Early College is an initiative that allows high school students to take college classes on their high school campus.  For the most part, students in an early college class are taught by college professors and take the class with their high school peers.  Students who successfully complete the college class receive both high school and college credit.

Early College opportunities are different at each high school.  Some high schools may be offering Early College classes as part of a pathway that leads to a college certificate or associate’s degree; other high schools may just be offering one Early College class per semester to students in a specific career academy.  If you’re interested in learning more about what early college opportunities are available at your high school, please talk to your high school counselor. (https://www.hawaii.edu/dualcredit/early-college/)

The decision to begin college early is an important one. It is important to consider each student’s maturity level in making choices about educational options. Although a student may be academically prepared for college level coursework, s/he may find the demands of college extremely overwhelming. Student success requires motivated individuals who work independently, take initiative, have good study skills, and are able to responsibly complete assignments on-time throughout the semester. 

Parents and students should give careful consideration to the appropriateness of the Early College program before enrolling. Students should always keep in mind that they are starting a permanent college transcript when they take any college class. High school and college advisors are available to discuss the many options available for early college access. Like any early access program, Early College has its own strengths and limitations:

Program Strengths

• Students have the opportunity to take courses that may not be offered at their local high schools. 

• Academically prepared students have an opportunity to get a head start on taking college level courses and earning high school and college credits simultaneously. 

• Students have an opportunity to experience post-secondary education while in high school, easing the transition from high school to college and making future educational and career plans more realistic. 

• Students who have difficulty fitting into a traditional high school setting may flourish in a different educational setting. 

• Students and their families can reduce the cost of a college.

• In college, high school students gain maturity and knowledge through participation in upper level courses and the diversity of other college students. 

Program Limitations

• Withdrawing from a course mid-semester could affect a student’s high school graduation status. 

• Some academically qualified students may not be ready socially or emotionally for the college environment and may find the independence and speed of college classes overwhelming. 

• College schedules may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities (sports, drama, clubs, etc.), so careful planning must occur in order to avoid conflicts with family, work, and school activities. 

• The college academic calendar may operate differently from the high school academic calendar (holidays and vacation periods are often different). 

• Students are expected to attend classes at the college even though their high schools may not be in session

• Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in college courses.  If not student will be put on academic probation & effect FAFSA (financial aid)