Early College Program
Get a head start on college while still in high school!
Our Early College (EC) Program lets Carroll County Public School (CCPS) students become a full-time college student starting in 11th grade—while still earning their high school diploma! Take classes at Carroll Community College that count toward both high school graduation and college credit, allowing you to earn an Associate of Arts & Sciences degree in just 2 years—giving you a huge advantage as you get used to being on a college campus!
Program Cost
CCPS covers full tuition, fees, and materials for EC students. That means you can save thousands on college while exploring your interests and challenging yourself in a supportive environment.
How It Works
- Apply in your sophomore year (Spring for Fall 2025; Fall after that)
- Be college and career ready by the end of 10th grade
- Get accepted and start college in 11th grade
- Follow the Associate of Arts & Sciences – Early College Pathway
- Attend classes on Carroll’s main Washington Road campus and/or online
If you’re ready to challenge yourself and jumpstart your future, this program is your opportunity to save time, save money, and set yourself up for success!
Program Details
- Apply to both Early College and Carroll Community College
- Complete 9th & 10th grade requirements, including statewide testing (English 10, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, and Government)
- Meet College & Career Ready standards as defined by CCPS, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future
- Have a 3.0 GPA (through 10th grade) & submit a transcript
- Get a recommendation letter from your CCPS school counselor
- Provide your own transportation to Carroll Community College
- Meet with a Carroll Academic Advisor and attend a Group Advising Session (offered twice a month, March–July)
- Register early! EC students get priority registration one week before new students if they’ve attended a Group Advising Session
- Attend Early College Orientation in August (includes a Parent Session)
While we are committed to supporting every student’s success in the Early College (EC) Program, some situations may require a student to return to their high school. These include:
- Failing key courses: If an EC student fails MATH-113 or does not earn a C or better in ENGL-101 in Fall 1, or fails ENGL-102 or MATH-115 in Fall 2, they must take these courses at their high school in the spring to meet graduation requirements.
- Academic probation: If an EC student’s GPA falls below 2.0, they will be placed on academic probation. They have one semester to raise their GPA. If they do not, they will return to their high school.
- Falling behind on credits: EC students must complete 29 credits in their first year. If they do not, they will return to their high school.
- Withdrawing from a course: If an EC student withdraws from a class, they can either return to high school or stay in the EC program but must retake the course at their own expense. CCPS will not cover the cost of a repeated course.
- Alternative credit options: If an EC student has earned Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, or CLEP credit for a required course, Carroll Community College will accept these credits toward their degree.
Early College Program—Associate of Arts & Sciences degree plan:
| Fall #1 | Spring #1 | Fall #2 | Spring #2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL-101 College Writing |
HLTH-101 The Science & Theory of Health And Wellness |
ENGL-102 Writing About Literature |
SOC-215 Diversity in U.S. |
| MATH-113 Finite Mathematics |
PSYC-101 General Psychology |
MATH-115 Introduction to Statistical Methods |
GEOSCI-103 Environmental Sustainability |
| HIST-110 World Culture-1200 to Present |
COMM-201 Mass Communication |
ART-125 Art Appreciation |
PHIL-105 Ethics |
| FN-100 Personal Finance |
BIOL-101 Fundamentals of Biology 1 |
HLTH-225 Stress Management & Tension Control |
COMM-205 Interpersonal Communication |
| SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology |
PSYC-211 Human Development Through the Life Span |
ECON-100 Microeconomics |
|
| 16 Credits | 13 Credits | 16 Credits | 15 Credits |
Early College Program Format & Requirements
Students in the Early College Program will follow a hybrid-cohort format, meaning they will take the same required courses each semester but may be enrolled in different sections. For example, all EC students will take SOC-101 in their first semester, but they can choose the section that best fits their schedule, including online options if preferred.
To graduate from both high school and college, students must successfully complete all coursework in the EC Program and meet all requirements outlined in the EC agreement.
