Houston Independent School District (HISD) is expanding opportunities for students to earn college credits, industry certifications, and associate degrees while still in high school, strengthening college and career readiness while reducing the cost and time required to access high-wage careers. HISD currently operates 13 Early College High School (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) programs. The District has submitted applications for five additional campuses to enter a planning year, with new programs anticipated to launch in the 2027-2028 school year.
During the planning year, each campus will follow the Texas College and Career Readiness School Models and engage leadership teams made up of school staff, parents, and community members to design programs that align with future workforce needs and meet TEA blueprint requirements. Families and the community will be engaged throughout the planning and design process. After a full year of collaborative planning, new ECHS and P-TECH proposals will be submitted to TEA for approval prior to implementation.
In addition, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, HISD will phase in a guaranteed pathway to an associate degree at every comprehensive high school. Students who choose this pathway will commit to advanced coursework and summer programming designed to help them earn up to 60 college credit hours before graduation. This initiative builds on existing offerings, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Credit, and OnRamps courses.
“These expanded pathways are about giving our high school students real options for a real head start,” said Daniel Gray, Deputy Chief of College, Career, and Military Readiness. “When students can earn college credit, industry certifications, or even an associate’s degree while still in high school, they leave HISD with momentum, saving time and money, and really ready for that next step.”
By expanding access to early college and career pathways, HISD is helping students graduate ready for college and high-skill careers, complete four-year degrees more efficiently, and enter the workforce prepared for high-demand, high-wage jobs that strengthen families and the Houston economy.