ECHS Frequently Asked Questions

Early College at Marshall High School is committed to providing a enriched college-going environment where students earn a high school diploma as well as an Associate’s Degree, or up to 60 college hours from an accredited community college.

While all students will have access to the program, the ECHS core mission is to give prospective first-generation and other typically underrepresented students in higher education a no-cost solution to earning a two-year college degree with transfer eligibility to a four year college/university.

The ECHS is open to all 8^th grade FBISD students who are motivated and willing to commit to a four-year program. If more than 100 students apply, the district will use a lottery system to select students with 70% coming from the MHS feeder middle school and 30% from other middle schools.

All interested 8th grade students must submit an Early College High School Application. There are no criteria for placement into the Early College High School, just the student's willingness to commit to demands of this opportunity.

Yes. Parents are an important part of the process and need to demonstrate their support by granting permission and completing the parent sections of the application.

Students must reside in the FBISD attendance area.

There are no pre-requisites for eligibility. A student must be dedicated and committed to earning an Associate Degree or core college credit while earning a high school diploma.

All tuition, books, and fees are paid for while the student is enrolled at the ECHS. There is no cost to the student or their family.

Yes, students who attend these programs will be provided transportation from the closest elementary school, which is how current academy students are also transported.  

Every student at the ECHS will have the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours and an Associate Degree.

The ECHS provides opportunities for all participating students to successfully attain college credits. The Early College High School is designed to support student interest in college and careers and to individualize learning.

While earning their high school diploma, students have the opportunity to graduate with up to 60 college credit hours and an Associate of Arts degree from Houston Community College that may be transferable to any public university in the State of Texas. 

College credits earned during the 4 years at ECHS may be transferred to any public college or university in Texas and could be transferred to out-of-state public and private college or university depending on their transfer of college credit policies. 

The four-year Associates Degree program as designed by the ECHS does not allow for additional hours beyond 60 hours of college credit. If a student chooses to pursue additional hours all fees will be the responsibility of the student.

The ECHS provides an opportunity for students to earn up to 60 hours of college credit at no cost to the student or their family, but is not considered financial aid.

ECHS teachers and support teams are there to support student achievement. AVID strategies on how to organize, study, plan, note taking and time management are incorporated in all high school courses. College and career advising is also provided to discuss and plan future career and educational options and opportunities.

Student support services will be in place to assist students who are struggling academically.

Students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities like band, theater, and athletics, and are advised prior to participating in order to determine how such activities will fit within their academic schedule and still meet the ECHS course requirements. Additionally, all clubs and student organizations are available to all ECHS students.

Students who find that the ECHS environment is not a fit for them will have the option to transfer to the high school for which they are zoned for attendance. The ECHS counselor will work with the comprehensive high school counselor to ensure appropriate courses are scheduled. Transitions are best at semester breaks.