Round Rock Schools Consider Early College High School Program: ICYMI

Editor’s note: The Round Rock school district is considering a program that would allow High School students to graduate with 60 college credits. Here’s the full story in case you missed it.

The Round Rock school district is considering adding an Early College High School program to its curriculum and it wants input from students and parents.

The program would allow Round Rock students to get a head start on their college coursework, earning up to 60 college credit hours before graduating high school,according to a press release from the school district.

And the best thing is, it’s free.

“Early College High School is a very exciting opportunity for our families that would not be able to afford college or don’t see college within their reach,” said Michelle Swain in a press release, director of gifted and advanced academic services. “RRISD strives to ensure all students graduate with the best options available and this is yet another way we can accomplish that goal.”

The school district has already started the ground work necessary to set up an Early College High School when it sent a letter of intent to the Texas Education Agency. If the agency approves the application, the district would then need to obtain approval from the board of trustees. The agency’s decision is expected to be made by February or March 2016, and if approved current eight and ninth graders would be invited to apply to the program.

Early College High School students would complete their freshman and sophomore years as normal, within a Round Rock district high school, but then would take classes at an Austin Community College campus with access to academic and social counseling.

“Early College High School centers on expanding higher education opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented college students,” said Dr. Daniel Presley, RRISD senior chief of schools and innovation, in the press release. “We are excited to connect with the community to explore this opportunity.”