Early College Academy gives students a jumpstart on their future

Early College Academy gives students a jumpstart on their future
Posted on 01/27/2020
St. Louis Community College - South CountyThe ten students in the Mehlville School District Early College Academy just completed their first semester of college, and they’re already excited for the doors it’s going to open for them in the future.

This is the first year of the Early College Academy, which allows Mehlville High School and Oakville High School students to take their courses at St. Louis Community College tuition-free. These courses satisfy both high school and college credits, meaning students can graduate high school with both a diploma and associate degree.

“We start them off at the St. Louis Community College South County campus just to get them acclimated to the process and what resources they have,” OHS College and Career Counselor Stephen King said. “After that they’re registering just like a college student would be.”

Students take the typical entry-level English, math and humanities courses that are required of all college students, and also have the option to take elective courses in their areas of interest. All credits will transfer to any community college or four-year university in the state of Missouri.

 “It will do a lot for your future,” Early College Academy student Melisa Vilic said. “Two years of college are done, and you’re only 18. Everyone else is just graduating high school when they’re 18, and I can transfer to a four-year university and graduate there when I’m 20.”

Students can apply for the Early College Academy after their sophomore year. While they take all of their junior and senior year courses at St. Louis Community College, students can still be involved in athletics, arts and other clubs at their base high school.

Ten new students will be accepted into the program for the 2020-2021 school year. Students should talk to their counselor if they’re interested in applying.



Student Choice Program Night 
Parents and students can learn more about Early College Academy and our other choice programs at our Student Choice Program Night. The event will be held Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in Nottelmann Auditorium (3200 Lemay Ferry Rd).
The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].