- Center Grove High School
- Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
Early College FAQ
-
What is Early College (EC)?
- Early College is a small learning community (similar to a team in middle school) where students work to earn their ICC/Core 30 (Indiana College Core) or their Associate’s Degree in General Studies.
- EC works to create a family-like environment where students are developed to be self-advocates, independent learners, cooperative group members, college-level thinkers, and effective written and verbal communicators.
-
What is the ICC?
- It stands for the Indiana College Core, formerly known as the STGEC.
- To earn the ICC/Core 30 students complete 30 hours of college coursework in specific areas.
- Once completed, the 30 hours transfer as a block and count for the equivalent courses at the receiving institution.
- This typically equates to the first year of general required courses at the university level.
- Students who receive this and attend a state university (in Indiana), by law, are guaranteed credit.
- Many private institutions, to keep pace with Indiana University and Purdue University, also accept credits. See this transfer chart for an example of how credits transfer.
For more information, please click here.
-
Have questions specific to CGHS EC?
-
How do I get into EC?
- Students apply to EC through an online application.
- When selecting students, we look at their NWEA and ISTEP scores. We also look at middle school grades, attendance, and citizenship.
- Students who apply should be on or above grade level, earning A’s and B’s in current middle school courses. They should be motivated students who complete their work on time and work well with other students.
- Students who have lower reading/writing levels will struggle in EC (due to the emphasis on reading and writing in all courses).
-
Can you share what the diploma requirements are?
-
Would you like more information on transferring courses?
-
Can you give me an example of how the dual credit courses transfer to Indiana schools (same list, not exhaustive)?
-
Where can I learn more about the Indiana College Core?
-
Can I take honors classes and be in EC?
- Yes and no.
- EC students can take honors math and honors science classes (which lead to AP math and AP science courses).
- EC students CANNOT take honors English or honors history classes.
- Junior year EC students take weighted, dual credit English and history classes.
- In grades 10-12, EC students can take some AP courses as an elective.
-
What is better to work towards-- the ICC or the Associate’s Degree in General Studies (60 hours)?
- This is a personal preference, and often it depends on the student’s goals and potential major/s.
- This decision does NOT need to be made until junior year.
-
Can I be in sports, choir, marching band, BioMed, PLTW, etc. and be in EC?
- Yes! Most of our students are involved in extracurricular activities.
- Colleges/workforce are looking for well-rounded people, so CGHS encourages all students to be involved!
- The discipline and time management needed to be in music, clubs, athletics, and service relate well to the discipline needed to be successful in early college.
-
Are EC students only with EC kids?
- Yes and no.
- EC students are in EC only classes for their core classes, world language (French/Spanish), and eventually dual credit elective classes.
- The exception would be those students who take honors math or honors science.
- EC students are mixed in with other students for their other elective courses (PE, art, music, FACS, PLTW, Biomed, etc.).
-
Do students have to maintain a certain GPA to stay in EC?
- In short, no.
- HOWEVER...Students do have to pass Accuplacer (a placement test) and meet the grade requirement to enter into dual credit courses.
- Students must earn a “C” or better in the dual credit courses for them to be transferable to other institutions. Students who are struggling to meet these requirements can be placed on academic probation with supports in place to help the student achieve.
- Students who struggle in English 9 and American Studies (Eng 10) will not be recommended for dual credit classes.
-
Is EC for academically challenged students?
- Students must be on or above grade level to be successful in our courses.
- Because of the rigor, those who are below grade level will struggle.
-
What support does Early College provide for students who are taking dual credit classes?
- VU provides CGHS with two tutors--one English and one math.
- These tutors work 20-25 hours a week in our Early College Learning Center.
- Students may sign up to visit the tutors during study hall or STaR/AIM.
- While the dual credit courses are their priority, they work with all EC students.