Frequently Asked Questions
- How are college credits earned?
- Who are Early College students?
- How much does it cost to attend an Early College School?
- Are students expected to continue with an Early College School's partner college once they graduate?
- Aren't Early College Schools too new to judge whether or not they can be successful?
- What is the Early College Initiative?
- What is the City University of New York (CUNY)?
- How do I apply?
How are college credits earned?
While the specific course sequence varies from school to school, typically, students at an Early College School will take their first college course in the 9th or 10th grade together with their high school classmates, either on the campus of the partner college or at their school. Courses may be taught by college faculty, adjunct instructors of the college who are also teachers at the school, or by a team of both of these. Early College School teachers will serve as the additional, on-site academic support for students while they take college courses. As students progress in the program, they will take more and more of their college courses on the partner college campus, especially in the last two years of high school.
Who are Early College students?
Early College Schools are designed for all New York City students. Early College Schools both provide the extra support for students who might enter reading below grade level and challenge those who are already at or above grade level. Most important is that Early College students have an interest in working toward a college degree while still in high school, and that their families support the goals of the school.
How much does it cost to attend an Early College School?
Nothing. Early College Schools, like any other New York City public school are tuition-free and do not cost families anything.
Are students expected to continue with an Early College School's partner college once they graduate?
Students may choose to complete their college degree at the partner college or may choose to transfer to a different college.
Aren't Early College Schools too new to judge whether or not they can be successful?
Early College Schools are new, but the principles are known to impact successful completion of a college education. Studies from the United States Department of Education have shown that a rigorous college preparatory high school curriculum, enrollment in college immediately after high school, and a high level of commitment and effort from students all contribute to earning a college degree. Early College Schools are designed to increase all students' chances of succeeding in college.
What is the Early College Initiative?
The Early College Initiative at the City University of New York is a partner in The Early College High School Initiative, a nationwide project that explores ways to blur the boundary between high school and college.
The Early College Initiative provides guidance and project management in creating new Early College Schools in New York City in a number of different ways. For example, Early College Initiative staff provide technical assistance to the Early College Schools in curriculum development, staff recruitment, professional development planning, community outreach, and the evolution and maintenance of strong relationships with partner college faculty and administrators.
Early College Initiative staff also participate in and contribute to regional and national professional conferences and organizations related to the national Early College High School Initiative. Further, the Early College Initiative is involved with managing the local and state level policy-related work for Early College Schools.
What is the City University of New York (CUNY)?
The City University of New York is the nation's largest urban public university and includes 11 senior colleges, six community colleges, the CUNY Honors College, the Graduate School and University Center, the Graduate School of Journalism, the Law School and the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education.
How do I apply?
Please see your school's guidance counselor to obtain more information, or contact the Early College Initiative at eci@mail.cuny.edu
