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By The Numbers: Early College Adds Up to Student Success

As another school year approaches its end, now is a perfect time to reflect on the achievements of Indiana’s Early College High Schools and students. Over the past year, the Early College model has made major strides in Indiana. Now, 18 schools throughout the state actively are involved in this new way of schooling. While the accomplishments are many, perhaps the most important achievement is the thousands of Indiana students who now have bigger dreams for higher learning because of Early College High School. By looking at the data, the impact of Early College High School in Indiana becomes clear.

In terms of volume, the model's progress over the past year is significant and shows no signs of slowing down. The resurgence of interest in this revolutionary model speaks to its efficacy in impacting student achievement. In less than a year’s time, five new schools have committed to implementing Early College High School, three of which—Bellmont Senior High School, Lawrenceburg High School and Westville High School—will reopen as Early Colleges this fall.

However, the true story of Early College and its benefits for Hoosier students can best be told through a look at the numbers and from the students themselves.

Ben Davis University High School
  • Has 430 students enrolled in dual credit courses through Vincennes University as part of a school-wide Early College program at Ben Davis University High School and an extended team of students at the Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center.
  • Anticipates awarding 10,525 college credits, totaling $165,350 in tuition savings to students and families.
Center Grove High School
  • Completing its inaugural year.
  • Currently serving 199 students.
  • Plans are underway to expand the program to 350 students and offer a Liberal Arts degree through Vincennes University next year.
Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School
  • Enrolled 36 students in dual credit courses through Anderson University.
  • Anticipates awarding 306 college credits, totaling $100,980 in tuition savings to students and families.
Connersville High School
  • Enrolled 489 students in dual credit courses through Ivy Tech Community College—Richmond.
  • Anticipates awarding 1,313 college credits, totaling $113,770 in tuition savings for students and families.
Early College Preparatory Academy at David W. Dennis Middle School
  • Hosts Indiana’s only middle-level Early College.
  • Currently serves 64 students in the sixth and seventh grades.
  • Data from the Indiana Department of Education Acuity test shows that ECPA’s sixth-grade students are expected to outperform their district counterparts by 16 percent on the English/Language Arts portion of the ISTEP exam and by 15 percent on the math portion.
  • Also according to Acuity test data, ECPA’s seventh-graders are expected to outperform their district counterparts by 23 percent on the English/Language Arts portion of the ISTEP exam and by 25 percent on the math portion.
Stonegate Early College High School
  • Enrolled 34 students in dual credit courses through Ivy Tech Community College—Central Indiana.
  • Anticipates awarding 360 college credits, totaling $35,640 in tuition savings for students and families.
  • Will celebrate Indiana’s first student to graduate from Ivy Tech with an associate degree before graduating high school this May.
  • Has five Early College students that will be specifically recognized by Ivy Tech’s chancellor at the college’s upcoming graduation ceremony.

These schools represent only a fraction of Early College High School’s impact on students and families all across the state. All those involved in Indiana’s Early College High School movement should take pride in their efforts to pave the road to college for so many students. Job well done!


Published: April 2010