Middle School

Students begin sixth grade in a warm, nurturing, academically rich setting, surrounded by adults who know and care about them. At the core of the middle school curriculum is an intense focus on developing reading, writing, and math skills. College students provide tutoring in targeted areas and middle school students learn first-hand the importance of these skills for future college-level work. With a firm grasp of these fundamentals, students are able to complete grade level assignments and prepare for honors-level high school courses. During the middle school years, students are provided with opportunities to visit the partner college campus and begin to see themselves as future college students.

High School

Early College students progress seamlessly from middle school to high school. Schools are small, enabling teachers to individualize instruction according to students' needs and interests. Personal relationships with teachers and friends, paired with intense academic preparation during the middle school years, ensure that students will be able to complete grade-level assignments and begin to work toward meeting New York State Regents requirements during 9th and 10th grades. During 10th, 11th and 12th grades, students gradually take more and more college courses, learning about what it means to be a college student, and earning up to two years of college credit.

College

The final phase of an Early College School's program immerses students in a college culture. Courses will be taught jointly by professors and teachers who collaborated to create the curriculum. Students become active participants in the life of the partner college, and are encouraged to attend performances, use the college library, and join campus-based student groups. Through such experiences, Early College students are introduced to college life, gaining a richer understanding of the world and their potential in it. By succeeding in the college setting, students confirm their ability to earn a four-year degree and succeed in life beyond.