JPS-Tougaloo Early College High School

Welcome to Tougaloo College!

About JPS-Tougaloo Early College High School

Jackson Public Schools established the JPS-Tougaloo Early College High School (JTECHS) Program in partnership with Tougaloo College with the inaugural class beginning in August of 2018. The program operates as a small, independent program on the Tougaloo College campus. Students in the program complete Mississippi graduation requirements for high school while working on college coursework. Students may earn an associate's degree or up to two years of credits towards a bachelor's degree.

Each fall, incoming ninth-grade students are enrolled in the program and upperclassman continue their advanced coursework. To be considered, students must submit an application, fulfill admission criteria, and participate in an interview process. Final selection for admission is conducted by an external agency.

Once enrolled in the program, students must maintain a 3.0, exhibit good attendance, and display excellent citizenship.

Dual Enrollment

Students earn high school and college credits simultaneously, giving them a head start on their college education while completing their high school requirements.

Small Learning Community

Our intimate learning environment fosters close relationships between students and faculty, ensuring personalized attention and support for every student.

College Readiness

Students graduate with the academic skills, study habits, and confidence needed to succeed in college without the need for remedial coursework.

ECHS VISION

We envision the ECHS becoming a top ranked academic program of innovation wherein our staff and students demonstrate growth and increasing proficiency while seeking opportunities to explore the world as a classroom in order to see, experience, and do what is learned while preparing students to graduate high school without the need for remediation upon entry into college, vocational schools, or career pathways.

Key Outcomes:

Become a Model School of Innovation
Staff and Students Experience Growth
Students Increase Proficiency Levels
Students See, Experience, and Do What is Learned
Students Graduate High School with No Need for College Level Remediation

ECHS MISSION

We are committed to creating a top ranked academic program by facilitating authentic educational experiences (both inside and outside of the classroom) which empower students and staff to serve as agents of change while engaging in personal, professional, and social transformation via:

Strategic Thinking
Goal Setting
Continuous Learning
Continuous Improvement
Collaboration

Innovation
Service Learning/Community Service Activities
Personal Reflection
Personalized College and Career Preparation
Modeling a Culture of High Expectations

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best fit for JTECHS?

The JPS-Tougaloo ECHS Program was established to help first-generation college students and other underrepresented students earn college credits while in high school. The JPS-Tougaloo ECHS is open to JPS students who are motivated and willing to commit to this academically challenging program for four years, beginning the summer before ninth grade.

Are high school freshmen ready to be college students?

Of course! We acknowledge all students need academic, emotional, and social support, but with determination and persistent work committed students are capable of success at JPS-Touglaoo ECHS. The faculty and staff focus on teaching students the academic behaviors which prove successful in this learning environment so they may be empowered to serve as agents of change. Upon program enrollment, each student is guided by an individualized learning plan developed to help them to experience success and graduate from high school college and career ready.

How are students accepted?

ALL eighth-grade students zoned to the Jackson Public School District are eligible to apply. To be considered, students must submit an application, fulfill admission criteria, and participate in an interview process. Final selection for admission is conducted by an external agency. The application can be found on the school’s website and must be submitted online.

Meet the Staff

Our dedicated team of educators and support staff are committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for our Early College High School students.