Early College - Columbia Heights Educational Campus

Early College Program

The Bell Early College Program (ECP) is part of a national instructional model designed to inspire and motivate students who have the potential to be the first in their families to graduate from college. The ECP is an exciting opportunity for students beginning ninth grade to participate in a combined high school and college experience with the goal of earning a high school diploma and associate degree or as much as 60 transferable credits at the same time. Since September 2004, the Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) and University of the District of Columbia (UDC) have opened their institutions to our Early College program and, in the process, served 190 Bell students.

A major component of the Early College is the school-wide Advisory program. In addition to academic and career advising as well as individual counseling and guidance provided by the Early College counselor, we also offer a daily advisory class and tutoring through the Georgetown Tutoring program. With increasing enrollment and expanding curriculum, this kind of personal attention is extremely important. To help promote a true sense of community in our school, to encourage student advocacy, and to inspire in students the confidence to go to an adult for support, all staff are trained to facilitate an advisory class.

Early College students also benefit from additional academic support. Extra help is provided for students to master the high school curriculum, prepare for post-secondary experiences, and enroll in college classes at no expense. We provide a College Seminar class for students enrolled in college classes; individual and group tutoring.

Students who accept the Early College High School challenge can enjoy these rewards:

• The opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree while working toward a high school diploma.
  

• Momentum toward achieving your four-year degree.
  

• Cost savings by eliminating two years of a college education.
  

• A relaxed and controlled introduction to college life.
  

• The advantages of a small, supportive learning environment.