https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/school_choice_catalog/page/collegiate-high-school
What is the Early College Program?
The Early College Program (ECP) is a structured high school acceleration program in which students are enrolled in postsecondary courses toward an associate degree while simultaneously earning their high school diploma. This program will begin in 9th grade with students enrolling in some Dual Enrollment (DE) coursework in combination with high school classes. By 11th grade, Early College students will be taking DE coursework fulltime through a variety of modalities such as on campus at FHS or ZHS, virtually via Pasco eSchool and at PHSC (on campus and/or online). Students will collaborate with their counselor to design pathways that will best meet their post-secondary aspirations with the goal of earning an AA degree by graduation. Early College students will also benefit from on campus supports (i.e. tutoring, study sessions, teacher office hours) through there zoned ECP in addition to many opportunities that create a college going atmosphere.
What are the requirements to qualify for the program?
9th grade:
- Student interest
- Student interview
- Final selections determined through school choice lottery based on number of seats
10th grade:
- Student interest
- Student interview
- Monitor 3.0 GPA
- Final selections for students new to the program determined through school choice lottery based on number of seats
11th and 12th grade “official” Early College Students:
- Students new to the program must apply through the School Choice Application and will be reviewed for the following criteria. Students must also complete a PHSC application
- Students remaining in the program for 11th and 12th grade, must complete the PHSC application to be an “official” Early College Student
- Criteria set by statute & PHSC include
- Be enrolled as a student in a Florida public or nonpublic secondary school (grades 6-12), or in a home education program;
- Have a 3.0 unweighted high school grade point average (GPA) to enroll in college credits, or a 2.0 unweighted high school GPA to enroll in career dual enrollment courses;
- For college credits, achieve a minimum score on a common placement test
- Final selections for students entering in 11th or 12th grade for the first time are determined through the school choice lottery based on number of seats
How do I apply to be a part of the Early College Program?
Students must apply through the School Choice Application. There are three School Choice Windows that occur between January and July. For more information on these, visit http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ed_choice/. Students remaining in or entering the program in 11th or 12th grade, must also apply to PHSC to be an “official” Early College Student.
