Students in Newport Mesa Unified School District are starting to look more and more for alternatives to Corona del Mar High School and Newport Harbor High School, despite ever-increasing API scores and the district’s surging popularity. While both CDM and Newport Harbor are great schools by almost any objective standard, Newport Mesa USD is now offering a smaller alternative called Early College High School (ECHS). Early College High School is a public high school within the Newport Mesa district, however it is much smaller, operating at a maximum of 400 students. This allows students to take college-level courses and earn college credits while still in high school in a much more intimate environment. Students can earn up to a full year of college credit depending on their choice of classes due to their partnership with Coastline Community College. Because of this partnership, Newport Beach students are able to earn free college credit while still getting their high school diploma.

Due to the small class sizes at Early College High School, they are able to provide a family-like environment. This includes access to college and high school counselors. They also foster this “family” like atmosphere with campus-wide competitions and events. This family, however, is focused on preparing for and attending college. With a 100% graduation rate and top API scores, Early College High School has a lot to offer Newport Beach students. The OC Register rated Early College High School one of the Top Ten schools in Orange County for the past three years in a row. Early College High School can serve as a great opportunity for driven students who are looking for a smaller learning environment that can support their goals.

In order to seize this opportunity, students must apply using the application available on earlycollege.nmusd.us. To find out more information check out this great flier.