Early College Programs

Earn college credit while still in high school with ý’s Early College programs. There are three options to choose from: Early College at Your High School, Early College on Campus (at ý), and Early College Online.

Current and newly enrolled Early College students, get our Quicktartҳܾ!

Read the story of an Early College student who became an Early College teacher!

Early College on Campus (at ý)

TheEarly College on Campusprogram enables high school students to take community college courses on campus at ý for college credit.

Requirements

  1. You must be at least 15 years old.
  2. You must have transportation to campus for in-person classes.

Steps

  1. Connect with Early College Coordinator Chelsea Divers at [email protected] or 603-366-5269 to discuss available courses in the upcoming semester. Or, you canwith Chelsea.
  2. Share this information with your school counselor to ensure that you are approved to take the course and that these college credits will count towards high school graduation.
  3. and include email contact information for your school counselor and a parent or guardian so they can provide consent for you take college classes at ý.

How much does it cost?Early College on Campus classes qualify fora50% discount on in-state tuition. Currently, Early College on Campus tuition is $115/credit. Most classesare3 or 4 credits.This discounted rate does not include the cost of textbooks, classroom materials, or program fees.Scholarships may be available, subject to available funding.The Early College scholarshipand funding model for the 2026-27 school year is currently still in review and will befinalizedprior to the start of the Fall 2026 semester.

How are college classes different from high school classes?College classes move at a faster pace and require more independent learning than high school classes.You’llbe expected to take more responsibility for managing your time, completing readings and assignments on your own, and reaching out to instructors when you need help. Class discussions and course content assume a level of maturity, attitude,experience,and academic preparation consistent with a college course.

Will I earn high school credit for these college classes? Awarding high school credit is at the discretion of your high school. Be sure todiscuss your Early College courses with your school counselor if you would like them to count towards your high school graduation requirements.

What classes are offered? We offer a variety of classes. Visit our course schedule page to learn more about the classes that are offered at ý each semester.

Can I take anyclass?All course prerequisites apply to Early College students.The following courses arenotopen to Early College students:

  • AllGM and ToyotaAUTO courses
  • All CULA courses, except by faculty permission
  • All FIRE courses, except FIRE124L and FIRE160L
  • All NURS courses, except NURS100L
  • All Paramedic (PAMD) courses
  • 8-week ENGL101L courses
  • Any 8-week MATH courses
  • Any capstone, internship, practicum, co-op, or senior project course

Prior to registering for a math course, you will need to share your high school transcript showing math classes you’ve taken with the Early College coordinator. Alternatively, you can take a math placement exam. Math placement exams are offered by appointment on campus in the Bennett Library. The placement exam is offered at no cost to students and may take up to two hours to complete. Contact Christina Finemore, Director of Library and Learning Commons, to schedule at [email protected].

Will these creditstransfer?These credits are eligible to transfer to most colleges and universities. Acceptance of transfer credits is always at the discretion of the receiving institution. Saving your course syllabus to send with your transcript can increase the chances of your credits being accepted. Learn more about requesting transcripts.

Is it possible tograduatehigh school with an associate degree?Yes, it is! If you start as a sophomore and take 20 college courses over 3 years, you can completea majority ofthe requirements of an associate degree!

Early College Online (through ý)

TheEarly College Onlineprogram is identical toEarly College on Campus, but with fully asynchronous online classes.A new registrationplatform forEarly College Onlineis coming soon. For now,theregistrationprocess for online classes is the sameasforon-campusclasses. See theEarly College on Campusinformation above for more details.

Early College at Your High School

TheEarly College at Your High Schoolprogram enables high school students to take community college courses in their high school for college credit.

Who is eligible? Students in grades 10-12 enrolled in juniorand seniorlevel high school courses that have been approved for Early College by ý.

What classes are offered? The number and types of college classes available at each high school varies depending on the experience and background of the teachers at the high school.

How much does it cost? Early College at High School classes are offered to students at low or no cost! The Early College scholarship andfunding model for the 2026-27 school year is currently still in review and will befinalizedprior to the start of the Fall 2026 semester.

Who teaches the courses? The courses are taught by teachers you already know in your school, who have college-level teaching credentials and use a college syllabus and course materials. These courses are taken as part of the daily class schedule and are considered “dual enrollment” which means these courses also satisfy high school credits.

Will these credits transfer? These credits are eligible to transfer to most colleges and universities.Acceptance oftransfer credits is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.Saving your course syllabus to send with your transcript can increase the chances of your credits being accepted.Learn more about requesting transcripts.

How do I sign up for Early College at my high school? Meet with your school counselor to plan for Early CollegeatyourHighSchool classes.

ý serves the following high schools:

BelmontFranklinGilford
Inter-LakesJ. Olivia Huot Tech CenterKingswood Regional
LaconiaLaconia ChristianLakes Region Tech
Lin-WoodMoultonborough AcademyNewfound Regional
Plymouth RegionalProspect MountainWinnisquam Regional

Connect

Want to sign up for a class but not sure how? For more information on all of these opportunities, or contact Early College Coordinator Chelsea Divers at [email protected] or 603-366-5269. You can also .

Already Enrolled in Early College?

Two Early College culinary students posing in the kitchen