Beaverton School District’s Early College High School (ECHS) partners with Portland Community College (PCC) to give qualified juniors and seniors the opportunity to attend PCC as full-time college students during their final two years of high school.
Through this program, tuition is paid by the district, and with careful planning, students can earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree (or up to two years of transferable college credit) by graduation.
What the Program Is
ECHS places eligible juniors and seniors at PCC’s Rock Creek or Sylvania campuses, where they take regular college courses alongside other students.
The program runs for the last two years of high school (up to six college terms), with tuition covered by the Beaverton School District or partner districts.
ECHS is designed for students who are socially and academically ready to succeed in an adult college environment. Dedicated ECHS staff provide counseling and academic support throughout the program.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply
Before applying, confirm you meet these requirements:
- You will be a junior (rising) in the program year and at least 16 years old by the start of your first PCC term.
- You have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- You have completed at least 12 high school credits by the end of 10th grade.
- You live within the attendance boundaries of a participating district (Beaverton SD, Tigard-Tualatin SD, St. Helens SD, etc.).
Each district has limited enrollment. If qualified applicants exceed capacity, a lottery may be used.
Students should meet with their high school counselor during sophomore year to discuss eligibility, application deadlines, and course planning.
If you plan to attend a four-year college after high school, check which PCC credits will transfer. PCC and Portland State University (PSU) also offer a dual-enrollment program for continued studies after high school.
Students enrolled in ECHS remain eligible to participate in sports at their home high school.
Earning an Associate Degree Through ECHS
Most ECHS students pursue the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree, which requires:
- 90 college credits
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Completion of all foundational and discipline-study requirements
- At least 30 credits earned at PCC (with 24 of those applying to the degree)
Refer to the PCC catalog for official degree requirements.
Step-by-Step Planning Timeline
Sophomore Year — Start Planning
- Confirm you’ll have 12 or more high school credits by the end of 10th grade.
- Attend ECHS information sessions or speak with your high school counselor.
- Review PCC degree maps (AAOT or others) to understand general education and sequence requirements.
Junior Year — Apply and Begin College Courses
- Apply to Beaverton ECHS during the designated intake windows.
- Complete PCC’s college application and required placement steps (math via ALEKS, reading/writing placement).
- Meet with an ECHS counselor and PCC advisor to create a detailed two-year course plan.
- Aim for 12–16 credits per term; to complete a degree in two years, average around 15 credits per term or include summer coursework.
Senior Year — Complete and Graduate
- Continue following your course plan and maintain at least a 2.0 PCC GPA.
- Confirm you meet PCC residency requirements (30 PCC credits earned, 24 applying to your degree).
- Work with your high school counselor to ensure your PCC credits appear on your high school transcript and that you’ve met graduation requirements.
- Apply for degree conferral at PCC so your associate degree is posted by high school graduation.
Example Two-Year Plan (90 credits over six terms):
| Term | Example Courses | Approx. Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Fall | WR121, Oral Communication, Intro Elective, Distribution | 15 |
| Junior Winter | Math, Distribution, Electives | 15 |
| Junior Spring | Science with Lab, Distribution, Elective | 15 |
| Senior Fall | Upper Gen Eds, Electives | 15 |
| Senior Winter | Upper Gen Eds, Electives | 15 |
| Senior Spring | Final Electives, Capstone/Remaining Requirements | 15 |
Key Tips for Success
- Start early: sophomore year is the ideal time to plan.
- Complete placement tests promptly to access college-level courses.
- Meet regularly with both ECHS and PCC advisors and maintain a written course map.
- Keep grades strong: most degree courses require a C– or better.
- Monitor credit residency and ensure enough PCC credits count toward your degree.
- Consider summer or winter terms if you need to make up credits.
Final Thoughts
The PCC Early College High School program is a powerful pathway that lets motivated students save both time and money while earning real college credit. With solid planning, consistent effort, and close coordination with counselors, students can graduate high school with a significant head start—or even a complete associate degree.
Start planning early, stay organized, and take advantage of the support ECHS and PCC offer—your future self will thank you.
