What is Early College High School (ECHS)?
Early College High School is the only program offered by Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) that provides high school students the opportunity to earn both their High School Diploma and college credit towards an Associate of Arts Degree (AA) at absolutely no cost to the student and/or their parent/guardian.
ECHS Class of 2020
What the Data Says:
- 92% of early college students graduate from high school,[2] versus the national rate of 69 percent.[3]
- 86% of graduates enroll in college the next semester after high school graduation.[4]
- 91% of early college graduates earn transferable college credit.[5]
- 44% of graduates at schools open 4+ years earn at least one year of college credit.[5]
- 24% of graduates at schools open 4+ years earn two years of college credit or an associate degree.[5]
- 70% of early college students are students of color.[6]
- 59% of early college students are classified as eligible for free or reduced lunch (used as a conservative estimate of how many students' families are low-income).[6] Most early colleges are funded to target first generation college and/or low-income families.
Will Students Have To Take Additional Classes While in The Program?
No. Students take courses that will count for both college credit and PPS required courses.
ECHS Students Eating Lunch at CCAC
Which College Will Students Receive Their College Credit From?
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)

ECHS Students Visiting the University of Pittsburgh
Where is the ECHS Program Held?
University Preparatory Margaret Milliones
3117 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
How Do Students Apply?
All current 8th-grade students of Pittsburgh Public Schools are eligible to apply.
However, keep in mind that students would have to attend U-Prep starting their 9th grade year to be apart of the program.
Who Should I contact if I am interested in joining the ECHS Program?
Please send an email to the ECHS Coordinator, Kristofer Stubbs at kstubbs1@pghschools.org