In this special episode of the Talks with Tyler ISD podcast, Early College High School (ECHS) Principal Amanda Hortman joins host Jennifer Hines to talk about the wonderful opportunities available to students at this campus. Hortman explains what is the concept of Early College High School and what are the unique opportunities for students.
“It is definitely a rigorous program,” Hortman said. “It’s for students who are driven and want to either get ahead or perhaps they just didn’t find a fit for them anywhere else because we have a much smaller atmosphere at Early College High School. But at the end of the day, they will graduate not only with their high school diploma, but with an Associate’s degree.”
ECHS is the number one high school in East Texas, and students earn a college degree for free. That's a $30,000 tuition-free value at no cost to students or parents. Hortman shares how Early College High School offers a customized experience and a unique educational atmosphere.
“I know, personally, where everybody is even before the grade comes out,” Hortman said. “I know if you need help in Psychology. I, the principal, knows if Communications is not going well for you, and I can call you in, and we talk about it, and that’s how we get kids through.”
There are many benefits to students who attend ninth through twelfth grade at the Early College High School. Numerous college degree offerings and application information are some of the other topics discussed in this episode. To listen to the full episode or to catch up on previous episodes, go to http://tylerisd.org/podcast.