college full time, leapfrogging past the normal freshman courses and the scheduling headaches that come with competing for seats in a college classroom.
- Time management and study skills. College professors have higher expectations of students and often report that first year college students are not well prepared. ECHS lets students ease into the coursework and leverage support from their high school as they build the skills needed to succeed in college. They will have a better understanding of how much homework and study time is needed to do well and the level of quality expected of their projects and papers.
- Relationships and networking opportunities. An ECHS student will meet other gifted students and college level friends and mentors. Programs within the college will help students make friends and be recognized by educational leaders and influential people as the promising student they are. These experiences can lead to excellent letters of recommendation and even support in getting into the most prestigious colleges and universities.
Does Your High School Offer Early College Programs?
Many students change to Lydian Academy, even in the middle of the traditional school year through rolling admissions, because they want to take advantage of the gifted, 2e, and Early College High School opportunities we offer. No matter which educational path we help students and parents customize to individual strengths, all of our students graduate high school with the essential skills needed to reach their post-secondary goals.
Our one-on-one approach to learning allows students to blend college courses smoothly into their high school curriculum, and attend either online or in person. Flexibility and a customized approach to high school frees students and parents to find the methods and environments where they can truly thrive and excel.
You can contact us to schedule a virtual open house or tour one of our campuses in Burlingame or Menlo Park, CA. Partnering with us opens the doors to the most innovative and comprehensive approach to your child’s education. To find out more about ECHS and all our programs, reach out to us today.
Sources:
- https://www.air.org/project/evaluating-impact-early-college-high-schools
FAQs
ECHS lets students ease into the coursework and leverage support from their high school as they build the skills needed to succeed in college. They will have a better understanding of how much homework and study time is needed to do well and the level of quality expected of their projects and papers.
How will the early college program help you fulfill your dreams? ›
The journey towards higher education is often marked by milestones, challenges, and moments of profound growth. For many students, Early College and Dual Enrollment programs serve as pivotal stepping stones, offering opportunities to excel academically, explore passions, and carve out pathways to success.
Why do you want to participate in the early college academy and how will it help you to meet your future goals? ›
Students accelerate their learning in a field of interest. Students gain a sense of belonging in higher education. Students earn early college credit at a reduced cost, making higher education attainment more affordable. Students tend to enroll full-time-in higher education and complete their degree at a higher rate.
What is the meaning of early college student? ›
The Early College High School Initiative in the United States allows students to receive a high school diploma and an associate degree, or up to two years of college credit, by taking a mixture of high school and college classes.
What states have early college high schools? ›
Early College High Schools
- Alaska ↑ Effie Kokrine Charter School. ...
- Arizona ↑ Luz-Guerrero Early College. ...
- California ↑ Academy of the Canyon (formerly Santa Clarita Early College High School) ...
- Colorado ↑ Dolores Huerta Preparatory High. ...
- District of Columbia ↑ Bell Multicultural School. ...
- Florida ↑ ...
- Indiana ↑ ...
- Iowa ↑
ECHS lets students ease into the coursework and leverage support from their high school as they build the skills needed to succeed in college. They will have a better understanding of how much homework and study time is needed to do well and the level of quality expected of their projects and papers.
Is it beneficial to apply early to college? ›
Applying early allows students to decrease the amount of peers they are competing with during the application process, therefore increasing their chances of admission.
Why is college prep important in high school? ›
Starting college prep early has many benefits, including learning readiness, campus life preparation, and the ability to navigate challenges. Sometimes students make the mistake of only focusing on academic readiness, but preparing early for college actually entails far more.
How to answer the question why do you want to attend this college? ›
Provide Specific Details and Examples
Instead, refer to specific details that explain why you want to attend that particular school. For example, you could make note of unique programs that stand out to you, your interest in research opportunities, or a desire to take classes from a certain professor.
Why is academic preparation important? ›
Academic preparation for college helps students to familiarize themselves with the challenges of learning in a typical higher education setting, and includes skills development in areas such as study skills, time management and goal setting.
The term “normal school” is based on the French école normale, a sixteenth-century model school with model classrooms where model teaching practices were taught to teacher candidates. In the United States, normal schools were developed and built primarily to train elementary-level teachers for the public schools.
What are the disadvantages of early college? ›
Potential drawbacks: While there are unique academic opportunities, early college high school may limit students' exposure to traditional high school activities and social experiences, such as prom, sports, and clubs, and can affect their social development due to limited interaction with peers.
What do you call a first time college student? ›
Glossary. first-time, first year (freshman) student (First-time in College) Term: First-time, first year (freshman) student. Preferred Term: First-time in College (FTIC) Description: A student attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level.
What year of high school is most important for college? ›
Welcome to your junior year of high school, often cited as the most important year when it comes to college admissions.
What are early college programs in us? ›
- Bard College at Simon's Rock (Massachusetts).
- Bard Early Colleges (Cleveland, New York, New Orleans, Newark). ...
- Boston University Academy. ...
- Bucksbaum Early Entrance Program, University of Iowa. ...
- Cal State LA Early Entrance Program.
- Clarkson School (New York).
- Early College at Guilford.
The top 10 states with the best school systems – Wisconsin ranks tenth
| Rank | State | Final Index Score |
|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 71.54 |
| 2 | New Jersey | 69.19 |
| 3 | Connecticut | 62.80 |
| 4 | New York | 62.31 |
6 more rowsFeb 19, 2024
A well-rounded education can help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. Higher education can provide students with opportunities to explore different fields of study and gain real-world experience. They can help equip students with the skills employers need now and in the future.
How can college bridge programs help you reach your goals? ›
Offer mentorship, resources, and guidance. Provide transitional support for students who want to transfer into a four-year university after earning an associate's degree. Give students meaningful classroom or workplace experience. Help students adapt to the academic challenges they face as college students.
Does college help you get your dream job? ›
It can be tough to get any job without higher education, but getting and keeping your dream job may require a specialized course of education that you can only get from career specific training. A huge benefit of career degrees is that they actually put you on exactly the right course for success in your chosen field.
How does college help with goals? ›
Develop effective communication skills:
A traditional undergraduate education typically places a significant emphasis on written and oral communication. As a college graduate, you'll have developed the necessary research, critical analysis, and writing skills that are necessary in all disciplines.
