The SAISD P-TECH/Early College high Schools are high schools that provide students the opportunity to earn dual credit, which is credit toward a high school diploma and college degree. By the time they complete high school, students in an SAISD P-TECH/ECHS can earn up to 60 or more hours of free college credit and leading to an associate degree. They partner with institutions of higher education to enable students to earn college credit.

Students attend 9th and 10th grade in the P-TECH/ECHS wing at the high school campus where they complete their basic courses and receive in-depth instruction to prepare them for college success. Beginning their junior year, students attend classes, tuition-free, on the campus of their community college partner. The district provides transportation to the partner community college campus.

A school is considered a P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) if it is designated from the Texas Education Agency, and they have industry partners that align with the campus pathways. This is the broad/generic term when referring to P-TECH campuses.

A school is considered an H-TECH if it has the same qualifications as a P-TECH, but the pathways are health related. This is a more specific term for the pathways at the specific campus, it is still a P-TECH official campus.

A school is considered an CSP-TECH if it has the same qualifications as a P-TECH, but the pathways are construction science related. This is a more specific term for the pathways at the specific campus, it is still a P-TECH official campus.

Dual credit programs allow high school students to enroll in college courses for credit while still in high school. College credits earned through dual credit can be applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to other colleges or universities. At SAISD/ECHS, students can earn dual credit in a number of academic areas including math, science, English, government, history, and more.

A dual credit program benefits students in a number of ways:

• Provides a head start on postsecondary core requirements.
• Lowers the cost of college (St. Philips, SAC,UTSA, TAMUSA waive tuition for dual credit).
• Expands the variety of classes available to high school students.
• Allows access to college facilities/activities–such as fine arts performances, career development services, computer labs, college libraries, and learning skills/tutoring services.
• Provides greater opportunities for a coordinated, seamless education.
• Serves as a “controlled” introduction to college life.
• Allows for an easier transition to college.
• Builds students’ confidence and self-esteem.

Early College High Schools enable students to:

• Earn an Associate degree - tuition free while in high school.
• Earn as many as 60 hours of tuition-free college credit.
• Eliminate thousands of dollars in college tuition costs.
• Graduate from a four-year university in less time than their peers.

P-TECH schools will enable students to do the above as well as:

• Enter the job market with work-ready skills.

Develop workplace skills through mentorships and internships with industry partners.