Early college high schools are small schools designed so that students can earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree or up to two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree. Early college high schools have the potential to improve high school graduation rates and better prepare all students for high-skill careers by engaging them in a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum and compressing the number of years to a college degree. (Source: Early College High School Initiative)

Through a partnership between New Frontiers Charter School and Palo Alto College, Frank L. Madla Early College High School students have the opportunity to earn an Associate degree in Liberal Arts. You may earn up to 60 hours of college credit that, when transferred to a four-year institution, may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.

Yes. The college courses you take also count as high school credit and go toward the Distinguished Achievement Diploma.

Yes. If you earn 60 hours of college credit you become eligible to walk the stage with hundreds of other PAC graduates. A separate, traditional high school graduation ceremony hosted by New Frontiers Charter School District will also be held.

No. Uniforms are not required; however students will follow our dress code (provided in Student Code of Conduct).

School operating hours are 7:30-4:00 and classes will be from 8:00-3:30, Monday – Friday.

No. Bus transportation is not provided, however students are eligible to receive a VIA bus pass.

Each university has its own set of transfer requirements but credits will transfer to most Texas universities.

You may earn up to 60 college credits at Palo Alto College tuition-free, during your four years at Frank L. Madla College High School. Additional credits may be earned at an in-district tuition rate.

No. Frank L. Madla Early College High School picks up that cost.

Yes. Frank L. Madla Early College High School is located on the campus of PAC. Students take most of their high school courses at Frank L. Madla Early College High School and a majority of their college course load will be taken at PAC.

Yes. Frank L. Madla students take classes with traditional PAC students, are eligible to join clubs at the college and have access to the same resources, including the library, computer labs, athletic facilities and tutoring services.

With fostering a college culture as its primary focus, Frank L. Madla Early College High School does not offer the kind of comprehensive extracurricular program found at traditional high schools. Clubs and organizations at the school include National Honor Society, Living History Club and Poetry Club. Also, students are eligible to join clubs and organizations at PAC, including Golden Bar Club (ROTC), Logistics Club, Forensic Science Club, Future Educators of America, Photography Club, Sigma Alpha Pi and Phi Beta Kappa, an academic honor society.