The Early College concept is based on the premise that academic rigor, combined with the opportunity to save time and money, can motivate high school students to work hard and meet serious intellectual challenges. Early colleges blend high school and college, compressing the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and the first two years of college. Success in a college environment is dependent on one’s ability to adapt in various situations. To overcome barriers to success, students must develop a sense of self-awareness, follow social norms and make a personal commitment to never give up on their dreams.

We envision a world-class institution developing leaders who will demand –and then realize- expanded opportunities for themselves and their community.

Our work is grounded in our ability to increase educational opportunities for our students. To do this, we believe that all students have unbound capabilities and when given the opportunity, engaged with rigorous content, and held to high expectations, they can achieve on an absolute scale.

Our intent is to give low-income youth, first-generation college students, English language learners, students of color, and other young people underrepresented in higher education the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree or up to two years of credit toward a Bachelor’s degree—tuition free.

The Red-Tailed Hawk symbolizes the traits we want to cultivate in North Houston Early College High School students: strength, wisdom, freedom of spirit, adaptable and ecologically resourceful with a keen vision.