
About Early College Academy
The Early College Academy (ECA) enrolls students beginning in grade 9. Successful students complete high school with a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and an Associates of Arts degree in General Studies from Cecil College.
Prior to their freshman year, ECA students participate in an orientation program to introduce them to academic expectations and resources available to them during their four years in the program. Throughout their enrollment, students are supported by tutors and advisors from Cecil College. While taking classes, students are guided through seminars and individualized advising to help them build the academic skills needed to succeed in high school and college coursework.
Cecil College has three separate Early College Academies. The first began in the 2014/2015 in partnership with Oxford Area School District in Pennsylvania. The second academy began in the 2017/2018 with local homeschool families and our third academy began in 2018/2019 in partnership with Cecil County Public Schools.
Selection Process for CCPS, Oxford, and Homeschool Students
Admission into the Early College Academy will be based on the following factors:
- Students must be 14 years of age by December 31st
- Minimum of 3.0 unweighted grade point average
- Successful completion of Algebra I (or higher) in mathematics
- Official middle school transcript or its equivalent
- Review of student questionnaire
Note: No preference will be given for early applications. Applications will only be reviewed for completeness prior to the application deadline. All applications for acceptance will be evaluated at the same time.
Confirmation of Acceptance
After applications are reviewed, students accepted into ECA will receive a letter of acceptance from the Director of Early College. Upon receipt of an acceptance letter, students must sign an ECA letter of intent, confirming acceptance into their perspective Academy.
Fall Orientation
Accepted students will attend the mandatory orientation night in August.
How to Enroll
For 8th grade students interested in enrolling in one of Cecil College's Early College Academies, the process varies depending on where they plan to attend high school.
Cecil County Public High School Students
Students planning to attend a Cecil County public high school can find information about enrolling in ECA on ccps.org. The deadline for applications is April 16, 2021.
In addition, you can view a presentation on ECA, as well as watch a short video about the program.
Oxford Area High School Students
Students planning to attend Oxford Area High School can find information about enrolling in ECA on oxfordasd.org. Cecil College is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Oxford, PA. Bus transportation is provided by OASD for Oxford High School ECA students traveling to the College.
Online Application Submissions
Please submit completed applications to the following link by July 15, 2021: Oxford ECA Applications 2021. This link is secure and will be viewed by April Stern, Director of Early College.
Please do not email applications due to personal identifiable information (PII). This link is also available through oxfordasd.org.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email April Stern at astern@nullcecil.edu or call (410) 287-1045.
Homeschool Students
Applying
Note: The ECA application packet for homeschool students will be made available by January 2021. Please check this page for updates.
Submit the documents contained in the application packet by July 15, 2021. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Online Application Submissions
Please submit completed applications to the following link by July 15, 2021: Homeschool ECA Applications 2021. This link is secure and will be viewed by April Stern, Director of Early College.
Please do not email applications due to personal identifiable information (PII).
If you have any questions, please feel free to email April Stern at astern@nullcecil.edu or call (410) 287-1045.
Confirmation of Acceptance
After applications are reviewed, students accepted into the ECA will receive a letter of acceptance by July 15. Upon receipt of an acceptance letter, students must sign an ECA letter of intent, confirming acceptance into the Academy by August 1st. Signed letters can be sent via:
- Email as a PDF attachment to April Stern, Director of Early College, at astern@nullcecil.edu.
-
Mail to:
Cecil College
Attn: April Stern, Director of Early College
1 Seahawk Drive
North East, MD 21901
Fall Orientation
Accepted students will attend the mandatory orientation night at Cecil College in August. ECA schedules will be provided the night of orientation.
More Information
If you have any questions or want more information about ECA, you can fill out our inquiry form or contact April Stern at (410) 287-1045 or astern@nullcecil.edu.