PHS: Associate Degree Pathways

Hi Titans! Welcome to the Early College Academy website! The Early College Academy is your opportunity to earn a high school diploma and up to two years of college.

What is Dual Enrollment?

ECA is an academic initiative in collaboration with Rio Hondo College that allows students to concurrently enroll in college-level courses, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously. This program provides students with an invaluable opportunity to experience higher education while still in high school, offering a seamless transition to college-level coursework. Through ECA, students gain exposure to rigorous academic challenges, explore potential career paths, and accrue CSU/UC transferable college credits. This forward-thinking approach accelerates students' academic progression and enhances their preparedness for future educational pursuits. Our ECA program aims to empower our students by giving them a preview of college life, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning, and academic excellence. All classes and books are completely FREE!

Dual Enrollment Benefits:

Engaging in dual enrollment programs will offer students a multitude of benefits:

It provides an early introduction to college-level coursework, fostering academic preparedness and a smooth transition to higher education.
ECA allows students to explore potential majors and career paths, aiding in informed decision-making about their educational and professional futures.
Earning college credits while still in high school can reduce the overall cost of obtaining a college degree and potentially graduate earlier.
ECA enhances critical thinking, time management, and study skills, leading to a successful academic journey.
The exposure to a college environment and diverse perspectives prepares students for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their post-secondary education and beyond.

Ultimately, the benefits of joining ECA extend beyond the classroom, shaping well-rounded individuals ready for the demands of higher education and the workforce.

Successful Completion Awards:

Students graduate with a special black cord when they take three ECA classes and pass with a C or better.
Students graduate with a special black cord and medal when they take four ECA classes and pass with a C or better.
Rewards are for those that earn a C or better and submit their grade release form!
For each class, you take you will earn an incentive so the more classes you take the more you will earn!
- Pencil Pouch
- Drawstring Backpack
- Water Bottle
- T-Shirt
- And more!

The Ideal Student:

The ideal student for dual enrollment typically demonstrates a high level of academic readiness, motivation, and responsibility. Characteristics often include:

Strong Academic Performance: They excel in their high school/middle school coursework, displaying the ability to handle college-level material.
Self-Motivated: They possess a genuine interest in learning and are driven to succeed academically.
Time Management Skills: Dual enrollment requires balancing high school and college coursework, so students should be adept at managing their time effectively.
Maturity: They demonstrate maturity in handling the independence and rigors of college-level coursework.
Clear Educational Goals: They have a clear understanding of their academic and career goals and how dual enrollment fits into their overall educational plan.
Good Communication Skills: They can effectively communicate with both high school and college instructors, as well as navigate the administrative aspects of dual enrollment.
Support System: They have a supportive network of family, teachers, and counselors who can provide guidance and assistance when needed.

Student and Parent Expectations:

Student Expectations:

Maintain a high school GPA of 3.0
Earn a C or better in the college course
Come with an open mind
Ask for help, support, and be prepared
Recognize that they are in a college class
Meet with Mrs. Verduzco once a semester
Meet with RHC Counselor at least 3 times a semester
Meet with the professor during office hours
Give it their all.

Parents Expectation:

I understand that my student needs to commit to participating in the class for the entire semester.
I understand the commitment required to participate and will do my best to encourage my student.
I understand program requirements, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in place with Rio Hondo College, which states that a parent/guardian may not obtain academic records or complete ECA processes without the student’s written consent with the FERPA Release Waiver directly received from Rio Hondo's Admissions and Records Department.
I will participate in Google Classroom and attend meetings as necessary.

Mass Media 128 Petition Form

PHS Rio Spanish 102 Summer 2025

Counseling 101 (COUN 101) Petition Form

PHS FTEC 101.pdf

Humanities 128 Petition Form

HUM 125 Blank Petition F25.pdf

Steps to Enroll:

STEP 1: Complete the dual enrollment form for the class you are interested in taking. Both parent and student must sign *Either print the form, sign, take a picture, OR can e-sign it using Kami.

STEP 2: Turn in the form to the Horizons Office (Students participating in ECA must have grades of C or better in all classes, be on target to graduate, and A-G ready!).

STEP 3: Complete the Rio Hondo Online Application by Clicking Here. This needs to be completed every semester. Click here to access virtual assistance via Zoom from Rio Hondo College.

RHC Representative, Ms. Graciela "Grace" Rangel, will email you to provide you with a confirmation of your registration.

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