The Early College Initiative at The City University of New York (CUNY) is helping to create ten new public schools that begin in the 6th grade, serve approximately 575 students each, and blend a rigorous college-prep curriculum with the opportunity to earn up to two years of college credit while in high school. The main goal of these new schools is to provide students with the confidence and skills necessary to graduate from both high school and college.

These innovative new schools make a college education more accessible, affordable and attractive to New York City students by offering programs that blur the lines between middle school, high school and college. Students are inspired to stretch themselves intellectually and to recognize their own inner strengths. Faculty members gain a better understanding of their subjects and the art and craft of teaching by collaborating with colleagues who teach at the middle school, high school and college levels.

Early College Schools are based on the belief that all students deserve a high-quality education that adequately prepares them for college-level work. There are no admission exams and students of all abilities are encouraged to apply. The selection process is designed to create a student body that reflects the neighborhood in which the school is located.

Early College Schools

• are small in size—no more than 575 students at capacity
• accept students from all backgrounds and ability levels
• enable students to graduate from high school with up to two years of college credit
• provide support to students by making use of afterschool and summer instruction
• use college facilities and resources

The Early College Initiative at CUNY is part of the Early College High School Initiative, a nationwide project sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.