What is an Early Middle College school?

An Early Middle College school allows students to complete their high school diploma while taking real college classes through a partner community college, often earning transferable college credits before graduation.

Families exploring high school options today have more pathways than ever to prepare students for college. Traditional high schools, dual enrollment programs and career academies all offer different approaches to helping students build skills for life after graduation.

Among these options is the Early Middle College (EMC) model, which blends high school and college coursework into a single program so students can gradually transition into college-level learning during their high school years.

The Quick Answer

Early Middle College schools allow students to complete high school while taking real college classes through a partner community college. Many students graduate with both a diploma and transferable college credits.

• Early Middle College programs let students earn college credits while completing their high school diploma.
• Students complete Michigan’s required high school courses before gradually shifting into more college classes.
• Flexible schedules give students dedicated time during the school day to manage college coursework.
• The model helps students transition into college expectations while still receiving high school support.

How Early Middle Colleges blend high school and college classes

In Michigan, students in an Early Middle College program still complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum, the state’s required set of high school courses that includes subjects like math, science, social studies, English, world language and health or arts requirements.

However, what makes the Early Middle College model different is how a student’s schedule evolves over time.

As students finish those requirements, their high school course load gradually decreases while their college enrollment increases.

“Over time, as they complete those classes, their high school classes become fewer and fewer,” explains Morrison Borders, head of school at Oakland Early College. “As their high school classes begin to drop out, what happens is their college enrollment increases.”

The structure of an Early Middle College school

Another key difference from a traditional high school is the structure of the school day. Instead of a full schedule of high school classes, students often have built-in time to manage college coursework and assignments.

At Oakland Early College, that structure is part of the design.

“The big difference between OEC and a traditional high school outside of the college piece is that roughly 80% of our students do not have a full high school schedule,” Borders says. “So that builds in daily time where they can work on their college classes and stay on top of both their high school and college coursework.”

The goal of the Early Middle College model is to help students transition gradually into the expectations of college while still receiving the guidance of a high school environment. By the time they complete the program, many students have already earned significant college credit — and gained the time-management skills needed to succeed in higher education.

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 are the benefits of small, application-based Early Middle College schools?
• What kind of classes can my student take at an Early Middle College school?

This content is sponsored by Oakland Early College. Discover more at the school’s website.

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