About Early College Academy
The Early College Academy (ECA) enrolls students beginning in grade 9. Successful students complete high school with a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Cecil College.
Prior to their freshman year, ECA students participate in an orientation program to introduce them to academic expectations and resources available to them during their four years in the program. Throughout their enrollment, students are supported by tutors and advisors from Cecil College. While taking classes, students are guided through seminars and individualized advising to help them build the academic skills needed to succeed in high school and college coursework.
Cecil College has three separate Early College Academies. The first began in the 2014/2015 in partnership with Oxford Area School District in Pennsylvania. The second academy began in the 2017/2018 with local homeschool families and our third academy began in 2018/2019 in partnership with Cecil County Public Schools.
Selection Process for CCPS, Oxford, and Homeschool Students
Admission into the Early College Academy will be based on the following factors:
- Students must be 14 years of age by December 31st
- Minimum of 3.0 unweighted grade point average
- Successful completion of Algebra I (or higher) in mathematics
- Official middle school transcript or its equivalent
- Review of student questionnaire
Note: No preference will be given for early applications. Applications will only be reviewed for completeness prior to the application deadline. All applications for acceptance will be evaluated at the same time.
Confirmation of Acceptance
After applications are reviewed, students accepted into ECA will receive a letter of acceptance from the Director of Early College. Upon receipt of an acceptance letter, students must sign an ECA letter of intent, confirming acceptance into their perspective Academy.
Fall Orientation
Accepted students will attend the mandatory orientation night in August.
How to Enroll
For 8th grade students interested in enrolling in one of Cecil College's Early College Academies, the process varies depending on where they plan to attend high school.
Cecil County Public High School Students
More Information
Students planning to attend a Cecil County public high school can find information about enrolling in ECA on ccps.org.
Applying
Applications can be printed and filled out, then turned into your guidance counselor at your school. The deadline for applications is April 9, 2024.
Oxford Area High School Students
More Information
Students planning to attend Oxford Area High School can find information about enrolling in ECA on oxfordasd.org. Cecil College is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Oxford, PA. Bus transportation is provided by OASD for Oxford High School ECA students traveling to the College.
Applying
Submit the documents contained in the Oxford application packet to your middle school guidance counselor or the following link by June 3, 2024: Oxford ECA Applications 2024. This link is secure and will be viewed by April Stern, Director of Early College. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Please do not email applications due to personal identifiable information (PII).
Homeschool Students
Submit the documents contained in the homeschool application packet to the following link by July 15, 2024: Homeschool ECA Applications 2024. This link is secure and will be viewed by April Stern, Director of Early College. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Please do not email applications due to personal identifiable information (PII).
If you have any questions, please feel free to email April Stern at astern@nullcecil.edu or call (410) 287-1045.
More Information
If you have any questions or want more information about ECA, you can fill out our inquiry form or contact April Stern at (410) 287-1045 or astern@nullcecil.edu.