Is Early Middle College Right for Your Student? Here’s What Parents Should Know

At National Heritage Academies^® (NHA^®), we believe in meeting students where they are and helping them reach their full potential. For some students, that means taking on an extra challenge through Early Middle College (EMC).

Early Middle College gives students the opportunity to earn college credits and, in many cases, an associate degree while still in high school.

“Providing students with the opportunity and accessibility of earning an associate degree for free and on an accelerated path is really the heart of the program,” said Brianna Ewigleben, National Heritage Academies College/Career Ready Counselor at Wellspring Preparatory High School.

It’s an exciting option, but it works best when families understand how the program works and stay connected throughout the journey.

What is the Purpose of Early Middle College?

The goal of Early Middle College is to provide access, opportunity, and acceleration.
Through this program, students can:

• Earn an associate degree at no cost
• Complete high school ahead of schedule
• Gain confidence by succeeding in college-level coursework

Because students take college classes during the school day, they spend more time developing the skills they’ll need after graduation such as independence, responsibility, and strong study habits.

Which Students Thrive in Early Middle College?

Early Middle College is designed for students who are ready for a higher level of responsibility.

Successful EMC students typically:

• Have strong attendance
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
• Demonstrate maturity and positive behavior
• Are motivated and open to academic challenge

Attendance is especially important. Many college courses take place in the morning, and college professors expect students to be present and prepared.

“Our college classes are in the morning, so it’s really important that students are here every day,” Ewigleben said. “College professors aren’t chasing students down. If they miss class, it’s on the student to follow up.”

This shift in expectations helps students build independence but it can also be an adjustment from traditional high school expectations.

Why Does Family Partnership Matter?

Even though students are taking college courses, family involvement remains essential.

“One of the biggest challenges we see is that parents don’t always know when their student is struggling in a college class,” Ewigleben said. “I’m not a Davenport instructor, so I don’t see their grades unless the student shares them.”

Unlike high school classes, college instructors cannot share grades directly with families. That means parents may not know when a student is struggling unless they check in. And without regular check-ins, families may not realize there’s an issue until the end of the semester.

“I always encourage parents to have their student log into the college portal and check grades together,” she said. “Staying connected helps prevent surprises.”

To support success, NHA encourages families to:

• Talk regularly with their student about how classes are going
• Ask students to log into their college portal and review grades together
• Reach out to school staff early if concerns arise

Staying engaged helps prevent surprises and ensures students are using the support available to them.

How do College Courses Fit Into the School Day?

Early Middle College courses are carefully scheduled to align with high school graduation requirements.

• In 10th grade, students begin with an introductory college course focused on career exploration
• As students’ progress, college courses begin to replace certain high school classes
• Some college courses count toward both high school and college credit

This approach allows students to move forward academically without extending their school day.

How Does Early Middle College Increase Workload?

The Early Middle College workload increases gradually.

• Early courses help students adjust to college expectations
• Later courses are taught by college professors
• Junior and senior years tend to be the most rigorous

For some students, this is when they realize the program may not be the right fit and that’s okay.

“There’s a specific kind of student this program is really good for,” she said. “If it turns out it’s not the right fit, we help students find another path where they can be successful.”

NHA supports students in finding the path that works best for them.

What Should Families Know About Credit Transfer?

Early Middle College is especially beneficial for students who:

• Plan to earn an associate degree and enter the workforce, or
• Intend to continue their education at the partner college where credits are earned

Credit transfer rules vary by institution, so having a clear post-graduation plan is important. School counselors and EMC coordinators can help families understand options and next steps.

At NHA, Early Middle College is about more than earning credits it’s about preparing students for life beyond high school.

When schools, students, and families work together, Early Middle College can be a meaningful step toward independence, confidence, and future success.

If you’re interested in learning more about Early Middle College opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to your school. We’re here to help your student find the path that’s the best fit for them.