Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Parkway Early College Partnership?
The Early College Partnership (ECP) is a full-immersion, early entrance to college program located on the campuses of St. Louis Community College (STLCC) at Wildwood and Meramec. Students attend the ECP for two years, replacing the junior and senior years of traditional high school. While in the ECP, students engage in a curriculum consisting of all college coursework taught by professors at STLCC. Upon successful completion, students earn an Associate of Arts degree, as well as a high school diploma.
What resources are provided to students participating in the ECP?
Students will have access to a full-time counselor and college advisor
Students will have access to the Campus Student Resource Centers, Libraries, and Computer Labs, as well as student clubs and campus activities
Why should my son/daughter participate in the ECP?
This is a unique an innovative opportunity for students to join a cohort of high school students who are studying in a non-traditional setting on the campus of a community college. This experience provides schedule flexibility and an associates degree upon completion of the program.
What are our graduates saying about the ECP program?
We encourage you to watch this video highlighting a few of our 2021 graduates!
What are the requirements for admissions into the ECP?
Students must currently be in 10th or 11th grade
Students must complete the online Parkway Early College Partnership application no later than February 4, 2024.
Students are responsible for purchasing their own books and providing their own transportation to and from STLCC.
How are students selected for the ECP?
A committee of administrators and counselors will review:
Classroom performance for courses taken in 9th and 10th grade
Attendance
Academic potential
Academic engagement
Time-management skills
Access to post-secondary learning
Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher*
*Students with a GPA below 2.5 may apply but will require one recommendation from a Parkway staff member
Discipline history
ACT results (if applicable)
Student responses to application prompts
What is the deadline for applying to the ECP?
The online application must be submitted by February 4, 2024. Students will be informed of acceptance to the program by March 1, 2024. All accepted students will attend an Orientation at STLCC in the spring.
What calendar will my child follow?
Students will follow the STLCC academic calendar and are required to be in attendance for all classes.
Can my child take classes at his/her high school?
This program is designed to take all classes on the campus of the STLCC; however, in rare cases, a high school course may be approved by the Director of Choice Programs and Principal.
Can my child participate in extra-curricular activities at his/her high school?
Yes, students may return to their home high school for extra-curricular activities and sports.
Will students with IEPs or 504s be eligible for participation in ECP?
Yes. Students will have the opportunity to visit the Access office at STLCC for support, as well as their high school counselor, IEP case manager, and ECP coordinator.
Should my student continue participating in the A+ Schools Program?
Yes, we recommend students continue with the A+ Schools Program for the following reasons:
There may be opportunities for access to benefits at 4-year colleges and universities
A+ funds may be utilized for additional STLCC courses beyond the associate's degree
If a student decides to opt out of the ECP program at any time, they can continue working on A+ eligibility requirements
Will all the STLCC credits transfer to a 4-year institution?
Students who are planning to attend a public, 4-year institution in Missouri will benefit from the CORE 42. The purpose of CORE 42 is to facilitate the seamless transfer of academic credits. The completion of the CORE 42 at any public institution of higher education will transfer to every other public institution of higher education in the state and substitute for the receiving institution’s general education requirement.
Many out-of-state and/or private colleges also accept the majority of credits earned through the ECP program.
Who pays for the ECP?
The Parkway School District will cover the costs of tuition and fees of college classes for up to sixty (60) total credits over two school years. Students are required to be enrolled full-time at St. Louis Community College (minimum 12 credit hours/semester) and maintain passing grades (C or better) in all classes.
Students are responsible for the cost of books.
How will students receive high school credit?
All STLCC grades will be posted on the Parkway Schools transcript and will count towards graduation. Courses taken at STLCC are not weighted on the Parkway transcript since a college GPA and transcript will ultimately override the high school transcript when applying to colleges.