P-TECH and early college high school models

P-Tech and early college high schools

Our current educational system was designed in the industrial age. Today, high school, college, and career must be aligned to prepare students for their future work and citizenship. Early College High School and P-Tech programming provide the structures that incorporate scholarship and practical application of learning. By implementing Early College High Schools and P-Tech, industries, higher education institutions, and high school administrators work together to design a seamless pathway to success and align curricular outcomes.

Both the Early College High School and P-Tech Models provide students opportunities to access advanced educational opportunities while still in high school. To truly prepare students for the future jobs and challenges they face, they need an educational system that responds to their needs and is aligned to 21st-century skills. The curriculum and assessments will embed the 7 C’s in all classes by focusing on active learning.

Public School Partners believe that educators need to challenge students to meet high expectations. Students who attend either as an Early College High School or P-Tech student will learn through doing. Students will demonstrate acquired knowledge and skill by completing complex and rigorous real-world assignments and assessments. Our students will have access to mentors and leaders that will positively shape their lives.

Early College High Schools

Early college high schools blend high school and college in a rigorous yet supportive program, compressing the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and the first two years of college. The Early College High School is a bold approach, based on the principle that academic rigor, combined with the opportunity to save time and money, is a powerful motivator. Students in the program are challenged intellectually and provided additional social and emotional support.

Participants in the program can earn a high school diploma while earning up to 60 college credit hours. Students can earn an associate’s degree or up to two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree, tuition-free, while in high school.

Early college high schools are created primarily for underprivileged students who are first-generation college-goers and English language learners or any other students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

The P-Tech Model

The P-Tech program model targets specific degrees that have direct connections to entry-level careers in high-growth economic sectors. The model includes a four or six-year sequence of workplace learning as a core component of students’ experience. Local employers are full partners with the school. Students in P-Tech programs earn a high school diploma, an industry-recognized certification, an associate degree, and relevant work experience in a high-demand field. Students will receive mentoring throughout their high school and college careers. Our program helps to eliminate the transitions from high school to college to work by facilitating a streamlined process for students to acquire academic, technical, and workplace skills.