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Announcements

  • The application for the 2024-2025 school year will open on November 1, 2023 and close on November 30, 2023. The application is located at: https://earlycollegeprograms.fortbendisd.com/, current 8th grade students invited to apply

    All current 8th grade students are eligible to apply for the ECHS at Marshall High School

    The link to the application will be active on November 1st, 2023 at : https://earlycollegeprograms.fortbendisd.com/

    Application Job Aids

     

    Admission Requirements

    • ECHS is open to all 8th grade FBISD students and students who live within the FBISD attendance area who are motivated and willing to commit to a four-year program. 
    • All interested 8th grade students must submit an Early College High School Application. There are no criteria for placement into the Pathways in Technology Program, just the student's willingness to commit to demands of this opportunity.
    • Parents are an important part of the process and need to demonstrate their support by granting permission and completing the parent sections of the application.
    • There are no pre-requisites for eligibility. A student must be dedicated and committed to earning an Associate Degree or core college credit while earning a high school diploma.
    • Students that are not currently FBISD students and reside in the FBISD attendance zone will need to upload a copy of their deed or lease agreement and a copy of a current utility bill to the application

    Admission

    Students are chosen from a random lottery. All students who are not pulled in the random lottery are placed on a waiting list. If more than 100 students apply, the district will use a lottery system to select students with 70% coming from the campus feeder middle school and 30% from other middle schools.

     

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  • What is an Early College High School?

    The Early College High School (ECHS) model is a blend of high school and college coursework that gives students the opportunity to earn up to 60 hours, or two years, of tuition-free college credit while earning a high school diploma. This model increases college readiness, providing rigorous instruction and coursework as well as academic and social support.  Early College High School aims to:

    • engage first-generation college students
    • provide up to 60 dual credit hours toward an associate degree at no cost to students
    • offer courses that mirror a college setting, with academic counseling to help students develop skills needed for post-high school success
    • increase college enrollment and success rates for all students
    • strengthen connections between middle schools, high schools and higher education institutions to promote a culture of college readiness

    "The Texas Education Agency (TEA) launched the initiative to increase the college readiness of students across Texas by providing rigorous instruction and coursework as well as academic and social support. Early College High Schools provide students with highly personalized attention and encourage lasting relationships with teachers and classmates. The experience creates a college-like culture that encourages students to continue their higher education journey."

    -CCR School Models

    The ECHS at Marshall High School will offer students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, from Houston Community College, transferrable to any Texas public college or university. Fort Bend ISD students will benefit from this program at no cost.  By providing high school students the option to earn an associate degree, or up to 60 hours of college credit from the ECHS at Marshall High School, families have the opportunity to decrease the burden of college debt and get a headstart on their future.

    Early College High School is open to all students, and is designed to support students who:

    • might be the first in their family to attend college.
    • want to attend college but need a no-cost solution.
    • are motivated to challenge themselves with in depth college-level course work.
    • are comfortable in smaller classes focused on academics.
    • are open to accept academic guidance from dedicated, collegiate teachers and professors.
    • are interested in student-driven clubs and other activities.
    • live in the Fort Bend Independent School District.
  • IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT 

    2023-2024 HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS BUS ROUTES 

    IF YOU NEED ASSISTANT PLEASE CONTACT FBISD TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

    Transport.Support@fortbendisd.com
    Customer Care Line - (281) 634-4077
    Hodges Bend Transportation Center – (281) 634-1970
    Lake Olympia Transportation Center – (281) 634-1930

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Early College High School

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I apply for Early College High School (ECHS)?

  • Who will be eligible to apply for the ECHS?

  • How are students selected for the ECHS?

  • If I am a student, do I need my parent’s permission to apply?

  • Can students outside FBISD attend ECHS?

  • Are there grade requirements in order to be eligible for acceptance to an ECHS?

  • Is there a cost to students or their families for college classes?

  • Will transportation be provided to the ECHS program?

  • Will every ECHS student receive a college degree?

  • Will every ECHS student receive college credit?

  • What type of degree will ECHS students graduate with?

  • Will college credits transfer to a 2 or 4-year college or university?

  • Is it possible for students to earn more than 60 hours of college credit while in high school?

  • Is the ECHS program like financial aid?

  • What if a student is not prepared for college classes?