Park Hill launches Early College Academy with MCC Maple Woods; district will cover tuition and transport

Park Hill staff presented the new Early College Academy partnership with Metropolitan Community College’s Maple Woods campus on March 20, describing eligibility, program structure and likely student benefits.

Dr. Bridewell and Dr. Courtney said the program will let eligible juniors and seniors take MCC college-level courses for part of the day; the district will cover the reduced tuition rate, textbooks and transportation for students who cannot provide their own. Students apply as sophomores or juniors and must demonstrate college-level placement in reading, writing and math via ACT or ACCUPLACER, hold a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and have at least a 90% attendance rate.

Program benefits discussed by staff include cost savings, guaranteed transferability of core coursework through Missouri’s transfer library, exposure to college-level coursework and transferable skills such as time management and self-advocacy. Dr. Bridewell said, “There is the possibility to earn the associate’s degree prior to graduating from high school,” noting that a two-year associate’s degree is 60 credit hours and explaining how students can combine MCC credits, dual-credit courses and AP credits to reach that total.

Staff reported that 73 students applied; 59 met the program’s qualifying criteria and were accepted. The accepted students came roughly evenly from the district’s high schools (19 from Lehi, 21 from Park Hill High School and 19 from Park Hill South). District coordinators will work with counselors to finalize scheduling and to help students determine whether to pursue an associate degree or transfer-ready credits.

No board vote was required on the program description at the meeting; staff said the district will enroll qualified students for the coming year and will continue outreach and counseling for candidates.