Overview of the ECHS Model
Early College High Schools are open-enrollment programs that let students take high school and college courses together, with rigorous, accelerated instruction. They serve students least likely to attend college as well as students who want to finish high school faster.
ECHS Blueprint
The Blueprint sets out five benchmarks that form the foundation of the model, the design elements required under each one, and the artifacts that must be posted publicly and made available to TEA on request. It also defines outcomes-based measures (OBMs) for access, achievement, and attainment. To earn TEA’s ECHS designation, a program has to adopt every design element and meet the OBMs.
Download the Blueprint (2026)
Designation Process
TEA designates ECHS programs under TEC §29.908(b) and 19 TAC §102.1091. Through the annual Program Application Cycle (PAC), TEA decides whether a school is fully implementing the benchmarks and meeting the OBMs. Programs have to reapply every year.
Path to Designation
