How It Works

How PECHS Works: Your Four-Year Pathway

The School-Within-a-School Model

PECHS is designed to make the transition to college gradual and supported.

• Freshman and sophomore year: Students remain on their zoned high school campus and take introductory college courses within the ECHS program.
• Junior and senior year: Students transition to San Jacinto College as full-time college students.
• Every year: Students continue to receive advising, mentoring, tutoring, and academic support.

The result is a clear progression from high school foundations to college independence.

Summer Before Ninth Grade: Summer Bridge

A required beginning

All incoming students participate in Summer Bridge before freshman year. The program helps students build relationships, understand expectations, and prepare for college-level work.

Summer Bridge includes:

• TSIA preparation – Practice for the Texas Success Initiative Assessment.
• College-readiness skills – Learn study strategies, time management, note-taking, and communication.
• Academic preparation – Strengthen reading, writing, and mathematics skills.
• Community building – Meet classmates, teachers, counselors, and mentors.
• Program orientation – Learn about schedules, policies, college resources, and family expectations.

Students must meet college-readiness requirements before enrolling in most college courses. Staff provide guidance and preparation throughout the process.

Freshman Year: Build the Foundation

Location

Your zoned high school campus

Typical course progression

Semester 1	Semester 2
PAP English I A	PAP English I B
PAP Algebra I/II A	PAP Algebra I/II B
AP Human Geography or World Geography A	AP Human Geography or World Geography B
PAP Biology A	PAP Biology B
AVID I A	AVID I B
High school elective, PE, or Spanish	High school elective, PE, or Spanish
EDUC 1300, typically three college credits	MUSI 1310, ART 1301, or DRAM 1310, typically three college credits

 

Course assignments may vary by student needs, campus scheduling, and degree pathway.

What students are doing

• Taking rigorous Pre-AP and AP-level high school courses
• Completing a first college-success course
• Joining AVID for organization and academic support
• Learning how college credit, grades, and expectations work
• Building relationships with teachers, counselors, and peers
• Developing study habits, time-management skills, and self-advocacy

Freshman milestones

• Complete Summer Bridge
• Begin the TSIA process
• Establish a four-year graduation and degree plan
• Learn how to access tutoring and college resources
• Build strong attendance, study, and communication routines

Sophomore Year: Expand College Coursework

Location

Your zoned high school campus

Typical course progression

Semester 1	Semester 2
PAP English II A	PAP English II B
PAP Algebra II or Geometry A	PAP Algebra II or Geometry B
AP World History or World History A	AP World History or World History B
PAP Chemistry A	PAP Chemistry B
AVID II A	AVID II B
High school elective, PE, or Spanish	High school elective, PE, or Spanish
BCIS 1305 or BCIS 1300, typically three college credits	SPCH 1315, typically three college credits

 

Course assignments may vary based on placement, scheduling, and degree pathway.

What students are doing

• Continuing advanced high school coursework
• Completing additional college courses
• Finishing high school requirements such as physical education and language study
• Completing or retaking TSIA sections as needed
• Exploring degree pathways and potential transfer universities
• Preparing for the larger academic and logistical transition to San Jacinto College

Sophomore milestones

• Make progress toward college-ready status in reading, writing, and mathematics
• Review degree requirements with the ECHS counselor
• Develop a transportation and scheduling plan for junior year
• Strengthen independent study and communication skills
• Prepare for summer college coursework

Summer Between Tenth and Eleventh Grade: Transition Preparation

A bridge to full-time college

Students who still need college readiness support receive targeted assistance during the summer. Students may also begin transfer-pathway coursework at San Jacinto College.

Possible activities include:

• Intensive TSIA preparation
• Advising and placement support
• College orientation
• Registration assistance
• Transfer planning
• Coursework such as GOVT 2305 or GOVT 2306, when appropriate
• Planning for transportation, textbooks, schedules, and campus routines

Students must meet required college-readiness benchmarks by the established deadline before proceeding into the full junior-year college schedule.

Junior Year: Begin the Full College Experience

Location

San Jacinto College, Central or South Campus

Junior year marks a major transition. Students take most or all of their classes at San Jacinto College while maintaining their PECHS connection through AVID, counseling, mentoring, and cohort support.

Typical course progression

Semester 1	Semester 2
AVID III A	AVID III B
High school elective	High school elective
College science, such as GEOL, BIOL, CHEM, or PHYS	College science, such as GEOL, BIOL, CHEM, or PHYS
College mathematics	College mathematics
ENGL 1301	ENGL 1302
HIST 1301	HIST 1302

 

The exact course sequence depends on placement, degree pathway, transfer goals, and successful completion of prerequisites.

What students are doing

• Managing a full college schedule
• Completing English, history, mathematics, and science requirements
• Working with college professors and academic advisors
• Using laboratories, libraries, tutoring centers, and other facilities
• Joining college clubs and organizations
• Participating in service learning, internships, and career exploration
• Practicing independent time management and communication

Junior-year milestones

• Complete core college courses successfully
• Meet regularly with the ECHS counselor and college advisor
• Monitor progress toward the Associate Degree
• Confirm a transfer or career direction
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance

Senior Year: Finish Strong

Location

San Jacinto College, Central or South Campus

Senior year focuses on completing the Associate Degree pathway, meeting high school graduation requirements, and preparing for the next step.

Typical course progression

Semester 1	Semester 2
English IV or AP English IV	English IV or AP English IV
AVID IV	AVID IV
Degree-pathway mathematics or science	Degree-pathway mathematics or science
Social science or core college requirement	Social science or core college requirement
Transfer-pathway or elective course	Transfer-pathway or elective course
Additional course as required for the degree plan	Additional course as required for the degree plan

 

The senior schedule is individualized. Students and advisors review remaining high school and college requirements before registration.

What students are doing

• Completing Associate Degree requirements
• Finishing high school graduation requirements
• Applying to four-year universities, scholarships, employment, or career programs
• Meeting with transfer advisors
• Building a résumé and documenting accomplishments
• Completing internships, service projects, or capstone experiences when available
• Preparing for college placement, financial aid, and enrollment steps
• Celebrating completion with the PECHS community

Senior-year milestones

• Complete all required high school coursework
• Complete the planned Associate Degree coursework
• Submit transfer, scholarship, or career applications
• Confirm the next-step enrollment plan
• Graduate with confidence, credentials, and a clear direction

Your Four-Year Commitment

Success at PECHS depends on consistent effort. Students are expected to:

• Attend classes regularly and arrive prepared
• Complete assignments by the deadline
• Communicate with teachers and advisors
• Use tutoring and support services proactively
• Maintain academic progress
• Follow high school and college policies
• Take responsibility for their schedule and long-term plan

Every step is supported—but students must take ownership of the journey.

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Ready to Transform Your Future?

Apply for the Class of 2029

Eighth-grade students who meet program requirements are encouraged to apply.

Start Your Application for PECHS Today

The application window opens October 1 and closes December 15.