Academics

Academics come first at ECHS, but we understand that our students have many other tangibles to deal with.

A huge benefit is that your child will be surrounded by students with the same ambition and drive. We also work to minimize stress with Restorative Practices and Social Emotional Learning strategies to help our students manage their workload and life stresses.

Early College isn't easy, but it's worth it.

students speaking in hallway

Dual Credit Explained

Dual credit is a type of course that high school students can take which provides them with the required high school credit for a core class and college credit for the same course completion.

At Early College, students can earn 60 college credits at no cost, giving them enough credit to earn an associate degree.

TJC campus

Dual Campus Explained

Our school is unique because students spend time on the TJC campus as students. It differs from regular dual credit offered at comprehensive high schools because of the immersion in the college environment.

Our students get the opportunity to visit multiple college campuses, besides TJC, during their time at ECHS. Students are also able to participate in all TJC events and have use of their facilities. 

students speaking to class

Common Misconceptions

#1

We're a college prep academy.

FALSE: A college prep academy focuses on preparing students for college. Your child will be a college student while in high school, earning their diploma and associate degree simultaneously. 

#2

Students must have high grades.

FALSE: Students that attend our school are often on-level and are choosing us to get ahead and save money on college tuition. Some students even choose our school for the smaller environment.

graduate speaking at graduation

We Have a History of Proven Results

We deliver excellence in the quality of our instruction and the social-emotional development of our students in their journey toward becoming leaders serving globally diverse communities.

best highs school us news and world report badge

U.S. News scored our campus

96.28 out of 100, ranking us as... 

#1

High School in East Texas

#79

in Texas High Schools

#583

in National Rankings

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Campus Ratings and Statistics

letter a

A

TEA Rating

award

#1

High School in East Texas

graduation cap

100%

Graduation Rate Since Opening

diploma

99%

Graduate With TJC Associate Degree

early college students in class

A Day in the Life of a Owl

At ECHS, there is a very laid-back feel during passing periods and lunches, as students are comfortable with each other and their teachers. Class time is more intense than in an average high school as all classes are either AP, Pre-AP, or Dual Credit. Students are very supportive of each other and have close relationships with teachers.

What separates us is the camaraderie that exists on our campus. The challenges that cause our students to mature quickly also cause strong bonds to be made.

Discipline issues are minimal on our campus as our students choose to be here.

students in class

Freshman and Sophomores

While in these grade levels, students do not leave our campus and focus on the following:

  • High school classes

  • Dual Credit classes

  • Some online college courses

students standing outside

Juniors and Seniors

While in these grade levels, students are off campus at TJC two days a week and focus on the following:

  • 2-3 TJC classes

  • Completing degree plan

  • Scholarship opportunities

NOTE: Advisory is Monday - Thursday for 50 minutes.

After-school tutorials are four days a week, Peer-Assisted Learning (PALS) and college class tutoring are available at TJC at no charge to our students.

TJC graduation

Multiple Degree Plans to Choose From

For the current school year, the following degree plans are offered. Plans are subject to change in subsequent school years.

art paint brushes

Art

woman putting sticky notes on wall

Business

justice statue

Criminal Justice

dance

Dance

teacher in classroom

Education

person writing

English

health studies

Health Studies

old library

History

journalism

Journalism

psychology

Psychology

science lab

Science

crowded group

Sociology

middle school student in class

College Transition Training

It's not only important that we get your child to graduation with a high school diploma and an associate degree, but it's our priority to ensure they are ready for all the changes that come with full-time college.

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Independence and Freedom

Our students operate daily with no tardy bells or preset seating, just like college.

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Teacher Expectations

Our teachers focus on making high school course expectations as rigorous as college so your child is prepared for the transition.

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We Take Finals

In college, there are a few quizzes and assignments here and there, but we all know that finals are crucial and weigh heavily on your course grade. Our high school classes take finals as well.

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Safety Checks

Safety is absolutely important whether your child is on our campus or at TJC. We have a safety check 3-times per day with all students that are off campus.

wall of colleges

All Early College students are automatically enrolled in AVID, which is a huge benefit!

students in cap and gown

We would love to have you here at Early College High School.

If you like our academics, see what else makes us so special.