Council Bluffs Community School District

The Council Bluffs Community School District’s Early College Academy is now seeking motivated high school students who would like the opportunity to simultaneously earn both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree or career-area credential or certificate in partnership with Iowa Western Community College...at no cost to the student or family.

This unique and new Academy could be part of your path
forward in preparing you for the jobs in Iowa that increasingly require education and training beyond high school.

Students in the Academy will attend all college and high school classes on the Iowa Western Community College campus, with the support of a dedicated Academy advisor based on the campus in the Early College Academy office.  Academy students will still be considered students in their home high schools and will graduate with their class. Academy students will also have the opportunity to participate in high school extracurricular athletics, activities and clubs to round out the high school experience.

Consider Applying    **See the Application Process on the Left**

The Early College Academy is seeking interested sophomores who are on-track to graduate to enroll for the Academy for their junior and senior years. This eligibility requirement is important to be able to earn the 2-year degree or certificate in two years on the Iowa Western Community College Campus. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants and is granted on a competitive basis and through a student application process. A complete application consists of the following:

•  Completed IWCC Concurrent Enrollment Application found in guidance counselor's office
•  Submission of a minimum of three recommendations
•  Completed Online Application for ECA
•  Submission of Essay
•  Signed Release of Records Form
•  Signed Parent Responsibility Form. 
•  Completed Open Enrollment Request Form for non-district students

Requirements

Students enrolled in the Early College Academy will complete a two-year plan detailing both high school and college courses necessary to graduate on time.  In addition, students will complete both Career Exploration Concurrent Enrollment and IWCC Ready Concurrent Enrollment while on campus to develop a career plan and provide guidance in study skills, ACT preparation, college planning, and scholarship application.

Academy students earning the necessary college credits while completing the required 48 high school credits will receive their high school diploma and their Associates degree or certificate/credential at the end of their senior year.  

Timeline

September of Sophomore year - all students and parents will receive a letter providing basic information about the ECA.

October of Sophomore year - all students and parents will receive an invitation to attend an information night at their high school in order to learn more about ECA.

November of Sophomore year - ECA Coordinator will host information nights at both high schools in order for students and parents to learn more about the program, eligibility, benefits, and application process.

December of Sophomore year - After attending an information night, students will receive intent to apply forms.

January 31 of Sophomore year - application to ECA is due and must include:

● Complete IWCC Concurrent Enrollment application
● Submit a minimum of three recommendations 
● Submit essay
● Release of records form
● Parent responsibility form

February of Sophomore year - Application packets and recommendation forms will be reviewed and evaluated. Admission interviews will also begin for students who meet minimum standards.