Early College Program Applications and Test Scores Due February 28, 2023 - NEW TEST DATES ADDED FOR FEB 24, 27, AND 28.


Early College Logo
  • Minimum Student Qualifications and Important Links

    Prospective students apply to the ECP during their sophomore or junior year in high school and attend for their junior and/or senior year.

    Deadlines:

    • Students must complete the ACT and/or ACCUPLACER Test, complete applications, and submit scores to Dru Nash, CPS Advanced Studies Coordinator, dnash@cpsk12.org by February 28, 2023. 
    • Application submission does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Students who are accepted will be notified in the Spring of 2023 by Dru Nash and then begin advisement for MACC Fall 2023 courses in April. 
ECP Checklist
  • Thank you for your interest in the Columbia Public Schools Early College Program. 

    Students applying and qualifying for the Early College Program will enroll in a minimum of 12 college credit hours each semester taught by a MACC professor, typically a morning or afternoon session. Courses will count as both high school and college credit. Students can make substantial progress or complete an Associates degree by high school graduation. 

    Resources and Responsibilities

    • Students will have access to MACC student resources, including tutoring, the library, computer labs, and student clubs and campus activities.
    • 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 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.

    Early College Program FAQ's

    Core 42 Information and Transfer 

    For additional information or questions, contact:
    Dru Nash
    Advanced Studies Coordinator
    Columbia Public Schools
    dnash@cpsk12.org