Early College Academy

October - December:  Student Recruitment
January - March:  Student Applications and Placement Testing
April - May:  Student Enrollment in MCC Fall Courses
August:  Orientation at MCC-Maple Woods and Fall Semester Begins

• Academic Challenge: Students can tackle more rigorous coursework that might not be available in their standard high school curriculum.
• College Experience: Gaining exposure to college-level classes helps students adapt to the academic demands of higher education.

• Reduced Tuition: Tuition and books are paid for by the Park Hill School District, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of a college degree.
• Early Credit Accumulation: Students can earn college credits while still in high school, potentially leading to a shorter time to complete a college degree.

• Early Graduation: By earning credits early, students may be able to graduate from college sooner, allowing them to enter the workforce/pursue advanced studies earlier.
• Associate’s Degree: Earning credits toward an Associate’s degree early allows students to enter the workforce or pursue technical/vocational training earlier.

• Skill Development: Students develop important skills such as time management, critical thinking, and independent learning, which are crucial for college success.

• Competitive Edge: Completing college-level coursework can strengthen a student's college applications, showcasing their ability to handle advanced material.

Students entering the Early College Academy need to be prepared for the college courses they will be taking through this program and the rigor that accompanies those courses. MCC uses ACT or Accuplacer test scores to determine a student’s college readiness in reading, writing, and math. To help ensure students have the best chance of being successful in this program, only those students meeting the college readiness criteria will be accepted into the program.

Students taking the Accuplacer test are required to achieve the following scores:
Reading: 248
Writing: 246
Advanced Algebra and Functions: 237

Students taking the ACT are required to achieve the following scores:
English: 18
Reading: 18
Math: 22

You can apply to the ECA before you have taken either test. Applicants will have the opportunity to take the Accuplacer test in the spring before acceptance decisions are made.

You will take classes at MCC-Maple Woods for two blocks (either 1 & 2 or 3 & 4) and classes at your home high school for two blocks. In general, the morning classes at MCC are between 8:00 - 10:50. The afternoon classes are between 12:30 - 3:15.

There is no cost to the student. Tuition and books are paid for by the district.

Any resource that is available to a traditional MCC-Maple Woods students is also available to Early College Academy students. Success Advisors, the library, tutoring centers for reading, writing, and math, and student clubs and organizations are all accessible. 

Can I still do extracurricular activities?
Yes. Students will need to take their extracurricular schedule into account when planning their MCC schedules, and tough decisions may need to be made. Students should also work with their high school counselor and their Success Advisor at MCC to ensure they take classes to keep them MSHSAA eligible.

What classes are available to me? Is this still an option for students that have already taken a lot of dual credit classes?
The whole MCC course catalog is available to ECA students, with a few caveats:
              -Pre-requisites have been fulfilled
              -Selective programs (like nursing) would not be open
MCC has a list of recommended courses to help guide students, especially in the first semester. The focus is on General Ed (Core 42) credits, but electives are available for students who want/need them. Students with dual credit courses in hand will still have plenty of choices.

What if I decide the ECA is not for me?
Registration for the Early College Academy is a one-year commitment. There is a one-week drop window without penalty at the beginning of the semester.

Can I enroll in ECA and NCC or NCAPS?
No. Students may participate in only one tuition-based, off-campus program per year. ECA students can enroll in Professional Studies.

Can I apply if I have a 504 Plan or an IEP?
Yes. If a student has a 504 Plan or IEP, they would request to meet with MCC - Maple Woods’ Disability Support Services office, who would review the student’s documentation and determine the appropriate accommodations.