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If you’re a student or the parent of a student in St. Louis interested in advancing their educational opportunities, the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) Early College Academy (ECA) program is a game changer. This dual enrollment program opens the doors for high school juniors and seniors to tackle both high school and college at once, offering ambitious learners a head start toward their bachelor’s degrees or career credentials.
What Is the SLPS Early College Academy Program?
The SLPS Early College Academy is a forward-thinking dual enrollment program offering students the opportunity to pursue both high school and college education simultaneously. Through this program, students can earn their high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree – General Transfer from St. Louis Community College (STLCC) at Forest Park. The program ensures students can seamlessly transition to a four-year degree program after graduation or apply their credentials toward a technical field.
Students in the program attend college courses on the STLCC campus while still being part of their high school’s extracurricular activities. Tuition, fees, and books for the ECA program are fully covered, making it an exceptional cost-effective option for students striving for academic excellence.
Eligibility Requirements for the ECA Program
To qualify for the SLPS Early College Academy program, students need to meet specific criteria, ensuring they are prepared for the rigor of the coursework. Requirements include:
A GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Minimum ACCUPLACER Next Generation scores (Reading – 250, Writing – 250, Math – QAS 264 or AAF 200).
Completion of both an STLCC online application and the Early College Academy Application packet.
A one-page personal essay written by the student.
Attendance at an SLPS school during both 9th and 10th grades.
Additionally, students must provide a signed agreement confirming their commitment to the program’s expectations.
Key dates to keep in mind:
Notify your high school counselor of your interest by February 4, 2023.
Complete the application process and qualifying Accuplacer scores by April 22, 2023 (35 seats available).
Expectations for Students
Accepted students are expected to maintain a grade of C or higher in each of their classes while adhering to the behavioral expectations of SLPS and STLCC. Students are also responsible for their own transportation to and from STLCC and must follow the STLCC academic calendar.
Ongoing support is available through a dedicated program advisor to help ECA students effectively balance their high school and college coursework. Advisors guide students through the rigorous transition to college-level academics, ensuring they’re well-prepared for future success.
The Benefits of Participating in ECA
The SLPS Early College Academy program offers countless benefits for motivated students, including:
A Head Start on College: Earning an Associate’s Degree in high school saves time and tuition, enabling students to enter college as juniors or directly pursue career paths.
Comprehensive Support: With access to STLCC resources and a dedicated program advisor, students have all the tools they need to succeed.
Reduced Financial Burden: With tuition, fees, and books covered, families avoid the escalating costs of higher education.
Extracurricular Flexibility: Students can still enjoy full participation in their high school sports and clubs, maintaining a balanced high school experience.
Why Choose the Early College Academy Program?
For those looking to get a jump-start on their future careers or advanced education, the SLPS Early College Academy provides unparalleled opportunities. Participating students graduate with real-world credentials and the confidence to tackle higher education head-on.
Furthermore, the program builds crucial time management and academic skills, positioning students to succeed in college and beyond. It’s an ideal program for highly motivated learners who are eager to challenge themselves and unlock new opportunities.
How to Get Started
Interested in the SLPS Early College Academy program? Here’s how you or your student can apply:
Inform Your Counselor: Notify your high school counselor of your interest in the ECA program by the required deadline.
Complete the Required Applications: Submit an STLCC application and the ECA application packet, along with your essay.
Meet the Testing Requirements: Take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation tests and meet the minimum required scores.
Commit: Sign the agreement form and prepare to meet the academic expectations.
For additional information or assistance, you can contact:
Dr. Josh Henning, Associate Superintendent, College & Career Readiness
Email: Josh.Henning@slps.org
Kate O’Keefe, ECA Counselor
Email: Katherine.OKeefe@slps.org
Unlock Your Potential with the SLPS Early College Academy
The SLPS Early College Academy program empowers students to achieve their academic goals, all while saving time and money. By bridging the gap between high school and college, the program creates a seamless educational transition that sets students up for long-term success.
If you’re ready for this incredible opportunity, don’t hesitate to reach out to your counselor today to begin the application process. Seats are limited, so act quickly! Invest in your future with the St. Louis Public Schools Early College Academy and experience education with no limits.
Keywords: St. Louis Public Schools, Early College Academy, Dual enrollment, College readiness, Education program
#EarlyCollege #StudentEmpowerment #EducationSuccess
