ECHS Campuses

News and Announcements

• Next Class of Early College High School Students Preparing for College
• Early College High Schools Provide New Path to College
• ACC, AISD Partner to Develop Early College High Schools

1. How do students become involved in Early College High School (ECHS)?
2. What are the criteria for taking college-level courses?
3. Is there a cost involved?
4. Is ECHS only for students who plan to attend ACC after high school?
5. What types of classes are available?
6. Will classes be at the high school? If some classes are on ACC campuses, will AISD/ACC provide transportation?
7. When are classes offered?
8. What ACC resources are available to ECHS students?
9. Can students enroll in ECHS and Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
10. What is the difference between ECHS and dual enrollment or Advanced Placement?
11. Can I still participate in extracurricular activities like athletic teams, music programs, or clubs?
12. Are high school students too young for college-level work?
13. What can parents expect?
14. Can Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) students at LBJ High School also participate in ECHS?
15. Why are students encouraged to earn two years of college credit through ECHS?

1. How do students become involved in Early College High School (ECHS)?
All students who enroll in LBJ and Reagan high schools are considered ECHS students; however, assessment criteria to determine college-readiness must be met before a student can enroll in a college-level course. Academic preparation and support for all students are ongoing to assist students in achieving college-readiness. Continued enrollment in college classes is based on academic performance, self-discipline, and exemplary attendance. back to top

2. What are the criteria for taking college-level courses?
There is no admissions test for ECHS, but students will need academic skills test scores that meet the state-mandated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment criteria to determine college readiness. TAKS or other academic skills test scores can satisfy TSI requirements. COMPASS testing to determine compliance with TSI requirements is free to students and offered on campus. Click here for sample COMPASS questions and preparation. back to top

3. Is there a cost involved?
No. Textbooks and tuition and fees are waived for ECHS students taking college-level courses for up to 60 college credit hours. back to top

4. Is ECHS only for students who plan to attend ACC after high school?
No. Most ECHS credits will transfer easily to other colleges and universities. High school counselors and college advisors will help students and parents with questions about specific courses and colleges. back to top

5. What types of classes are available?
Students will be able to choose from a variety of course offerings that provide dual credit and advance them to completion of their ECHS goal. At first, the Associate of Arts in General Studies will be the degree plan offered to ECHS students. As student demand for other programs increases, ECHS will explore offering additional degree plans. back to top

6. Will classes be at the high school? If some classes are on ACC campuses, will AISD/ACC provide transportation?
The great majority of classes will be at the high school. Where the student needs to attend a class taught on an ACC campus during the school day, AISD will provide transportation at no cost. back to top

7. When are classes offered?
Classes are offered on the high school campus during the school day. Classes on the college campuses are offered during the school day, in the evenings, on weekends, and online. It is important to understand that online courses maintain the same high standards as a classroom course and require significant self-discipline. back to top

8. What ACC resources are available to ECHS students?
ECHS students are enrolled ACC students and will have a college student ID card. They may use college libraries and computer labs and receive free tutoring if needed. back to top

9. Can students enroll in ECHS and Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
Yes. Students may take both ECHS and Advanced Placement courses if desired. back to top

10. What is the difference between ECHS and dual enrollment or Advanced Placement?
ECHS allows students to participate as early as the ninth grade and complete more college courses in a four-year period than allowed in a traditional dual enrollment program. The major difference between ECHS and Advanced Placement classes is that ECHS students will have a college transcript and will receive college credit as soon as they successfully complete a college class. back to top

11. Can I still participate in extracurricular activities like athletic teams, music programs, or clubs?
Yes. ECHS students may participate in extracurricular activities. back to top

12. Are high school students too young for college-level work?
Early College High Schools across the country are successfully demonstrating that 9th-12th grade students from a wide range of academic backgrounds are meeting and exceeding the academic challenge provided by college-level courses. Faculty and staff at Reagan, LBJ, and ACC are committed to supportive instructional practices and services that help students succeed. back to top

13. What can parents expect?
ECHS students need encouragement from their parents as well as time to read and study. Parents also must understand that college professors, by federal law, cannot share educational record information with parents, such as attendance, progress, or grades, even if the student is a minor. back to top

14. Can Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) students at LBJ High School also participate in ECHS?
No. ECHS is designed and intended for students who are enrolled in LBJ High School. back to top

15. Why are students encouraged to earn two years of college credit through ECHS?
Earning a college degree at a young age can help inspire students to continue their college education, and it can enhance their employment prospects. There is also a significant financial benefit to families, as all college credits earned through ECHS are free to students. back to top

• Texas Education Agency Early College High School information
• Early College High School Initiative
• College for All Texans
• ACC Campuses and Locations