Early Middle College
IT’S ALL ABOUT STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
An important goal of Advanced Technology Academy is to enhance student achievement. Beginning in the sixth grade, students are encouraged to be successful in their studies and to consider the EMC program. In eighth and ninth grades, after they take the NWEA and PSAT tests, students are encouraged to maintain and improve their scores so they can be eligible for the EMC Program.
The NWEA and PSAT benchmarks are minimum scores required for students to have a high probability of success (50% chance of earning a B or better) in beginning college courses such as English composition, political science, college algebra, and biology just to name a few.
What is the ATA Early Middle College Program?
The ATA Early Middle College (EMC) Program is a Michigan Department of Education approved unique five-year educational program. The EMC is designed to allow students to earn a high school diploma and one or more of the following at NO COST to parents or students.
- 60 transferable college credits
- An associate degree
- A professional certification
- The Michigan Early Middle College Association (MEMCA) technical certificate
- Participation in a registered apprenticeship/Internships
A professional certification is any certificate or industry recognized credential in which the pupil prepared for by taking course work provided by a Michigan public or private college or university.
The above information is from The Michigan Department of Education website.
The EMC program includes a fifth year of high school.
ATA's EMC works closely with these post-secondary partners include:
Henry Ford College, Davenport University, Lake Superior State University, Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University, and University of Michigan-Dearborn.
To be eligible for the fifth year of FREE college credit, a student must agree to defer their high school diploma until completion of the fifth year. The fifth year allows students to pursue an associates degree, technical certification or additional transferable college credits that are allowed by the State of Michigan Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act.
For More Information, Contact
Cynthia Andersen
Early Middle College, CTE, & Workforce Development Director, 9th - 13th Grades
District
Programs of Study Available
Currently, the pathways available are Business, Medical Assistant, Registered Nurse, Pre-Engineering, Computer Science, Multi-Manufacturing, Pharm Tech, Liberal Arts, Trades, Michigan Transfer, Learn4ward, and General Studies.
Students will begin to take respective college pathway courses in the 10th grade.
Michigan Early Middle College Association
The design principles of MEMCA are:
College-focused academic program: Schools implement comprehensive, standards-based curricula that provide a bridge to postsecondary studies and incorporate both high school and college coursework.
Student academic and social/emotional support: Supports are offered to all students to meet their academic, social and emotional needs in high school and in the transition to college.
High school/college collaboration: High schools and colleges take joint responsibility for students’ educational success and establish structures that permit high school students to take college courses.
Culture of continuous improvement: High schools and colleges engage in evidence-based discussions to continuously improve students’ experiences and outcomes.
QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, & MORE QUESTIONS!
- Who is eligible to enroll in the ATA Early/Middle College program?
- Will my child be able to participate in sports and other activities?
- Does ATA really cover the cost of college books, tuition, and fees?
- What about transportation to the college?
- What type of associate degree will my child earn?
- When my child completes the program, will the course work transfer to a four year university?
- What happens if my child does not complete the program?
- We just moved to the area and have a child in 11th grade. Can s/he enter the program?