Early College HS Magnet
It is never too early for college!
Early College High School (ECHS) is a program that provides students with the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours and the potential to earn an Associate's Degree at no cost to the student’s family through our partnership with Dallas College (DC). Our ECHS includes supportive measures for social, emotional, and academic skill building in all courses to encourage young learners to push themselves in order to reach their highest potential.
The goal of this program is to support and provide educational opportunities for traditionally underrepresented students in higher education including at-risk, low income, English language learners and first-generation students. Interested students should possess a high level of commitment, academic tenacity and show the potential to do college-level work while in high school.
Who are we looking for?
The program is open to all incoming 9th-grade students and specifically encourages participation by diverse student groups who are typically underrepresented in college courses.
Students must meet the following to be considered:
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Motivated by taking advanced coursework
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Want to attend college and willing to work hard
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Willing to learn college readiness skills and use them daily
What are the benefits:
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Earn up to 60 college credit hours to transfer anywhere in Texas and beyond
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Transferability of college credit is not guaranteed and is determined by the accepting university and/or their 4-year degree plan. Private universities and universities outside the state of Texas may not accept as many college credit hours as public universities within the state of Texas.
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Learn from specifically selected teachers and rigorous college professors
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Complete four years of high school and the potential of two years of college in only four years
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Receive individualized academic, college and career advising
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Access the college experience early
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Over 20 college courses offered at no cost to the family = BIG SAVINGS!
ECHS contacts:
Craig Klement, ECHS Administrator
Timothy Schmidt, ECHS Coordinator/Magnet Advisor
Kendyll Parker, ECHS Counselor
Magnet Application Process and Timelines
Students must meet initial qualifications for the magnet program in which they want to apply. These requirements vary by program and can include test scores, grades, art/music assessments and more.
For more information about the magnet application process and timelines, please visit the GarlandISD web site.
GHS ECHS handbook
Two ECHS course pathway options
Student and family make this pathway decision in January of 10th grade because the two course pathways are the same in 9th and 10th grades.
ECHS Courses offered
TEA documents
