Early College Credit Program / Start College Now

The Early College Credit and Start College Now programs are designed to support enrollment in college courses that are not comparable to any courses offered by the school district. Students may enroll in one or more courses for high school credit and post-secondary credit. Please note that students may not enroll in both programs during the same semester.

Important Note for Open Enrolled Students: Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes, Wis. Stat. 118.55 for ECCP and Wis. Stat 38.12(14)(a)(3) for SCN), students attending our district through the Public School Open Enrollment program who wish to participate in ECCP or SCN must submit their application directly to their resident school district for review and approval, rather than the attending district.

Student Responsibilities & Academic Standing 

Before applying, students should discuss these options with their family, teachers, and school counselor. To be eligible for these programs, students must meet the following criteria:

• Good Academic Standing: In accordance with Board Policies po2271 and po2271.01, students must maintain a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 at the time of application. However, current grades GPA and attendance are taken into consideration when reviewing applications.
• Disciplinary Record: Students must have an acceptable disciplinary record. Participation may be denied if a student has a record of significant or repeated disciplinary infractions.
• Statutory Requirements: Students must not meet the statutory definition of a "child at risk" as defined in WI State Statute 118.153(1)(a).
• Course Prerequisites: Students are responsible for meeting all necessary prerequisites for the college-level class as determined by the Institution of Higher Education (IHE) or Technical College.
• Maturity & Initiative: High school students are treated as college students by the post-secondary institution. Students must possess the social and emotional maturity and self-motivation needed to navigate college-level coursework independently.
• Communication: Students are responsible for communicating any grade or progress concerns directly to the college instructor and their high school counselor.

Financial Liability and Reimbursement 

Pursuant to WI State Statute 118.55(7t)(c) and board policies po2271 and po2271.01, if a student receives a failing grade in a course or fails to complete a course (withdraws), the student’s parent or guardian (or the student, if adult) is responsible for reimbursing the school district for all costs paid on their behalf.

Important Note for Open Enrolled Students

Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute, students attending our district through the Public School Open Enrollment program who wish to participate in ECCP or SCN must submit their application directly to their resident school district for review and approval, rather than the attending district.

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Program Comparison

 

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Application Steps

For Early College Credit Program (ECCP):

1. Submit Paper Application: Complete the ECCP Application Form and return it to the Counseling Office.
2. Submit Online IHE Application: Apply at apply.wisconsin.edu as a “High School Special/Early College Credit Program” student.
3. Monitor Email: The institution will email status updates and enrollment steps to the address provided.

For Start College Now (SCN):

1. Submit Paper Application: Complete the Start College Now Application Form and return it to the Counseling Office.
2. Monitor Email: The Technical College will email status updates and enrollment steps.

 

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Notice of Financial Liability & Course Completion 

By enrolling in the Early College Credit (ECCP) or Start College Now (SCN) programs, students and parents/guardians should be aware of the following district policies and state requirements:

• Academic Responsibility: Students are responsible for meeting all college prerequisites, maintaining good academic standing, and communicating directly with their college instructor and high school counselor regarding their progress.
• Reimbursement Policy: In accordance with WI State Statute 118.55(7t)(c) and Board Policies po2271 / po2271.01, if a student receives a failing grade in a course or fails to complete a course (withdraws), the student’s parent or guardian (or the student, if an adult) is responsible for reimbursing the school district for all tuition and fees paid on their behalf.
• Future Eligibility: Please note that failure to reimburse the district for a failed or incomplete course may result in the student being ineligible for future participation in dual-enrollment programs.

For a detailed breakdown of common concerns, please refer to the attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.