Early College Model: Giving Students College Access in High School

At Trinidad Garza Early College High School, students can earn a free Associate’s degree. Last year, almost 50% of their graduating class did just that.

June 14, 2016

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Schools That Work

Trinidad Garza Early College High School

Public, Urban
Grades 9-12
Dallas, TX

Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School — a public, urban school in Dallas, Texas — has a 100% graduation rate compared to 41% for their zip code. Over 80% of Trini Garza students are the first generation among their family to go to college, and last year, 47% graduated from this high school with an Associate’s degree. They achieve this through the Early College model, which enables students to earn college credit in high school, go to school on a college campus, and assimilate into the college culture.

  • 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools award winner: Exemplary High-Performing School
  • Since 2012, consistently outperformed both the district and state on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) in math, science, English, and history
  • Achieved a 100% graduation rate in 2014 and 2015, and a 0% dropout rate in 2014

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Filed Under

  • College Readiness
  • Administration & Leadership
  • 9-12 High School

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