Frequently Asked Questions

All About Early College High School

These are answers to frequently asked questions that may help you make the decision about enrolling at Early College.

 

What is Early College High School?

Early College is an innovative, contemporary high school located on a college campus. It provides students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, start college early while earning credits toward a certificate or degree, and begin an internship or work experience as an integral part of the educational process- and it's free! During the 2018-2019 school year, Metro Nashville Public Schools  introduced a new Early College High School Program at the school for qualifying incoming 9th graders.

What is the Early College High School Program?

The Early College High School Program allows students to fast track their college plans and build a career. Within four years, students will earn a high school diploma and a college associate degree by the 12th grade and at no cost to families. Students will earn 60 college credits to support college readiness and career preparedness.

What Are My Degree Options?

The Early College High School Program offers seven different pathways which means every student has the opportunity to find an area of study that resonates with them the most.

Information Systems

  • Tennessee Transfer Pathway Associates of Science intended to transfer to a 4-Year Institution to complete a Baccalaureate degree in Business Information Systems.
Business Administration
  • Tennessee Transfer Pathway Associates of Science intended to transfer to a 4-Year Institution to complete a Baccalaureate degree in Business.
General Studies
  • Transfer Degree with an Area of Emphasis in General Studies Associates of Arts intended to transfer to a 4-Year Institution to complete a Baccalaureate degree in an area within the Liberal Arts.
Mechanical Engineering
  • Tennessee Transfer Pathway Associates of Science intended to transfer to a 4-Year Institution to complete a Baccalaureate degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Health Sciences
  • Transfer Degree with an Area of Emphasis in Health Sciences Associates of Science intended to transfer to a 4-Year Institution to complete a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing. This degree also completes the prerequisites necessary to apply to programs to become a Registered Nurse.
Computer Science
  • Tennessee Transfer Pathway Associates of Science intended to transfer to a 4-Year Institution to complete a Baccalaureate degree in Computer Science.
Music/Fine Arts
  • Tennessee Transfer Pathway Associates of Fine Arts intended to transfer to a 4-Year Institution to complete a Baccalaureate degree in Fine Arts (Music).

What are the Benefits?

  • Earn a high school diploma and a college associate degree in four years
  • No cost to students and families
  • Support through college and/or career coaches
  • Provides smoother transition to college and/or the workforce
  • Mentoring opportunities for students
  • Tutoring support

 

Do Students Attend Classes with College Students?

The Early College Program has a pre-determined sequence of courses. Students take classes with college students during the 11th grade. Course layout by grade:

  • 9th grade - high school courses only
  • 10th grade - high school courses  only
  • 11th grade - full college course load  with college students
  • 12th grade - full college course load with college students

Where will this Degree Transfer in Tennessee?

Five of the degree pathways are included in the Tennessee Transfer Pathways program which guarantees the degree earned will transfer to some public and private universities in Tennessee for completion toward a bachelor's degree.

The five eligible degree pathways are:

  • Information Systems A.S.
  • Business Administration A.S.
  • Mechanical Engineering A.S.
  • Computer Science A.S.
  • Music A.F.A.

Public Universities in Tennessee that will accept transferred credits towards a four-year bachelor's degree:

  • Austin Peay State University
  • East Tennessee State University
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Tennessee Tech University
  • University of Memphis
  • University of Tennessee-Martin

Private Institutions in Tennessee that will accept transferred credits toward a four-year bachelor's degree:

  • Lane College
  • Lee University
  • Lipscomb University
  • Milligan College
  • Tennessee Wesleyan College
  • Tusculum College

For more information visit the Tennessee Transfer Pathway website.

In addition, the majority of credits will transfer to many colleges across the state and outside of Tennessee. Please contact the individual college for more details.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

The Early College High School Program is for students in grades 9-12. Students must enter the program at the beginning of 9th grade and must meet the recommended academic entrance requirements as follows:

  • A student currently enrolled in MNPS will qualify if the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing from any of the three test administrations during the academic year6 meets a minimum score.
  • The minimum score is set at a sum of 10 national stanine for Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics combined.
  • A student qualifies by meeting the test requirement for one of the test administrations during the academic school year.

To further clarify, a student qualifies by meeting:

  • A minimum grade point average of 85 and
  • Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics national stanine scores on a nationally normed achievement test during the academic school year that total 10 or above.
  • Scores for an English Learner on a nationally normed achievement test during the academic school at or above the 5th national stanine (41st national percentile) for either Reading/Language Arts or Mathematics, or
  • Scores on the TNReady assessment of On Track or Mastered for both English/Language Arts and Mathematics, or
  • Scores for an English Learner on the TN Ready assessment of On Track or Mastered for either English/Language Arts or Mathematics.

How Much Does Early College Cost?

There is no cost to qualified students and families. MNPS will pay for tuition, course fees, and textbooks for all students enrolled in the Early College High School Program.

How Do I Apply?

Qualified students apply to Early College High School Program through the School Options process.

A total of 100 seats are open to qualified students, and applications will remain open until all seats are filled.

Where is Early College High School located?

Early College High School is located on the main campus of Nashville State Community College located at 120 White Bridge Road, Nashville, TN 37209.

Is Transportation Provided by MNPS?

MNPS does not provide transportation. Students and parents are responsible for transportation to and from the college campus.

What are School Hours?

School hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

I'm In. Who do I Talk To?

Email Early College and someone will get right back to you.