Students in Early Middle College programs can take many of the same classes offered to community college students, often earning transferable college credits while still completing their high school diploma.
Families exploring Early Middle College programs often wonder what students actually study once they begin taking college courses. Are students limited to a few introductory classes, or can they explore the same academic options available to traditional college students?
In many programs, students take real college courses through a partner community college, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of subjects while working toward their high school graduation.
The Quick Answer
Early Middle College students can take many of the same courses offered at community colleges. Many focus on associate degree pathways that allow credits to transfer to four-year universities.
- Early Middle College students can take many of the same courses offered to community college students.
- Students often focus on associate degrees in science or general studies to maximize transferable college credits.
- Credits earned through community college courses can transfer to many four-year universities.
- The model helps students explore academic interests while reducing future college costs.
How Early Middle College programs pair with community colleges
At Oakland Early College, students take classes through Oakland Community College, where they are treated much like any other college student when it comes to course selection.
“Kids can really do anything that a normal OCC student will do,” says Morrison Borders, head of school at Oakland Early College. “They’re not restricted in terms of the classes they can take. They can take any class that they want and do any kind of exploration they want.”
While students can explore many subjects, Borders says most choose pathways that maximize the long-term value of the credits they earn.
“The majority of our students will focus on the associate in science or the associate in general studies,” Borders says. “That’s going to get them the most bang for their buck in terms of how many courses are going to follow them to a four-year college so they don’t have to pay for those classes again.”
Early Middle College programs give students transferable credits
Those transferable credits are a major advantage of the Early Middle College model. Instead of starting college from scratch after graduation, many students leave the program with significant progress toward a degree.
And those credits can travel far beyond the local community college.
According to Borders, about 95% of Oakland Early College students go on to attend four-year universities after completing the program.
“We send kids to the University of Michigan every year,” he said. “We send kids to Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University. We send kids out of state. We’ve sent kids to Harvard, Columbia, even Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.”
Because the coursework is completed through an accredited community college, the credits often transfer to universities across the country. That means students can explore college-level academics early while potentially reducing both the time and cost required to complete a bachelor’s degree.
View this post on Instagram
Early Middle College FAQ for Parents
What is an Early Middle College program?
An Early Middle College blends high school and college coursework, allowing students to earn college credits while completing their diploma and gradually transitioning into college-level classes.
How is Early Middle College different from dual enrollment?
Early Middle College programs integrate college courses into a structured multi-year pathway, while dual enrollment typically allows students to take individual college classes alongside a traditional high school schedule.
What types of college classes can students take?
Students can often take many of the same courses offered to community college students, including general education classes that transfer to four-year universities.
Can Early Middle College credits transfer to other universities?
Yes. Because students earn credits through accredited community colleges, many courses transfer to four-year universities, helping students reduce the time and cost needed to earn a bachelor’s degree.
What are the benefits of a small Early Middle College school?
Smaller Early Middle College schools often provide more personalized support, smaller class sizes and a collaborative environment where students focus on both high school and college success.
Who should consider applying to an Early Middle College program?
Students who are motivated, curious about college coursework and interested in getting a head start on their college education often thrive in Early Middle College programs.
- What is an Early Middle College school?
- What are the benefits of small, application-based Early Middle College schools?
This content is sponsored by Oakland Early College. Discover more at the school’s website.
