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What is Middle College?

Middle College is a designation given by the Texas Higher Education Board that enables high school juniors and seniors who attend the East Williamson County Higher Education Center (EWCHEC) to take more than two college courses per semester. Students who begin taking courses their junior year may earn as much as 58-60 college credits and seniors may earn 28-30 credits by high school graduation.

The benefits of the Middle College program are:

  • Increase the number of college credits students can obtain while still in high school.
  • Make higher education more accessible, affordable, and attractive by bridging the divide between high school and college.
  • Provide needed guidance and support from adults through the first two years of college.
  • Facilitate the transition of motivated students to higher education.
What is the Legacy Early College High School (ECHS)? Where is it located? Is it part of the Hutto and Taylor ISD?
Hutto and Taylor ISDs in partnership with Temple College at Taylor are delighted to announce the opening of its new campus, the Legacy Early College High School. This type of high school allows the students to earn up to 60 college credit hours. Students enrolled at this campus will be enrolled as a high school student with Hutto and Taylor ISDs, as well as a college student with Temple College at Taylor.
How do you become part of this school?
Any interested student can apply for admissions. Once the applications are collected, each will be reviewed to assure that the student fits the criteria. If the student meets the criteria, the student will then be part of a random lottery drawing. The lottery drawing will be conducted to determine which of the eligible applicants will be part of the Legacy ECHS. The Legacy ECHS will begin with 100 students.
Who will be part of this campus?
As mentioned earlier, all students are able to apply. We are targeting students who are dedicated to their studies because this campus will offer a rigorous curriculum.
What are some of the advantages of attending an Legacy Early College High School?
Students enrolled in these high schools will have the opportunity to graduate from high school while earning college credit. Students who attend this type of high school will be ready for the social, emotional and academic challenges of college. Students and their families will save a significant amount on college tuition. The entire savings for a student who earns approximately 60 hours is a little over $20,000.00. Students will be part of a small campus in which all of the students are afforded the opportunity to be part of school activities and organizations.
Will the Legacy ECHS students be in traditional college classes?
Yes, the Legacy ECHS students will be scheduled into traditional college classes; however, the Legacy ECHS students will be scheduled in clusters. These clusters will allow small groups of the Legacy ECHS students to be scheduled into the same college course. Students will not be scheduled into these classes until their spring semester of their freshman year. Before making the transition into traditional college courses, the students will spend the fall semester of their freshman year at the Legacy ECHS.
Will all of the students be on the same track?
No, each student's education plan will be individualized and will depend greatly on the student's level of ability and career aspirations.
How will students enroll in the college courses?
The Legacy ECHS Principal and Counselor will assist students with enrolling in the courses they are eligible to be a part of. Before attending any college courses, students will be required to take a placement test that will determine whether or not the student is ready for the challenge. If the student's exam scores indicate he or she is not ready for college level courses, the student will receive supplemental instruction to assist in this area.
Will transportation be required for the students attending the Legacy ECHS?
Yes, Hutto and Taylor ISDs will provide transportation for students who are eligible for bus services.
Will my college credit hours transfer to the college or university of my choice?
Yes, the partnership between Temple College at Taylor and Hutto and Taylor ISDs has allowed numerous students the opportunity to earn their college credit hours while in high school through dual credit. The Legacy ECHS students will have the same opportunity. At the end of their sophomore year, each student will visit with his or her counselor to plan for their Junior and Senior years. During this meeting, the student and the counselor will begin to gather data about the college or university which the student is interested in attending and begin to plan accordingly. Students will begin to take courses that fit the requirements of the institution he or she is interested in attending.
Will we have a longer school day than the other high schools in Hutto or Taylor School Districts?
No, students at the Legacy ECHS will have a similar schedule. The exact times of our school day will be released as we approach August; however, our schedule will be very similar.
Will we have the same holidays as the other high schools?
Yes, students at the Legacy ECHS will be part of Hutto and Taylor ISDs; therefore, our school year calendar will be similar.
Will my student be able to participate in athletics, band, cheerleading, etc..?
No. The Legacy Early College High School is an academically focused school with a rigorous curriculum to promote college readiness.

East Williamson County Higher Education Center