Admission & Recruitment

Elgin Early College High School provides students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education the opportunity to earn 60 college credits and their associate’s degree at no cost. In accordance with Texas Education Agency guidelines, enrollment decisions shall not be based on test scores, student discipline, teacher recommendations, essays, grade point average, or other criteria that create barriers for student enrollment. Students must be enrolled in the Elgin Independent School District to apply. Incoming and current 9th grade students are eligible to join Early College High School up until the last week of October (PEIMS Snapshot). Students cannot make initial entry to the ECHS at any other time unless they transfer from an Early College High School in another district.  Grade level enrollment will not exceed 115 students per cohort. In the event over 115 applicants apply, a weighted lottery will be utilized to select students for admission. 

In the event over 115 incoming freshman students apply for the program, a lottery will be utilized to determine who is admitted. The lottery is weighted, and targets a population of students that closely mirrors that of the district. Students who are not selected during the lottery are placed on a waiting list. Vacancies that occur after the lottery will be filled from the waiting list. 

Early College High School is intended for students who are first generation or who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go to college. Early College staff will focus recruitment efforts on sub-populations of students that are at-risk and economically disadvantaged. Additional focus will be placed on recruiting students that are historically underrepresented in college enrollment. Although recruitment efforts will focus on students meeting the above criteria, all students enrolled in Elgin ISD are able to take advantage of the program and have equal access to apply. 

In an effort to reach our target audience, events will be planned throughout the year to engage stakeholders and disseminate information about the Early College High School program. Students, parents, and community members will be able to participate in meetings and school events with ECHS staff. Communication with school board members will take place during school board meetings once a semester where program updates and data will be reviewed. Additionally, monthly meetings will be held between the IHE and the ECHS to ensure program goals are being met and student performance is being monitored.