The Early College High School Ribbon Cutting Held by DSU

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

The Early College High School (ECHS) at Delaware State University was officially christened on Sept. 2 as DSU President Harry L. Williams, Provost Alton Thompson and ECHS Director Judi

The Early College High School is the second secondary school in DSU history. The Delaware State College Laboratory High School existed from 1921-1952. Dr. Harry L. Williams (far left) and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (3rd from left), stand with (l-r) Lab HS alumni Reba Hollingsworth and Mildred Holmes, who both graduated from the high school and the college in the 1940s.

Coffield were joined by U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons along with a host of others in celebrating the launching of the only such college preparatory school in the state.

With Dr. Williams, Dr. Thompson and Dr. Coffield equipped with the scissors, the ribbon for the new facility was cut, symbolizing the brand new opening of the school based in the DSU Living and Learning Commons.

The first ninth-grade class of ECHS began its classes on Aug. 25, totaling 132 students in its inaugural semester.

“The Early College High School is a historic development for both the First State and Delaware State University,” Dr. Williams said. “We are excited that several years of planning has finally resulted in the opening of the school and the arrival of this first class of ninth-graders.”

Sen. Carper said he was excited to be part of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

“It wasn't long ago that I sat in Dr. Williams’ office at Delaware State University and we discussed launching an Early High College High School where students could earn 30 to 60 college credits before they graduate,” said U.S. Sen. Carper. “This will help make college more affordable and increase college enrollment – a win-win for Delaware students.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons said it is an impressive idea whose time has come.

“It will allow highly motivated and focused young people to not only get a high school education, but also get a head start on their college education,” Sen. Coons said. “And that is going to deal with all sorts of challenges and issues such as access to the education, how to afford college education and how to make it relevant.”

The Early College High School’s curriculum has a strong emphasis in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The school is beginning with a ninth-grade class of students, and each subsequent year a grade level of instruction will be added. Within the next four years the ECHS will be a 9^th through 12^th grade charter high school.