Early College High School Early College High School

ECHS Q & A

Q: What is the purpose of the new Early College High School? A: The purpose of The Early College High School will be to provide a challenging academic setting where all students complete core high school credits during the first two years and engage on a college level career technical or academic pathway and graduate with an Associate Degree or other industry recognized certificate.

Q: Who can sign up? A: Any rising 9th grader who wants to take on the challenge and has the grit to come every day and work hard to reach their goals.

Q: Where will it be located? A: The school will be housed in the complex of classrooms that is currently unused during day time hours at the Mimbres Valley Learning Center, 2300 East Pine Street.

Q: How big will it be? A: The school will add a new cohort of 50 each year with a goal of staying around 200 students. This allows small class size where the students get more contact with the teacher. 

Q: Will there be Busing? A: Yes, regular Deming Public School busing will be provided to and from the Mimbres Valley Learning Center.

Q: Will I get college credit for my classes? A: The first two years are regular, honors level, high school core requirements. After that all your classes will be Dual Credit. This means you get both high school and college credit for the same class. All college credit will be through Western New Mexico University and will be General Education Core Credit, meaning it is transferable by state law to any New Mexico university, college, or junior college.

Q: Will I be able to play sports? A: Students will be able to participate in all sports and extra-curricular programs with Deming High School and enroll in Major Sports 7th hour at DHS.

Q: Do I have to be a straight A student? A: No! The only requirement is that you are willing to come every day and work hard. These will be Honors level classes and you must be up to the challenge. But the purpose of the Early College High School is to support students who have the “grit” and desire to go to college but need a little support and structure to get there.

Q: Who do I contact for more information? A: Principal Contact Information Bryan Simpson Office: 575-543-1643 Ext 2730 Cell: 575-545-3807 Email: [email protected]

Q: Where can I get more information on Early College High Schools in New Mexico? A: 

https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/college-career-readiness/college-acceleration/early-college-high-schools/