Early College Academy at MCC Maple Woods
Complete Application on Parent Portal under Forms by February 1, 2026.
The Platte County School District Early College Academy (ECA) is a partnership with Metropolitan Community College (MCC). It is open to all students entering their JUNIOR or SENIOR year of high school starting with the 2026-27 school year who meet the qualifications outlined below. Students who pursue this opportunity would attend MCC-Maple Woods for half of the school day and Platte County High School for the other half of the school day. Students engaged in ECA are considered full-time Platte County students and are eligible for MSHSAA athletics and activities. Tuition is covered by the District (any required books would be the responsibility of the student). Transportation is available for students attending the morning session.
Program Overview
Students can earn 9-12 college credit hours each semester of enrollment. Students can choose from a morning (8am-11am) session or an afternoon (11am-3:15pm) session. College courses will concurrently count toward high school graduation requirements and toward a college degree.
Student Benefits and Outcomes
- College Experience: Gaining exposure to college-level classes helps students adapt to the academic demands of higher education.
- Reduced Tuition: Tuition is paid for by the Platte County School District, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of a college degree.
- Early College Graduation: By earning credits early, students may be able to graduate from college sooner, allowing them to enter the workforce/pursue advanced studies earlier.
- Competitive Edge: Completing college-level coursework can strengthen a student's college applications, showcasing their ability to handle advanced material.
- Associate’s Degree: Earning credits toward an Associate’s degree early allows students to enter the workforce or pursue technical/vocational training earlier.
Minimum Student Qualifications for Consideration
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Record of 90% or higher attendance rate
- Recommendations from two teachers and a counselor
- College Readiness: Qualifying ACT or Accuplacer score
- ACT - Reading 18 or higher, English 18 or higher, and Math 22 or higher
- Accuplacer - Reading 248 or higher, Writing 246 or higher, Advanced Algebra & Functions 237 or higher
Application Steps
- Complete Platte County School District Early College application (found on your Parent Portal under Forms) by February 1, 2026.
- Recommendation from two teachers and counselor (you will send this link to your teachers and counselor)
- Complete the MCC application for admission
- Complete ACT or Accuplacer. Accuplacer test will be administered to those who need it on February 19 at PCHS.
Students eligible for ECA will enroll in MCC Fall courses in April and May. Orientation at MCC-Maple Woods is held in August.
FAQs
Can I still do extracurricular activities?
Yes, however, students will need to take their extracurricular schedule into account when planning their MCC schedules. Students should also work with their high school counselor to ensure they take classes to keep them MSHSAA eligible.
What classes are available to me? Is this still an option for students that have already taken a lot of dual credit classes?
The whole course catalog is available to ECA students, with a few caveats:
- Pre-requisites have been fulfilled
- Selective programs (like nursing) would not be open
MCC has a list of recommended courses to help guide students, especially in the first semester. The focus is on General Ed (Core 42) credits, but electives are available for students who want/need them. Students with dual credit courses in hand will still have plenty of choices.
What if I decide the ECA is not for me?
Registration for the Early College Academy is a one-year commitment. There is a one-week drop window without penalty at the beginning of the semester.
Can I enroll in ECA and NCC or NCAPS?
No. Students may participate in only one tuition-based, off-campus program per year.
Can I apply if I have a 504 Plan or an IEP?
Yes. If a student has a 504 Plan or IEP, they would request to meet with MCC - Maple Woods’ Disability Support Services office, who would review the student’s documentation and determine the appropriate accommodations.
What MCC resources are available to students?
Any resource that is available to traditional MCC-Maple Woods students is also available to Early College Academy students. Success Advisors, the library, tutoring centers for reading, writing, and math, and student clubs and organizations are all accessible.