Did you know that at Travis you can complete an average of
2 years of college, all for FREE?!
Find out more about our Early College High School program!

Highlights
  • Students can earn tuition-free, college credit that also satisfies high school requirements.
  • Depending on when students start the program they can earn an associate degree at the same time as a high school diploma.
  • Students start courses at ACC as once they meet college-readiness standards. If college-ready, students may start college courses their freshman year.
  • Students attend college classes during the day at Travis or at an ACC campus.
  • Students can access ACC support services including college advising, career counseling and free tutoring. 
  • There is no cost for tuition, transportation, or textbooks.
  • Travis is the only ECHS high school in south-central Austin.
  • Partnership is between Austin ISD and the Austin Community College District (ACC).
What is Early College High School?

A Great Opportunity!

Travis Early College High School provides the opportunity for students to earn an associate degree or up to 60 hours of credit towards a bachelor's degree while in high school.

Early College High Schools are an innovative way for high school students to earn both a high school diploma and a two-year associate degree (or up to two years credit toward a bachelor’s degree) in the time it takes to go to high school - saving the student both time and money.

Early college high schools are focused on getting students on a direct college path. They are different than college preparatory schools, since students are actually taking college courses, not simply preparing themselves for college.

From greatschools.org
The Program

This amazing program offers the following:​
  • Enrollment in ACC dual credit classes at NO COST to student/family 
  • Opportunity to complete an Associate Degree in General Studies (60 credits) or the Core Curriculum (42 credits) 
  • Enrollment in college readiness and academic support class (AVID)
  • Core classes still allow for participation in most elective classes
  • Regularly scheduled meetings for parents and students to discuss academic progress and learn more about the program
  • A full-time staff member to serve as program coordinator and the students’ full time advocate
PictureTravis ECHS students check out books and study at ACC Riverside library
Tuition Costs

There are no tuition, books or transportation costs for Early College High School students or their parents. The program is free.

Travis Early College High School is an outstanding value and investment of time and effort for our students. In Texas colleges, the average cost for 60 hours of college credit is $23,458. The cost for Travis Early College High School is $0!

Click here to get an idea of tuition costs for Texas colleges and universities.
Eligibility

Travis High School wants our ECHS student population to be a diverse group of students. To meet the intent of this program we place emphasis on selecting students who will be great representatives of Travis High School and meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • Students who are entering their 9th or 10th grade
  • Students who are first generation college potential (neither custodial parent has received a 4-year degree)
  • Students who would benefit from accelerated academic instruction
  • Students who are at-risk of not completing high school or pursuing higher education
  • Students who are under-served in higher education

In addition, the following are key attributes of successful ECHS students:
  • Ability to make mature, responsible, independent and productive choices that contribute to success and growth
  • Desire to be intellectually challenged and experience rigorous college level and honors-level high school courses
  • Ability to work cooperatively and be engaged in communication, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, and making education a priority
  • Desire to effectively and appropriately use technology toward educational purposes and enrichment

Once enrolled, students must maintain a 2.0 (B) grade average to continue in the program.
Student Expectations

All students applying to the Travis Early College High School program must agree to a contract of expectations. Student expectations include:
  • Making education a high priority
  • Coming to school and being punctual
  • Being responsible for their own learning
  • Showing respect for everyone.

Click here for a full list of expectation for students of Early College High School.
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Current Travis ECHS students in a tutoring session at ACC Riverside
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Travis ECHS students get free transportation to ACC Riverside and back!
Parent Expectations

Parents are our students’ most important educators and have the greatest influence on them. Parents will also be asked to agree to a contract of expectation supporting their student. Parent expectations include:
  • Encouraging your child
  • Making sure your child attends and arrives at school on time
  • Staying informed
  • Monitoring your child’s progress
  • Attending all parent meetings and conference
​Click here for a full list of expectations for parents of students of Early College High School.
Application Process 

The Early College High School program is open to any student that meets the eligibility criteria listed above, but students must complete an application. The program has two application periods throughout the year: Fall and Spring. ​
PictureTravis ECHS students head to class at ACC Riverside
The Fall application is for 8th graders and 9th graders. The application deadline for Fall 2018 will be March 31, 2018. Eighth grade students in any AISD middle school and from schools outside of AISD, can apply. Students admitted to the program that reside outside of the Travis HS attendance zone and out-of-district students can request a district transfer to attend Travis HS. Keep reading for information about requesting a transfer.

Once students apply and are notified of program acceptance, they are required to take the TSI test, and then participate in a summer bridge program in June where they will take classes in college readiness, reading, writing, and TSI preparation, depending on what they need according to test scores. Students that are college-ready by the end of the summer bridge, can register to begin taking ACC classes in the Fall semester. Students that do not achieve passing scores, have the opportunity to participate in TSI prep tutorials and retest in the fall to begin ACC classes the following Spring.
The Spring application is for 9th or 10th graders interested in starting the program the upcoming Spring. The Spring 2019 application deadline will be October 15, 2018. After submitting application, students must take the TSI test and if their scores indicate they are college ready, they can enroll in college classes at ACC for Spring semester.  Student that do not achieve passing scores, can participate in TSI prep tutorials and have the opportunity to retest in the Spring/Summer to begin college classes the following Fall semester.
NOTE: All incoming 9th grade ECHS students must participate in the AVID program at Travis HS. AVID provides support to students enrolled in ACC classes by offering tutoring, homework time, and academic/organizational checks. AVID teaches the study and organizational skills needed for college success and offers additional TSI preparation to those who need it. Applicants in 8th grade must submit an AVID application along with ECHS application by deadline. The online AVID application can be found in the ECHS program application information page. 
For additional questions about AVID, contact:
Mr. Amin Duran
AVID Coordinator, Travis ECHS
512-841-8371
amin.duran@austinisd.org
ABOUT TRANSFER REQUESTS:
Students that need to request an in-district or out-of-district transfer to attend Travis HS must first apply to Travis ECHS program by deadline. Once an acceptance letter is received, please return the ECHS Commitment Form included with letter. This will secure that an in-district transfer is processed, if needed. If you need an out-of-district transfer you must complete the Transfer Application with AISD Student Services office. If you submit a transfer request for a priority or general transfer prior to applying to this program, acceptance into this program will supersede an approved priority or general transfer.
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Contact

If you have any questions about the Early College High School program at Travis HS, please contact:

Mrs. Vangie Orozco
ECHS Program Coordinator
512-414-7715
vangie.orozco@austinisd.org 

OR

Mrs. Jaime Garcia
ECHS Counselor 
512-414-6356
jaime.garcia@austinisd.org
Follow us on twitter: @WBTravisECHS ​