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 9^th grade with students enrolling in some Dual Enrollment (DE) coursework in combination with high school classes. By 11^th 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
• Probationary status for students with 2.5-3.0 GPA

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 11^th and 12^th 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 11^th or 12^th 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 11^th or 12^th grade, must also apply to PHSC to be an “official” Early College Student.

Do I have to reapply every year to remain in the program?

No, once you are in the program you do not need to complete a school choice application each year. Students in the program must complete an application in 11^th grade with PHSC.

Do I have to attend FHS or ZHS to be in the Early College Program?

Yes, students must attend one of these schools to be an Early College student.

What is my zoned Early College Program?

Early College Pathways are determined by your zoned high school. If your student is interested in attending their zoned ECP, please refer to the Early College Program Pathways Map.

To explore transportation and hub stops options for magnet programs, please visit the Transportation Department’s Magnet Transportation webpage.

Prior to applying for school choice, you must have a Parent Portal account set up in our student information system (myStudent). Please visit Enrollment Services for additional information.

Sign up to receive more info via email and get a friendly reminder once the Pasco Pathways school choice application window opens later this school year.

 

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