Newsweek recently ranked Early College High School as one of the top high schools in the nation in its “Beating the Odds 2015” list.
ECHS came in at number 84 in the annual list, which recognizes 500 public high schools across the United States for their outstanding efforts in preparing their students for college while also overcoming the obstacles posed by students at an economic disadvantage.
“Early College High School provides our students with a rigorous high school and post-secondary curriculum while preparing them for leadership roles in our community,” said Principal Dr. Pamela Flores. “This achievement is a result of the faculty’s commitment to education, the students’ dedication to their studies, and the parents’ unyielding support.”
ECHS received high marks for all three categories, including college readiness, graduation rate, and college bound – 87.3 percent, 100 percent, and 96.7 percent respectively.
This is the third year that ECHS is recognized at the national level. Last year, the campus earned a bronze classification in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools national rankings.
“Early College High School has provided many of our students the opportunity to excel in both high school and college while preparing them for global achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. Art Cavazos. “I firmly believe that education is the great equalizer in this great country, and the outstanding achievements ECHS has come to earn is a testament to what our students can accomplish when they have the support of their community. I want to commend their staff, students and our great partnership with Texas State Technical College for this recognition.”
Opened in 2007, the campus kicked off the district’s efforts to provide students and parents with options in education. It was designed to incorporate the college and high school experience for students, freshman through senior year. The dual-enrollment focus allows ECHS students to start taking college classes at Texas State Technical College their first year of high school at no cost.
The hard work of our students and staff and support from parents last year is to be commended. Congratulations! The level of excellence will continue.