Our Program
Early College Model
Early colleges are secondary schools that partner with local colleges to offer students college credits up to an associate’s degree, at no cost, while earning their high school diploma. There are more than 350 standalone early college high schools in over 20 states across the country.
Research shows that students who attend early college high schools have significantly higher rates of high school graduation, college enrollment, college degree attainment, and lifetime earning potential.
Early College Charter School of Philadelphia (ECPHL) is Philadelphia’s first open-enrollment early college middle and high school. All students complete rigorous coursework in 6th-10th grade, take 2 college courses at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) starting the summer after 9th grade, then choose a pathway leading to an industry-recognized certificate and/or college credits up to an associate’s degree.
This is what we mean when we say all students will graduate with a diploma plus!
Pathways
ECPHL has chosen programs that lead students on the path to living-wage jobs with the trajectory to launch them into family-sustaining careers in Philadelphia. Initial pathways are aligned to the high-growth, high-demand industries in the Philadelphia region – healthcare and technology. These pathways will be offered to students in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia and JEVS Human Services.
All students will have the chance to earn at least 6 college credits and an industry certification, all the way up to an associate’s degree. The school’s early college and career team will meet with students and families individually to decide which pathway best matches students’ readiness, interest, and future plans.
Our initial pathways are just the beginning. As the school grows, leaders will consider other pathways that lead to living wage jobs in Philadelphia, and students, families, and staff will have input in future offerings.
School Culture
At ECPHL, every community member – from students to the CEO, from staff members to guardians, from college professors to industry experts to the neighbors of 1420 Pine Street – has an important role in creating the school culture students need to thrive. ECPHL’s culture is defined by 3 critical components:
Belonging · Inspiration · Empowerment
It is not enough for students to feel safe, it is essential they can lean on and lift up others. It is not enough for students to go through the motions to get work done, it is essential they believe in their inherent worth and discover their reasons for learning. It is not enough for students to aspire to big goals, it is essential they develop the skills and connections that will make their dreams possible.
These 3 pillars are more than words on a page. They are the anchors to the school’s priorities, policies, program, and everyday practices. Over time, they will become the foundation for students’ success in school and in life.
Transferable Skills
Setting students up for success in life means ensuring they build the skills they need not only to secure living wage jobs, but to navigate the world feeling connected, inspired, and empowered. ECPHL calls these transferable skills: self-awareness, self-management, healthy relationships, social problem solving, and thoughtful technology habits.
Students practice and apply these skills every day in every class, whether they are doing things like planning a long-term project, working in a small group, or debating from multiple perspectives.
College and Career-Connected Learning
Expose (6th-8th): Learn about college majors and diverse careers, build academic knowledge, practice transferable skills, begin a portfolio, get excited for the future!
Explore (9th-10th): Learn about careers in high-demand industries, reflect on interests, take 2 college courses through CCP’s summer ACE program, develop a professional portfolio and choose pathway(s).
Experience (11th-12th): Participate in high school classes, college and/or credential courses through CCP and JEVS, make connections with industry professionals, complete a professional portfolio, earn college credits and/or certificates.
Extend (optional Year 13): Opt into additional ECPHL transition support, continue higher education, enter the workforce, network with school and industry partners. Note: This is not required and is not a 13th year of school.
ECPHL’s program is one-of-a-kind in Philadelphia. Students will engage in a 7-year learning continuum:
When will students do this important work?
Every class at ECPHL will connect its content to college majors or careers. When students learn about math functions, they will also learn about what computer engineers and web designers do.
In addition, all students will develop personal portfolios. Students will reflect on themselves and their journeys, set goals, make plans, and learn about college and career options. ECPHL will also host events, like job shadow days, college tours, and mock interviews, to prepare students to have and make choices.
Student Supports
ECPHL is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment that ensures equal access and meets the diverse needs of every single student who walks through its doors.
The school will have a dedicated and experienced staff to support students with IEP, EL, and 504 plans. Our team will work closely with families to ensure that appropriate accommodations, modifications, and services are in place so that all students can thrive in our program. When appropriate, ECPHL will connect students and families with local, culturally aligned resources that meet their needs.
