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Early College Academy

Students in front on Friends University Building

About the Program

The Early College Academy, in partnership with Friends University, offers a unique opportunity for students to get a head start on their college education. Beginning the summer before their sophomore year, students can enroll in college credit courses. By the time they graduate from high school, they will have accumulated up to 57 college credits, which is equivalent to nearly two full years of college coursework. This head start not only saves time and money but also provides students with a significant advantage as they transition to higher education.

Program Contacts

Daren Hammond • Assistant Principal • Northwest High School

For general questions please email eca@usd259.net.

 

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Essays

Students are asked to write two essays as part of the application. Please note that our online application must be completed in one sitting, as it does not allow you to save your progress and return later. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We recommend that you prepare your essays in an office suite where you can save and edit them, and then paste them into the application form.

  • Prompt #1 (mandatory): Explain why you want to be accepted into the Early College Academy, why you would be a good fit, and how this program will help you achieve your long-term goals. (Minimum of 450 words).
  • Choose one from the following prompts (minimum 450 words):
    • Prompt #2: Discuss what you feel will be your biggest challenge in high school. Include your concerns about taking college classes. 
    • Prompt #3: Describe your experience in middle school, grades six through eight, including challenges and accomplishments.  What steps were, or could have been taken to address the challenges? 
    • Prompt #4: Explain what you think the following quote means and how it might apply to your life now or in the future. “It’s easier to build strong children than it is to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass 
    • Prompt #5: Describe a real-world problem you have encountered or witnessed and propose a means of improving the problem. Stay away from ideological topics (e.g. prayer or religion in public schools or racism. While these are real topics, they require a kind of change that is outside of your control). Focus on tangible issues where there are specific steps anyone can take. 
    • Prompt #6: Define what leadership means to you and give examples, positive or negative, from your life. Your essay should demonstrate what you learned about leadership and how you hope to use those lessons. 

Step 2: Gather References

  • Collect any required references or recommendation letters that may support your application.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Online Application

Appy for Early College Academy

  • Ensure you have all necessary information and documents ready, as the application must be completed in one sitting.
  • Double-check all your entries and essays for accuracy and completeness.
  • Submit the application before the deadline at the end of January.

Step 4: Wait for Results

  • Results of the application process will be announced at the start of February. 

If you need any more help or have further questions, feel free to ask!

Additional Information