Early College HS Magnet

GHS ECHS Logo
Dallas College Red White and Blue Logo

 

It is never too early for college!

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Early College High School (ECHS) is a program that provides students with the opportunity to earn up to 60 free college hours with the potential to earn an associate’s degree. 

The ECHS program embeds social/emotional supportive measures throughout the program to encourage young learners who have the potential to do advanced work.

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:

  • Motivated by taking advanced coursework

  • Want to attend college and willing to work hard

  • Willing to learn college readiness skills and use them daily

What are the benefits:

  • Earn up to 60 college credit hours to transfer anywhere in Texas and beyond

  • Learn from specifically selected teachers and rigorous college professors 

  • Complete four years of high school and two years of college in only four years

  • Receive individualized academic, college and career advising

  • Access the college experience early

  • FREE college courses = BIG SAVINGS!

 

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ECHS contacts:

Craig Klement, ECHS Administrator

Timothy Schmidt, ECHS Coordinator/Magnet Advisor

Kristi Raney, 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 Garland ISD web site.

How To Apply

Please follow these steps to apply for magnet programs:

  1. Log in to Skyward Family Access during the application period (timeline available).
  2. Choose the "online forms" option.
  3. Complete all required information.
  4. Apply for one or two different magnet programs.

If you are not currently a Garland ISD student, you must enroll before you can access the magnet application.

GHS ECHS handbook

Access the GHS ECHS handbook

ECHS Courses offered

TEA documents