What is an Early College?
No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.
- Albert Einstein
An early college provides high school-age students a “seamless” pathway from high school to college. Housed on the HCCS campus, with articulated sharing of space and staff, CECHS allows the high school student to gradually integrate into college course work through his or her traditional high school degree plan. This integration requires dual enrollment, with the student having to show mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for success (THEA or another HCCS designated entrance test).
Upon successful completion of the HISD standards for graduation, the students may elect to leave CECHS for higher education, or they may chose to remain for an additional year. During this additional year, the students will be enrolled primarily in college credit bearing courses, and with individualized support provided by CECHS. Students who graduate from CECHS at the end of this additional year can have not only a Texas Scholar diploma, but also will have accumulated up to 61 college credits, transferable to the post-secondary institution of their choice. In both cases, CECHS will provide strong support to each student and the family in obtaining entrance to, and success in, higher education.
For more information about Early College High Schools, visit the website of the Early College High School Initiative.