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Early College

Sign up to attend the virtual Early College info session on Dec. 4th at 6:30pm!

Early college programs blend high school and college in a rigorous, yet supportive program, that gives students the opportunity to extend high school for one year to earn up to 62 college credits. This program is based on the principle that academic rigor, when combined with the opportunity to save time and money, is a powerful motivator for students to work hard and meet serious intellectual challenges.

Students receive special support to help improve their academic performance as they complete both high school and college coursework and secure their future education and career-related goals. College costs including registration and technology fees, and textbooks are covered.

In collaboration with local community colleges, OAISD facilitates Early College programs with several partner school districts throughout its service region.

Earn your high school diploma and FREE college credits!

Member School Districts: Allendale, Coopersville, Grand Haven, Hamilton, Saugatuck, Spring Lake, West Ottawa

Ottawa Area Early College is a program that allows selected students to extend high school by one year to earn both their diploma and up to 62 college credits from Muskegon Community College (MCC) at no cost to the student.

Students receive support from a Student Advisor to help improve academic performance and develop the skills necessary for success in future academic and career endeavors. College costs including registration and technology fees, and textbooks are covered. Students are responsible for transportation to MCC campuses if it is not provided by the school district. 

Participation in Early College comes with many benefits:

  • Substantial credits earned by extending high school graduation by one year
  • Students receive support services throughout their Early College experience
  • Enjoy high school activities as well as high school extracurricular activities
  • Enjoy college intramural teams and club sports as well as other college educational activities
  • Tutoring services and libraries available at both the high school and college
  • Complete your High School diploma and FREE college credits

Phase I

Fill out MCC Student application

Accuplacer placement testing

NOCEC Application, including Letters of Recommendation and an Essay – guidance counselor will distribute upon completion of the Accuplacer.

Phase II

Panel interview with the student and his/her family at the MCC main campus in Muskegon

10th GRADE

Students apply during their 10th grade year. Each year, a maximum of 50 tenth-grade students from the participating school districts will be accepted into the program. Accepted students will attend a two-day orientation program held at the Muskegon campus.

11th GRADE

  • Attend high school for at least three hours
  • Take 4 college courses, including College Success Seminar (12-13 credits)
  • Communicate regularly with advisor
  • Attend cohort meetings

12th GRADE

  • Attend high school at least two hours
  • Complete 22 college hours
  • Communicate regularly with advisor
  • Attend cohort meetings

13th GRADE

  • Complete 24 hours and a final high school requirement
  • Communicate regularly with an advisor
  • Apply to a four-year school or prepare for a career

For more information, interested high school students should contact their high school counselors.