The Early College High School Initiative (2024)

A New Trend in Education: Early College High Schools

Early College High School.

At first read, this combination of words seems like a contradiction in terms. Traditionally speaking, college and high school are two separate segments of education. There has always been a small percentage of advanced students who begin college far earlier than most students. It’s not unheard of for prodigies to begin college classes by age fourteen. For the most part, though, even the brightest finish high school in late spring or early summer at around age seventeen or eighteen. Then they head off to college for the freshman experience the following fall. It’s also not unusual for some students to get a head start on college by taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes. They may also take dual enrollment classes at local colleges or universities during their junior or senior years.

However, Early College High School is something entirely different. It’s neither early enrollment in college nor dual enrollment while still in high school. It’s a new approach to curriculum design. It serves as a bridge from secondary to post-secondary education for students who traditionally might not have the highest expectation of continuing their education after high school.

What is Early College High School?

The Early College High School Initiative first emerged in 2002, funded by a broad group of private organizations with the goal of making tuition-free post-secondary education obtainable for students who were previously underrepresented in institutions of higher learning. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Carnegie Corporation, The Ford Foundation, The Dell Foundation, The Walton Foundation, and others founded the movement. It’s been successful in increasing both high school graduation rates and attendance rates in junior colleges for the following populations:

  • Low-income students
  • First generation college students
  • English Language Learners
  • Students of Color

In addition to private donors, The Early College Initiative has created partnerships with public and private schools in 31 states across the country. To date, the Early College Initiative has been successful. It boasts the following statistics:

  • 90% of program participants finish high school
  • 94% of program participants earn college credit while still in high school
  • 71% of program participants enroll in college directly after high school

How Early College High School Works

The Early College High School (ECHS) model is united by a comprehensive approach to curriculum design which is common to all its programs across the nation.

The Six Elements of the EHCS Curriculum

1. Group Collaboration.

Students engage in project-based work in which they cooperate with their peers to develop new academic and career-driven knowledge. They also develop valuable communication and teamwork skills.

2. Writing to Learn.

Student engage in writing assignments which begin without evaluation. These assignments encourage experimentation with writing conventions. They get students comfortable using written language in an academic context. When a comfort level is established, Writing to Learn assignments may be evaluated and used as formative assessments which progressively lead to summative testing.

3. Progressive Scaffolding.

Scaffolding is a technique common to almost all curriculum approaches. Class work progresses step-wise. In the ECHS model, scaffolding is carefully designed in a step-wise manner to build on prior skills and challenge students to take the next step in their learning process.

4. Classroom Discussion.

Discussion in pairs, small groups, and in a full classroom setting is used to increase student comfort with communicating academic concepts and language in progressively more formal situations. This is important for English Language Learners and students not typically comfortable with public speaking.

5. Literacy Groups.

Literacy groups heighten student engagement with literary texts. They also increase the sophistication with which they encounter texts of all kinds, from literature to STEM question sets. Teachers create and assign roles within the groups which guide students to a higher level of understanding of their subject material.

6. Questioning.

The Socratic Method encourages students to turn on their minds and ask questions which lead to a deep, personal relationship to new knowledge. Teachers encourage and develop questioning skills until they become a core part of the learning process for each student. Through active questioning, students challenge their teachers, their peers, and themselves to apply critical thinking techniques to the learning experience. This drives everyone involved to bring their best attributes to the table at all times.

Increasing College Access and Likelihood of Success

An important aspect of the national ethos in the U.S. is upward mobility. But this does not mean we’re a nation driven solely by acquiring wealth. Nor does it mean that everyone wants to start a business or become a doctor or a lawyer. Certainly, these dreams are praiseworthy and many of our young people live to fulfill them. But many young people today feel blocked from the path to even modest success in life. And it’s because they simply can’t afford college.

Many of these young people have modest goals: work, stability, and family.

The Early College High School Initiative exists to give these students the opportunity to pursue education past high school. It helps them pursue an associate’s degree, a technical certification, or a four-year college degree. School leaders, teachers, and parents should consider researching the options created by the Early College High School Initiative. With over 230 school partners in 28 states across the nation, there is probably an avenue available for every student to achieve their dreams.

The Early College High School Initiative (1)

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The Early College High School Initiative (2024)

FAQs

The Early College High School Initiative? ›

Early college high schools use a transformational strategy of bringing college into high school by simultaneously offering a high school diploma and a college-level credential and/or degree. The schools are tuition-free and expose all students to rigorous academics and career technical education

education
Education is the transmission of knowledge, skills, and character traits. There are many debates about its precise definition, for example, about which aims it tries to achieve. A further issue is whether part of the meaning of education is that the change in the student is an improvement.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Education
coursework.

What is the goal of early college high schools? ›

ECHS facilitate a greater participation of at-risk, low-income, and students of color in college level courses. ECHS potentially decrease high school drop-out rates while increasing students' access to post-secondary education.

What is the goal of early college high schools quizlet? ›

According to the textbook, what is the goal of early college high school? To make it easier for students from undeserved backgrounds to enter college.

What is early college high school program in Texas? ›

Early College High Schools (ECHS) are open-enrollment high schools that allow students least likely to attend college an opportunity to receive both a high school diploma and either an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree.

What is the Massachusetts Early College Initiative? ›

MA Early College Designated Programs work to blend elements of high school and college to provide students with the opportunity to experience and complete college level academic coursework on a clearly articulated pathway and simultaneously gain exposure to a variety of career opportunities.

How long has early college high school been around? ›

The ECHS Initiative began in 2002 with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others. The first early college in the United States, Bard College at Simon's Rock, was founded in 1966. Today, more than 230 early colleges across 28 states serve 50,000+ students.

How many early college high schools are in the US? ›

There are about 400 early colleges throughout the country. (Though that's compared to about 23,500 public secondary and high schools total, making these programs relatively rare).

How will early college help you achieve your college goals? ›

The program helps young people succeed by providing:
  • Increased rates of graduation. ...
  • Advanced preparation for college. ...
  • Mental focus on being college bound. ...
  • Financial savings. ...
  • Time management and study skills. ...
  • Relationships and networking opportunities.

Why is considering college early in high school important? ›

The biggest benefit of graduating high school early is the opportunity to get a head start on college or work. When you graduate a semester early you can first take courses at a community college. This allows you to get gen eds out of the way before transferring to a 4-year college.

What did the early colleges in the United States focus on? ›

Besides being in the ministry, other professions requiring an academic degree were lawyers and medical doctors. The early colleges had only a number of the undergraduate curriculum, focusing on religious studies and liberal arts.

Does Harvard accept early college high school students? ›

At Harvard's Pre-College Program for high school students, you'll build advanced academic skills—and amazing memories—that will last a lifetime. You'll learn to live independently on a college campus.

What is the youngest age you can graduate high school in Texas? ›

Be at least 16 years of age. Have completed two credits required for graduation in each subject of the foundation curriculum under the Texas Education Code, §28.002(a)(1) Have failed to be promoted to Grade 10 one or more times as determined by the school district.

What is the oldest age you can attend high school in Texas? ›

Compulsory attendance applies to students who are at least six years old as of September 1 of the applicable school year. The law requires a student to attend public school until the student's 18th birthday, unless the student is exempt under §25.086 .

Why is Massachusetts education system good? ›

“Some researchers have found that more resources — or taxes paid by residents — typically result in better school-system performance,” said WalletHub. The study ranked the commonwealth first in Math and Reading test scores, Massachusetts students were also reported to be the least threatened or prone to injury.

Does Massachusetts allow school choice? ›

SUMMARY. Massachusetts's school choice program allows students to attend school in any district in the state. Participation is limited to 2% of all public school students. School districts can choose not to participate but must opt out on an annual basis.

What is an N1 IEP Massachusetts? ›

In MA, you may hear the term N1 (the notice of proposed school district action) or N2 (notice of school district refusal to act).

What is the oldest still running high school in America? ›

Oldest Public High Schools In The United States Still In Use
RankOldest Public High Schools In The U.S.A.Year Established
1Boston Latin, Boston, Massachusetts1635
2Hartford Public HS, Hartford, Connecticut1638
3Cambridge Rindge and Latin, Cambridge, Massachusetts1648
4Hopkins Academy, Hadley, Massachusetts1664
6 more rows

What is the oldest active school in America? ›

The oldest school in the United States is the Boston Latin School, established in 1635. To this day, the curriculum continues to follow that of the 18th century Latin school movement, meaning that three to four years of Latin are mandatory for all students.

What is the oldest school for higher education in the United States? ›

Harvard University

As well as being the oldest university in the US, Harvard is also one of the world's most prominent, currently ranked third in the QS World University Rankings®.

What year of high school matters most to colleges? ›

Your first year and sophom*ore year affect your cumulative GPA, which is important to most colleges. However, a solid academic record in your junior year is likely to carry more importance with an admissions committee.

What percent of Americans go to college right after high school? ›

Among California public high school students, 63% enroll in college following high school graduation. 26% of high school students enroll in a four-year college.

What percentage of high school seniors go to college in the US? ›

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, 61.8 percent of recent high school graduates enrolled in college in October 2021 at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/61-8-percent-of-recent-high-school-graduates-enrolled-in-college-in-october-2021.htm (visited June 26, 2023).

What are disadvantages of early college? ›

Perhaps the greatest single problem faced by Early College students is the inability to mentally transition from traditional high school expectations to college-level expectations. Additionally, freshmen and sophom*ores are still in the process of growing in maturity and organizational skills.

What is the difference between AP and early college? ›

AP classes are year-long and taught by high school teachers. Students are required to pass an exam with a score of 3 to 5 to earn college credit. Early college courses are semester-long, some of them taught by college instructors at high schools, for which students earn both high school and college credits.

Is it worth going to college early? ›

By cutting out a semester or even a full academic year, you can substantially lower how much you spend on tuition, textbooks, and room and board. Depending on the type of school you attend, graduating one year early can save you between $22,690 and $51,690.

Is it harder to get into college if you graduate high school early? ›

Graduating high school early can affect college, but usually not in the way that students expect. It's easy to assume that wrapping up high school quickly would boost their college application. In reality, colleges don't view early graduates any differently.

Why do people want to graduate college early? ›

By graduating early, you will spare yourself an extra semester or years' worth of tuition costs, book costs and other expenses associated with your education. The less time you spend earning your degree, the less money you will have to pay in the long run.

Why should people go to college early? ›

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.

Why were early colleges created? ›

Religious denominations established most early colleges in order to train ministers. They were modeled after Oxford and Cambridge universities in England, as well as Scottish universities. Harvard College was founded by the Massachusetts Bay colonial legislature in 1636, and was named after an early benefactor.

What was the reason for the founding of most early American colleges? ›

Colonists established our early colleges initially to train clergy and then to prepare lawyers and teachers. It was very much a vocational enterprise. There are nine institutions typically referred to as the Colonial Colleges. They include seven of the eight “Ivies” (The eighth Ivy, Cornell, was founded in 1865).

What is the meaning of early college student? ›

The Early College Program. Early College Program (ECP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses provide special part-time admit students with the opportunity to earn college credit while they are in middle and/or high school.

What high school sends most kids to Harvard? ›

AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — The public Texas high school that sends the most students to Harvard, Princeton and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is right here in Austin. Westlake ranked No. 4 in the entire state for the number of students who matriculated to those elite East Coast universities and No.

What is the lowest high school GPA to get into Harvard? ›

You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

What is the lowest grade to get into Harvard? ›

After being admitted with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average (GPA), you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be considered in good academic standing. If your GPA falls below 2.0, you are in poor academic standing.

Can you graduate college at 13? ›

Clovis said he was inspired by Jack Rico, who at 13 earned four degrees at Fullerton College, breaking the record for youngest graduate in 2020.

How many credits do you need to pass 11TH grade in Texas? ›

10th 6 credits 11th 12 credits 12th 18 credits Due to recent State legislation, requirements for graduation may change.

Can you graduate high school at 15 in America? ›

And lastly—and thisDo you want to graduate high school at 15? It's possible. In fact, about 10% of students who enroll in a public high school do so when they're 15 or younger.

What is the 90% attendance rule in Texas? ›

What Does The 90% Rule Mean For Your Child? In addition to Texas compulsory attendance laws, districts are required to enforce the 90% rule which states that students in grades Kindergarten through 12th must attend a class for 90% of the time it is offered to receive credit or a final grade.

Can you be 19 in the 12th grade? ›

The twelfth grade is the twelfth school year after kindergarten. It is also the last year of compulsory secondary education, or high school. Students are often 17–18 years old, and on rarer occasions, can be 19 years old. Twelfth graders are referred to as Seniors.

Can a 22 year old go to high school in Texas? ›

The state used to provide funding for high school students up age to age 20, or 21 for special education students. But a law, now in effect, allows people up to age 25 to enroll in high school. "A 25-year-old student does not fit in a high school setting," a Tyler mother and substitute teacher said.

What state is ranked 1st in education? ›

1. Massachusetts. Massachusetts has the best-ranked public schools in the United States and is the second-most educated state, just behind the District of Columbia. About 90.40% of Massachusetts adults have a high school diploma, and 42.90% have a Bachelor's degree or higher.

What is ranked #1 for education? ›

Florida ranks number one for higher education for the 7th year in a row. Florida boasts the lowest higher education in-state tuition and fees among all states. The state's high school graduation rate was 3.7 percentage points above the national average according to U.S. News & World Report.

What state has the best public schools in the country? ›

1. Massachusetts. Massachusetts has the best public school system in the U.S. 48.8% of Massachusetts's eligible schools ranked in the top 25% of high school rankings, a total of 167 schools. Massachusetts has the highest math and reading test scores in the U.S. and the second-highest median ACT score of 25.1.

What is the easiest school to get into in Massachusetts? ›

Table of contents
  • Massachusetts Maritime Academy acceptance rate.
  • Fitchburg State University acceptance rate.
  • Western New England University acceptance rate.
  • Suffolk University acceptance rate.
  • Assumption College acceptance rate.
  • Endicott College acceptance rate.
  • Worcester State University acceptance rate.

What age is school free in Massachusetts? ›

All school-age children who live in Massachusetts are entitled to attend a public school free of charge and all children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school. Most children attend school in their home district, the school district in which they live.

Is it illegal to not go to school in Massachusetts? ›

Massachusetts' compulsory education laws require children age seven and older to attend school, unless they are deemed mentally or physically unable to attend or have immediate needs at home. Parents who fail to comply may be fined.

Does ADHD qualify for IEP in Massachusetts? ›

Neither ADHD nor LD guarantees a child an IEP or a 504 plan. An evaluation of the stu- dent must demonstrate that a disability substantially affects the child's ability to function in school, — academically, behaviorally, and/or socially.

What is autism classified as in IEP? ›

According to the IDEA's definition, autism is “a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.”

What is the Massachusetts Early college Initiative? ›

MA Early College Designated Programs work to blend elements of high school and college to provide students with the opportunity to experience and complete college level academic coursework on a clearly articulated pathway and simultaneously gain exposure to a variety of career opportunities.

What are the benefits of going to college early? ›

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.

Why is graduating college early important? ›

Increase your net worth faster

By graduating early, you'll be able to enter the professional world faster. That means you'll be able to reap the salary benefits of having a diploma sooner than your peers who choose to stay in college for an additional year.

Is it worth it to graduate college early? ›

Should You Graduate College Early? Graduating early means spending less money earning a degree and more time earning a living. The year you shave off college becomes your first year on the job. Not only do you receive an extra year of wages, but you also potentially fast-track promotions and higher wages.

Does graduating early look good for medical school? ›

Nevertheless, medical schools do take age as a marker of maturity. They may be impressed with your ability to complete medical school quickly, but they just as easily may be turned off by your inexperience in college.

What are 3 benefits of going to college? ›

11 college benefits to consider
  • Higher income. Having a college education can increase your earning potential. ...
  • Employment benefits. ...
  • Advantages for your family. ...
  • More job opportunities. ...
  • Job security. ...
  • Job satisfaction. ...
  • Networking. ...
  • Personal development.
Feb 3, 2023

Do colleges like first-generation college students? ›

According to the Pew Research Center, schools consider learners first-generation students if neither of their parents earned a bachelor's degree. Most colleges and universities welcome first-generation students, with many offering scholarships and financial support specifically for first-gen students.

Am I first-generation college student if my grandparents went to college? ›

Am I still a first-gen student if other members of my family (step-parents, siblings, grandparents) went to college before me? Yes. Being a first-gen student means that your parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member's level of education.

What do first-generation students struggle with? ›

First-generation students often experience guilt over leaving their families and possibly their financial responsibilities at home. Many first-gen students feel badly that they have an opportunity other family members did not have, as well as guilt over feeling as though they are rejecting their past and community.

What are the pros and cons of graduating college early? ›

Graduating early from college does have some advantages.
  • You Can Lower the Cost of Your Degree.
  • You Will Reduce the Need for Student Loans.
  • You Can Enter the Workforce Sooner.
  • You'll Have a Tougher Workload in School.
  • You'll Miss Out on Activities.
  • You May Not Be Emotionally Ready for Post-College Life.

Who is the youngest high school graduate? ›

There is only one known person to ever finish high school before the age of nine. Michael Kearney holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person to complete secondary education at the age of six.

What happens to student loans if you graduate early? ›

Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your federal student loan goes into repayment. However, if you have a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Federal Family Education Loan, you have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments.

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