Early Collge Credit Program

August 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Early College Credit Program (ECCP) allows all high school students who meet certain requirements to take one or more courses at an institution of higher education for high school and/or college credit. Under ECCP, “Institution of higher education” means an institution within the University of Wisconsin System, a tribally controlled college, or a private, nonprofit institution of higher education in the state. While technical colleges are not eligible institutions under ECCP, students who have completed 10th grade will continue to have the opportunity to take courses at a technical college through a separate program called Start College Now (SCN). 

The student does not have to pay for a post-secondary course if the school board determines the course may receive high school credit and the course is not comparable to a course offered in the school district. If approved by the school board, the student can receive both high school and post-secondary credit for a successfully completed high school graduation standard. 

Any student who intends to enroll in a post-secondary course in the fall, spring, or summer semesters must adhere to the following timelines: 

1. The student must have completed the 10th grade (SCN only), be in good academic standing and have an acceptable disciplinary record. 

2. The student will need to apply to the post-secondary institution in the school semester prior to the one in which the student plans to attend the post-secondary course. 

3. Notify the school principal by completing all application forms (see school counselor for forms) of the student’s intention to enroll in a post-secondary institution no later than March 1 for a course to be taken in the fall or summer semester; October 1 for a course to be taken in the spring semester. 

4. Notify the school counselor once the student has been admitted and registered to attend a post-secondary course. 

5. The parent/guardian is responsible for satisfactory student attendance and the student’s compliance with compulsory school attendance law under s. 118.1591)(a), Stats. 

An ECCP student is limited to no more than 18 post-secondary credits, total, under the Wis. Statue 118.55 (7t) (a). 

Under the current law, if the student is receiving high school credit for the course, the school district is responsible for the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other required materials. If the student is taking the course for post-secondary credit only, the student is responsible for 25% of the cost. If a student receives a failing grade or fails to complete (drops) a course for which the school district has made payment, the school district will request reimbursement for all costs related to this course under the Wis. Statue 118.55 (7t) (c). 

If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor or call 459-6493. 

Sincerely, Jason Duff, Academic & Career Planning Coordinator
Department of Student and Instructional Services