Early College & P-TECH High Schools
Our Early College High Schools allow students to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 hours of college credit or an associate degree—at no cost to families. Through partnerships with higher education institutions, students gain real-world experience and a head start on their college journey.
This means by graduation, many students could have two years of college already completed, saving families thousands of dollars in tuition.
For example, if a student used their credits at:
- UT Austin, they could save up to $32,760.
- University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), up to $36,000.
- Texas A&M, up to $26,880.
- UTSA, up to $17,980.
These savings cover tuition alone — room, board, and fees are not included. By the time they graduate, students could start college ahead of their peers, saving both time and money.
DATA – Design and Technology Academy
DATA prepares students for careers in architecture, design, and emerging technologies. With hands-on projects and industry-standard tools, students explore creativity, problem-solving, and innovation while building a portfolio of skills that set them apart.
SETA – Science, Engineering, Technology Academy
SETA equips students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in science, engineering, and technology fields. Through rigorous coursework, labs, and project-based learning, students tackle real-world challenges and prepare for high-demand careers.
Macarthur UNITED
MacUNITED Early College High School empowers students to earn an associate’s degree with a focus on business and education while gaining industry certifications, benefiting from strong partnerships, and preparing for success in higher education and teaching and business careers.
STEM Academy – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
The STEM Academy offers a challenging, hands-on curriculum that blends science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students collaborate on projects, engage in inquiry-based learning, and gain critical thinking skills that prepare them for college and future careers.
TEA Benchmarks
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has developed a designation process for Early College High Schools. The designation process ensures that school districts and colleges operating Early College High School campuses maintain the integrity of the model, which was researched and designed to specifically target and serve students who might not otherwise attend college. The TEA Early College High School Blueprint—which guides the designation process—includes five benchmarks.
Each benchmark includes a set of design elements, activities, and products. Not all Benchmark design elements require a published artifact.
Evidence supporting the implementation of the ECHS and P-TECH Blueprints are exhibited through the links and descriptions below.