Participation in the Northern Essex Early College Program is open to Lawrence High School students. The Early College team, guidance, and staff work together to evaluate student records to determine prospective student eligibility. 

Students are exposed to Early College in the 9th grade during Pathway’s exploration week. Students who select Early College as their first choice that week can take the First-Year Seminar (FYS) in 10th grade. This course is taught by a NECC professor on the Lawrence High campus. This one semester-long course is an entry point into the program earning students who receive a C (75% or higher) 3 college credits. 

All LHS 10th-grade students who are not in the FYS class will take the Unit 1 Pre-AP ELA test (Performance Task) that will be used to determine college readiness. Eligible students will receive a notification with the next steps about joining Early College. Students begin their Early College coursework in 11th grade.