Applying for Admission to Challenge Early College High School

Each year CECHS accepts a new freshman class. Although we do accept sophomore and junior applicants, seats are contingent upon availability. The timeline below applies to incoming freshmen. Acceptances for upper classmen may not follow the same timeline.

All CECHS students must live within the Houston Independent School District boundaries with their parent(s) or legal guardian.

Application Process

  1. Visit the Challenge campus during Challenge Discovery Days. Tours take place the following days:
    Wednesdays: Nov. 4, 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9, 16;
    Fridays: Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11, 18.
    Saturdays: Nov. 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12, Jan. 9.
    Weekday tours begin at 2:30 pm, Saturday tours begin at 9:00 am.
    STUDENTS APPLYING MUST ATTEND ONE CAMPUS TOUR.
  2. Shadowing sessions are from 8 am to 10 am or from 10 am to 12 noon. Shadowing dates are Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, 2009. A maximum of eight students may shadow during each session. Shadowing is on a first come, first serve basis. An excuse will be provided for attendance verification at your current school. Please call 713-664-9712 to schedule an appointment.
  3. Complete and return all sections of the application, or in the school office. Applications may also be requested and delivered by email. Applications for admission to CECHS for the 2010-11 school year are due on (and must be postmarked by) January 8, 2010. Applications that are received after the due date will be be placed directly on the wait list by date received. The applicant will be contacted only if a space becomes available.
    The following forms must be submitted:
    • Completed application (all sections)
    • Copy of fall semester report card for current year.
    • Copy of TAKS and Stanford scores for the 7th grade year.
    • If applicable: Copy of Gifted/Talented, At-Risk, Economic Disadvantage documentation, Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 information.
    • Current health record.
    • Academic Reference Form to be completed by a current academic teacher (English, Math, Science or Social Studies). This form is due the same date as the application.
    • Proof of residency (copy of a utility bill, water bill, or lease agreement)
  4. Those students who will be considered for acceptance will be scheduled for an entrance interview. The Challenge staff will contact you for an interview. An on-site writing sample and math evaluation will be completed on the day of the interview.
  5. Students who qualify will be placed into a lottery for available spaces. Qualifying siblings of current students will be given special consideration.
  6. Letters will be mailed notifying students of their acceptance, non-acceptance or wait list status at the end of March, 2010.

You may download the application and academic reference form or you can pick them up from the school.