The Early College High School 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, remove financial barriers, provides rigorous instruction and coursework as well as academic and social support.

Interested students should possess a high level of commitment, academic tenacity and show the potential to do college-level work while in high school. The ECHS program provides supportive measures throughout the program to encourage young learners who have the potential to do advanced academic work.

Hempstead ISD will continue their partnership with Blinn College for college credit, which is transferrable to any Texas public college or university. Hempstead 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 Hempstead Early College, families have an opportunity to decrease the burden of college debt and be a step ahead for their future.

Early College High School is open to all incoming 9th graders, and is designed to support students who:

might be at risk of dropping out of high school
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 coursework
are open to accepting academic guidance from dedicated, collegiate teachers and professors
are interested in earning dual credit while participating in student clubs and other activities
live in the Hempstead Independent School District

Hempstead High School