FAQ

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What are the requirements to get in to the Early College Academy?

Students must score at least basic/basic on the eighth grade LEAP test.

Retentions in the past are not a concern. 

Students in the ECA will be subject to the same attendance and discipline policies as any other student in the district, and will have the same rights as any other student in the district.

What are the hours?

ECA has non-traditional hours of 12:00 to 6:30 p.m. with flexibility in the upper grades.

What is the uniform requirement? 

None.

What about school supplies?           

Textbooks and tuition will be provided at no cost to the student. 

Class fees for certain courses will be comparable to regular high school.

Can I participate in athletics or other extra-curricular activities?

Students will not be eligible to participate in athletics at their home zone high school. 

However, ECA students will be able to participate in some specialized activities at the home zoned high school as approved by the school.  And, ECA students will be eligible to take part in college activities like intramural sports.

What about transportation?

Transportation will be provided by the Lafayette Transit System at designated stops.

What about SLCC tuition?

Students are not responsible for tuition.

What’s this I hear about a laptop?

Cox Communications has partnered with the ECA to provide each student with a laptop. Students who drop out of the program will have to return the laptop to the Academy.

What about the age differences between high school and college students?

The ECA will have a fulltime, on-site counselor for our students. 

Each student will be paired with an SLCC mentor of the same gender to help them navigate their new school.

And, a freshman transition course introducing our academy students to SLCC and their opportunities will be part of each ninth-grader’s schedule.

Can I withdraw from the Early College High School at any time?

In order to meet the goals of the Early College High School, a four year commitment is encouraged.  Withdrawal will only be granted under special circumstances, and must be approved by the Director of Schools of Choice.

How do I apply?

Just go online to www.lafayettechoice.com.  If you don’t have internet access, come to the District Schools of Choice Office. 

When do I apply?

Applications will be accepted starting at noon on August 7, 2008.

How are students selected?

We will accept 100 students each fall. As with all our high school academies, all slots will be awarded by random lottery.

Are out-of parish students eligible to attend the Early College High School?    

The school is only open to Lafayette Parish public school students.

How can I be sure that this program will continue?

Early College High Schools have operated in the United States for more than 30 years with proven success.  Our school has the commitment of the Lafayette Parish School System, South Louisiana Community College, Louisiana Technical College – Lafayette Campus, and the University of Louisiana. 

Will I have to sign a contract?

Parents and students must sign a contract.  This contract commits the parent and the child to support the school’s beliefs, philosophy, academics, and behavior code of conduct for the school year. 

How will graduation be handled?

The student will be eligible to graduate with the home zoned school.  Special recognition during the graduation ceremonies will be provided.

What if I want to take classes that relate to the technical careers?

Depending on the career pathway of a student, there will be opportunities to take technical career related.  These classes will be available in the upper grades. 

What if I decide to drop out of school?

Failure is not an Option!

Am I officially an SLCC student?

Yes.  It is the goal of the Early College High School that a student will have the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree.

What does the Early College High School calendar look like?

The school calendar will follow the SLCC college calendar.

Do I need to take the ACT before I apply?

No.  However, students will be required to take the ACT Plan in the 10th grade.

Who is involved in this project?

The Lafayette Parish School System and the South Louisiana Community College have partnered with Cox Communications, the Lafayette City-Parish Government Transit System and the Louisiana Department of Education to provide our students with this opportunity.