Thank you to all who attended our Early College High School Parent Information Meetings.
If you were unable to join us, you can download a PDF copy of the presentation used during the meetings.
The Early College High School (ECHS) program at John Jay High School offers an unparalleled opportunity for students and their families. This innovative program allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree, at no cost to them, all within a supportive, comprehensive high school environment. By enrolling in the ECHS program, students gain access to college-level courses, extracurricular activities, and the full high school experience, which is designed to foster academic achievement and personal growth.
Benefits
Families save thousands of dollars on college tuition by earning 60 college credit hours while in high school.
Students graduate with the skills, confidence, and academic credentials needed to succeed in higher education, setting them apart from their peers.
The program benefits students providing them with the tools and support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.
The integration within a traditional high school setting ensures that students can enjoy extracurricular activities and athletics while receiving the focused academic support of an early college program.
Enrollment Process*
Step 1
Visit Our Website
Step 2
Complete the ECHS Enrollment Form and commit to the Program Expectations.
Step 3
Complete the Dual Credit application process.
Step 4
Students will be notified via email upon confirmation of their enrollment.
*This program is only available to students who will attend Jay, Holmes, Marshall, and Stevens.
ECHS Timeline
October
- Oct 29 – Enrollment Form opens
- Oct 29 – Parent Information Meeting at Holmes Auditorium, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
November
- Nov 6 – Parent Information Meeting at Stevens Auditorium, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
- Nov 7 – Parent Information Meeting at Jay Auditorium, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
- Nov 12 – Parent Information Meeting at Marshall Auditorium, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
- Nov–Dec – Students will receive information on how to apply for dual credit classes
December
- Dec 20 – Enrollment Form Closes
Sample 4-Year Plans
Note: The 4-year plans provided are sample pathways designed to give you an idea of a possible academic journey. Each student’s path can be tailored to reflect their unique needs, prior coursework, and academic goals. We’re committed to working together to create the best fit for your student, so these plans are meant to be flexible guides rather than fixed schedules.
These crosswalks offer a side-by-side comparison of high school graduation requirements and the dual credit courses needed to earn an Associate's degree. Select the one that aligns with your math pathway:
- ECHS Crosswalk #1 - Advanced Math (for students who took Algebra I in 8th grade)
- ECHS Crosswalk #2 - On-Level Math
These plans break down each academic year in greater detail, showing potential course schedules:
CTE Programs of Study
In support of the State of Texas’ college and career planning initiative, NISD has developed multiple Programs of Study (POS) which combine rigorous academics and relevant career and technical education to create a plan of study that has real focus and purpose for students. A POS consists of a recommended coherent sequence of courses based on the student’s interest, skills, and college and career goals and provides the student and his/her family with a seamless transition to employment and/or postsecondary education and to higher wage, higher skill, and higher demand jobs in the workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are partnered with Northwest Vista College which is part of the Alamo Colleges network in San Antonio
Our ECHS program is a school-within-a-school model housed at Jay High School. This means students will take all of their college classes at Jay, and will be mixed with other Jay students for electives and high school classes.
All college credits earned during your four years at our ECHS may be transferred to any public college or university in Texas and could be transferred to out of state public and private schools depending on their transfer of college credit policies.
Every ECHS student will have the opportunity to earn a 60-hour Associate of Arts degree.
No, your student does not have to be a “straight A” student, but they do need to be focused on academics and hardwork. Dual credit classes are rigorous and should be taken seriously.
Yes, students are encouraged to be involved in Northside extracurriculars (athletics, band, choir, theater, CTE, etc.) and clubs.
Yes, all dual credit courses will be aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.
We believe that every student has the ability to be a successful ECHS student, but they must be willing to work hard, be open to feedback, and ask for help when it is needed.
Yes. Information on bus routes will be provided to students as needed.
8th graders who are in the Jay, Holmes, Marshall, and Stevens attendance zones are eligible to attend ECHS.
Early College High School
7611 Marbach Rd.
San Antonio TX, 78227
Contact Us
Phone: 210-397-2700
Email: jay-echs@nisd.net