EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY

Early College Academy is a Title I public high school that is part of the Lafayette Parish school district, located in Lafayette, LA with about 249 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 13 teachers, Early College Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 19:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Early College Academy (ECA), located on the campus of South Louisiana Community College in Lafayette, is a specialized high school program designed to provide motivated students with a unique academic experience. Unlike a traditional high school setting, the ECA allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree (or significant college credit) simultaneously. By integrating rigorous high school curriculum with college-level courses, the program aims to bridge the gap between secondary education and higher learning, effectively preparing students for the demands of a university environment while reducing the time and financial burden of a standard four-year degree.

The school is structured to foster independence, academic maturity, and professional growth. Because students attend classes on a college campus, they are immersed in a collegiate atmosphere that encourages personal responsibility and critical thinking. The ECA is an ideal environment for students who are ready to challenge themselves academically and who are looking for a focused pathway toward their post-secondary goals. By minimizing the transition time between high school and college, the academy provides a distinct advantage for students aiming to get a head start on their professional or academic careers in a supportive, accelerated setting.

For more information, contact Early College Academy at (337) 521-8956 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.