The Early College High Schools InitiativeEarly College High Schools compress the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and the first two years of college. They are small schools from which students graduate with not only a high school diploma but also an associate degree or up to two years of college credit toward a bachelor's degree.By changing the structure of the high school years and compressing the number of years to achieve a college degree, Early College High Schools attempt to improve graduation rates and better prepare students for entry into high-skill careers.The Early College High School Mission StatementEarly College High School, otherwise known as "ECHS", will genuinely engage a wide spectrum of students by offering a complete and rigorous curriculum, supported by technology, aligned to student interests and state standards. Flexible and innovative coursework with an applied learning focus will be provided in a challenging and supportive environment. Students will earn a high school diploma and many will earn an associate degree enabling them to pursue a career path or a four year college.The History of N-MUSD/CCC Early College High SchoolEarly College High School is a collaborative effort between the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and Coastline Community College. It is a public high school for grades 9 through 12 located at 2990 Mesa Verde Drive East in the Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa, California, on the former site of Mesa Verde Elementary School. Previously ECHS was on the Back Bay/Monte Vista High School Campus.Newport-Mesa Unified School District and Coastline Community College opened Early College High School in August 2006 under Principal Kathy Slawson. In August 2015, Dr. Dave Martinez was named as the school's second Principal. ECHS is an academic program intended to enable students to pursue post-secondary education at a community college, four-year college or university.
