Surrounded by parents, teachers, Austin Community College representatives and Round Rock ISD staff, the students and educators of Early College High School (ECHS) celebrated the opening of their campus with a grand ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 27, 2016.
The celebration included comments from President/CEO of Austin Community College, Dr. Richard Rhodes, Round Rock ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steve Flores, and ECHS Principal Clarissa Rodriguez. The highlight of the celebration was when ECHS student Elijah Rogers took the podium. He spoke of how proud he was to join his fellow students as the legacy class of this new school. After the ceremonial ribbon had been cut, ECHS students conducted campus tours.
“Today the students and staff of Early College High School celebrated their new campus, which is the just beginning of the fantastic program that will grow on this campus,” said Flores. “Early College High School is just one of the many ways that Round Rock ISD is giving students and parents innovative options for educational success.”
Principal Rodriguez spoke of her excitement about this new journey for Round Rock ISD. “The students and staff of Early College High School have embraced this new learning model and formed a unique on-campus bond,” said Rodriguez. “I am proud of this legacy class of Early College High School Students. They have embraced this opportunity to prepare themselves for post-secondary success.”
Paul J. Tisch, President of the Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees, was on hand to participate in the ribbon cutting and spoke of being a part of this special day. “It was fantastic to be a part of this ceremony that celebrates the legacy class of Early College High School class of 2020,” said Tisch. “I’m very proud of these kids. It’s a beautiful day for Round Rock ISD.”
Student Sofia Hernandez reflected on her first few months at ECHS. She attributed the close campus quarters and small class size to being part of a family unit. “Everything is just very intimate and I’m able to communicate with a lot of peers and teachers,” said Hernandez. “Being able to earn an associate’s degree at the end is great.”
Early College High School is a partnership between Round Rock ISD and Austin Community College. Students have the ability to earn up to 60 college credit hours towards an associates degree at no cost to the students or their families.
The ECHS program is in alignment with Goal 5 of the Round Rock ISD Strategic Plan, which states that the District “will design our schools by creating flexible programs and learning environments.”
The school, located at 4400 College Park Dr., opened on August 26, 2016. The ECHS is scheduled to move into a permanent facility at that address, when construction is completed for the 2018-2019 school year.
