Early College Pathway Program

Make Your Plan For Meaningful Learning And Career Success

Student in Program
Hopkins Academy (HA) Pathways
connect learning to students’ interests, provide hands-on, real-world experience in high demand, high-skilled careers, and help students plan for their college and career. HA offers both Early College and Innovation Pathways.

The Early College Pathway

The Early College Pathway is an optional program for Hopkins Academy students that allows you to earn 12 college credits for FREE while still in high school through our partnership with Greenfield Community College. All of the credits you earn can be transferred to other institutions of higher learning and will earn credit towards completing your high school graduation requirements.

We have designed the Early College Pathway with tuition free participation, open enrollment without regard to prior academic performance, access to advisors, and academic tutoring to promote success.

The Application Process

Applications are due by May 15th

When do I apply?

Students are strongly encouraged to apply to these programs starting in the 8th grade to allow for at least three years of participation, though students may apply prior to the start of their senior year.

Who can apply?

Pathways are available to ALL students, providing equal access to general and special education students, those for whom English is a second language, those who may be economically disadvantaged, or first-generation college students. We welcome all students to choose a Hopkins Academy Pathway, regardless of their prior academic or disciplinary record.

Program Requirements

In addition to completing all Mass Core and local graduation requirements, students will:

  • Complete a career and academic plan
  • Meet with your ECHS Advisor and GCC Academic Advisor
  • Complete four GCC courses
  • Maintain a C average or higher in all courses
  • Participate in Pathway Cohort activities

How do I apply?

  • Applicants and parents/guardians must attend an information session
  • Schedule a meeting with a Counselor
  • Complete the application (available online or in the Guidance office), including two teacher recommendations
  • Participate in an interview with the Admissions Committee

Need Help? Download Application Form (English)  Download Teacher Recommendation Form

Application Form (Spanish)
Application Form (Portuguese)

** Application forms above can be downloaded, filled in using Adobe, and printed out to be sent in along with the other requested materials. 

Students may receive help in completing their application including those through their Individual Learning Plan or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.

Early College Pathway Options Include Liberal Arts and STEM

Liberal Arts PathwayLiberal Arts Pathway

 

Careers that take advantage of our Liberal Arts Pathway are wideranging and diverse. You will be required to take one college-level English and one college-level math.

STEM PathwaySTEM Pathway

 

Those pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields are in high demand, and well paid. In our STEM Pathway, you will be required to take one college-level English and one college-level math, as well as biology or earth science.


Possible courses include:

 

  • ACC 121 Principles of Fin. Accounting I
  • ART 121 Visual Concepts I
  • ART 155 Video Foundation
  • CRJ 103 Criminal Law
  • ECO 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
  • ECO 105 Sports and Stadium Economics
  • EDU 112 Early Childhood Special Edu.
  • ENG 195 Int. to Literary Journal Publishing
  • HIS 127 History of African-American Peoples
  • HIS 131 Women in American History
  • HUM 108 In. to Topics in Humanities
  • LAT 101 Elementary Latin I
  • MOM 110 Medical Terminology
  • PHI 104 Introduction to Ethics
  • PHI 107 World Religions


Possible courses include:

 

  • BIO 126 Biology I
  • CHE 112 General Chemistry II
  • CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
  • EGR 107 Engineering Graphics
  • EVS 118 Introduction to Food Systems
  • EVS 121 Gender and the Environment
  • GEO 101 Planet Earth
  • GEO 102 History of Earth and Life
  • MAT 117 Mathematical Problem Solving
  • MAT 151 Applied Calculus I
  • PHY 101 General Physics I
  • REE 128 Solar Thermal Systems
  • REE 129 Fundamentals of Wind Energy
  • SCI 103 Astronomy
  • SCI 117 Meteorology

To learn more or to request an appointment, please contact a member of the College and Career Planning Team:

Anne McKenzie: amckenzie@hadleyschools.org
Jason Burns: jburns@hadleyschools.org
Anna Cyr: acyr@hadleyschools.org

You can also learn more by visiting your Guidance Office.