Round Rock ISD Early College High School Close To Becoming A Reality

ROUND ROCK, TX -- A long-planned early college high school program for the Round Rock ISD is closer to becoming a reality with recent approval for its creation by the Texas Education Agency.

With the TEA's blessing, the program is expected to be launched by this fall, the Austin American-Statesman reproted.

District officials originally submitted an application for the early college high school last December, with information sessions staged for parents the following February. Now coming to fruition, the district has begun to accept applications for the 2016-17 school year with current eighth-graders invited -- and urged, even -- to apply for entry.

The school district is partnering with Austin Community College in offering the early college high school program. The ACC has helped launch other similar schools for other districts.

The Round Rock version is to be located at ACC's Round Rock location, 4400 College Park. It's an ambitious school, offering students the potential to earn up to 60 college credit hours toward a bachelor's degree at no cost.

“Our approval to open an early college high school is a milestone for our district as it will further opportunities to access higher education for our students,” Round Rock ISD Superintendent Steve Flores said in a statement.