Early College Academy (ECA)

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.

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.