Early College Program
Early College Program Applications for the 2025-26 school year are now open!
Applications and Test Scores are due March 3, 2025
Student Qualifications and Important Links
Prospective students apply to the Early College Program during their 10th or 11th grade year and participate attend their 11th and/or 12th grade year.
Students must have:
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- 90% Cumulative Attendance
- Meet Early College - Placement Test (Accuplacer) Sign Up, College Readiness, and MACC Course Placement Standards
- Complete the MACC Dual Credit Application (AFTER COMPLETING THE MACC DUAL CREDIT APPLICATION, IN THE MAIL YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ACCEPTANCE LETTER FROM MACC THAT IS SENT TO ALL STUDENTS WHO APPLY TO MACC (NOT JUST EARLY COLLEGE). THIS LETTER DOES NOT DESIGNATE ACCEPTANCE INTO THE EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM)
- Complete the CPS Early College Program Application
- For more information we encourage you to attend an Information Session via Zoom. Early College Information Session Link and Sign Up
- A list of common MACC courses taken by students and how they transfer to CPS high school credit can be found here.
- Private school and home school students must live in the CPS attendance area and register with the high school in their attendance area by the application due date to participate in the program.
- Students will be eligible for MACC Summer courses.
- One accepted students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 college credit hours each semester taught by a MACC professor. Courses will count as both high school and college credit. Students can make substantial progress or complete an Associates degree by high school graduation.
Mechatronics (New pathway for 2025-26)
Starting in the 2025-26 school year Early College Program Students will be able to participate in MACC's Mechatronics Program.
Mechatronics is a combination of mechanical maintenance and 21st-century technology. Companies in every industry are looking for technicians to keep their assembly line, testing, and maintenance equipment performing effectively. Jobs are available in every industry, from renewable energy to telecom, agriculture, and biotech fields.
MACC’s Mechatronics program will give you hands-on experience to design, install, repair, and maintain electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and more. Our instructors will teach you how to work safely, efficiently, and solve problems quickly, both on your own and as part of a team.
Students will have the opportunity to work towards Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics or a Certificate in Mechatronics. Entrance requirements are the same as the traditional Early College Program but classes are scheduled as part of a cohort. Scheduling options will be based off of enrollment.
Students interested in Mechatronics please make sure to indicate that on the CPS Early College Application.
Deadlines and Checklist
- Students must complete the ACT and/or ACCUPLACER Test, complete applications, and submit scores via email to Jacob Biener, CPS Advanced Studies Coordinator, jbiener@cpsk12.org by March 3, 2025.
- Application submission does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Students who are accepted will be notified in the Spring of 2025 by Jacob Biener and then begin selection of MACC Summer and Fall 2025 courses in April.
Thank you for your interest in the Columbia Public Schools Early College Program.
Resources and Responsibilities
- Students will have access to MACC student resources, including tutoring, the library, computer labs, and student clubs and campus activities.
- Students applying and qualifying for the Early College Program are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 college credit hours each semester taught by a MACC professor.
- CPS will provide transportation to and from the MACC-Columbia Campus and their home high school.
- Students will follow the MACC-Columbia Campus academic calendar during all sessions and are required to be on time and in attendance for all classes.
- Students will follow MACC's Academic and Attendance policies - MACC RedBook
- Students will monitor MACC course grades in Canvas throughout the semester. Official grades will be entered for CPS at the end of each semester.
- CPS will pay tuition, books, and fees for college classes each semester. Students are required to maintain a C or better in all classes. If a student gets a grade of D or F, the student may be responsible for repaying the district the full cost of the course, including fees, and may lose eligibility for the ECP.
- Students may participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities at their high school, provided they meet all MSHSAA Sports and Activities eligibility requirements.
Core 42 Information and Transfer
For additional information or questions, contact:
Jacob Biener
Advanced Studies Coordinator
Columbia Public Schools
jbiener@cpsk12.org