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Early College High School
A new approach to high school
Coastline Community College has partnered with the Newport–Mesa Unified School District to offer a new program that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree in just five years.
This program, known as Early College High School (ECHS), has been made possible by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The establishment of this local ECHS is part of a national Early College High School Initiative, which is in the process of establishing 150 Early College High Schools like this one across the country by year 2008.
Early College High School is based in Costa Mesa, California, and instruction is held on the Coastline Community College’s Costa Mesa campus located at:
2990 Mesa Verde Drive East
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 241-6108
The Principal of Early College High School is Kathy Slawson. The Dean at Coastline Community College responsible for the program is Betty Disney.
5 years to a diploma and a college degree
Early College High School offers both high school and college classes, and allows students to graduate in five years with both a diploma and two years of college credit (usually enough for an Associate in Arts Degree). Students start as 9th-graders and follow the program curriculum for five years.
Benefits of the ECHS Program
By combining the high school and college curriculum, students have a more affordable and more accessible path to higher education. Additional benefits include:
- A means of bridging the divide between high school and college.
- Additional guidance and support for at-risk students who would have otherwise not chosen to attend college.
- An easier transition of motivated students to higher education.
- Notable financial benefits– Students can save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees by completing two-years of college credit in ECHS.
- A means of challenging and inspiring students– By encountering the intensity of college work at an earlier age, students are inspired to work hard and stretch themselves intellectually.
Attributes of ECHS schools across the country
- Students earn an Associate’s in Arts degree or two years of college credit toward the baccalaureate while getting their high school diploma.
- Mastery and competence are rewarded with enrollment in college-level courses.
- Outreach is conducted to middle-grade students to promote academic preparation and awareness of the Early College High School option.
- A common focus on key, research-based goals and intellectual mission.
- Small, personalized learning environments with up to 400 students per school.
- Respect and responsibility among students, among faculty, and between students and faculty.
- Time for staff collaboration and for the inclusion of parents and the community in an education partnership.
- Technology serves as a tool for designing and delivering engaging and imaginative curricula.
Call (714) 241-6108 for more information or click here to e-mail Ann Brown at Early College High School main office.
Visit the Early College High School dedicated web-site
To visit the Early College High School dedicated web-site, CLICK HERE.
