Student Experience

Student Experience: Learn, Connect, and Lead

More Than College Credit

PECHS students experience the best of two worlds: the relationships and support of a small high school community and the independence, resources, and opportunities of college life.

Every day is a chance to strengthen academic skills, explore interests, build relationships, and take another step toward a meaningful future.

A Typical Day

Your schedule changes as you progress through the program.

Freshman and sophomore year

Students spend most of the day on their zoned high school campus. Their experience includes:

• Advanced high school classes
• College courses taught through the ECHS program
• AVID instruction
• Counseling and mentoring
• Tutoring and academic workshops
• Cohort activities and student events
• Preparation for the transition to San Jacinto College

Junior and senior year

Students take most or all of their courses at San Jacinto College. Their day may include:

• College lectures, laboratories, and discussion courses
• Independent study and assignments outside class
• College tutoring and library research
• Meetings with advisors and professors
• Student organizations and campus activities
• PECHS check-ins, AVID, and transition support
• Service learning, internships, or career exploration

College schedules may include open time between classes. Students are expected to use that time productively for studying, tutoring, appointments, or campus activities.

Support Systems

PECHS students are supported by a network of adults and peers.

• ECHS counselor – Helps with schedules, graduation plans, college applications, personal concerns, and academic decisions.
• Faculty mentor – Offers guidance about college expectations, persistence, and future planning.
• Teachers and professors – Provide instruction, feedback, and office-hour support.
• Tutors – Help students strengthen skills and understand challenging coursework.
• AVID – Builds organization, note-taking, collaboration, study, and college-readiness skills.
• Peer community – Encourages collaboration, accountability, and belonging.
• Family partnership – Keeps parents and guardians informed about progress, events, and expectations.

As students mature, support becomes less about doing things for them and more about helping them advocate for themselves.

Clubs, Leadership, and Extracurricular Activities

Students are encouraged to participate in activities that develop interests and leadership.

Opportunities may include:

• High school clubs and organizations
• San Jacinto College student organizations
• Academic teams and interest-based groups
• Student government and leadership programs
• Cultural, artistic, and athletic activities
• College events and workshops
• Peer mentoring
• Community service organizations

Availability varies by campus and schedule. Students should balance involvement with academic responsibilities.

College Facilities and Resources

As PECHS students transition to San Jacinto College, they gain access to college learning environments and support services, including:

• Libraries and research resources
• Science and technology laboratories
• Tutoring and academic success centers
• Computer labs
• Student advising
• Career and transfer resources
• Campus events and organizations
• Study spaces and student services

Students learn how to use these resources independently and responsibly.

Service Learning and Community Engagement

PECHS connects learning to the needs of the community. Service-learning activities may allow students to:

• Apply classroom knowledge to real situations
• Work with local organizations
• Develop teamwork and communication skills
• Explore civic responsibility
• Build a record of meaningful involvement
• Understand how their education can benefit others

Participation requirements and opportunities may vary by course, grade level, and school year.

Internships and Career Exploration

Students may explore careers through:

• Job-shadowing experiences
• Guest speakers
• Career panels
• Employer partnerships
• Internships
• Work-based learning
• College and industry visits
• Résumé and interview workshops

These experiences help students connect degree pathways with real opportunities and make informed decisions about their future.

Academic Standards

PECHS is rigorous because students are completing high school and college requirements together. Students are expected to:

• Attend every class regularly
• Complete work on time
• Maintain satisfactory progress toward graduation and the Associate Degree
• Meet TSIA and course prerequisites
• Use tutoring and other support resources
• Communicate promptly about challenges
• Follow both high school and college academic policies
• Maintain academic integrity

College courses become part of a student’s permanent college record. Students should take assignments, grades, deadlines, and communication with professors seriously.

Attendance, Conduct, and Responsibility

Students are expected to:

• Follow Pasadena ISD and San Jacinto College rules
• Treat classmates, staff, professors, and community members respectfully
• Follow attendance and punctuality expectations
• Protect their academic work and personal information
• Use technology appropriately
• Meet transportation and campus safety requirements
• Ask for help before a challenge becomes a crisis

Policies may differ between the high school and college campuses. Students are responsible for learning and following both sets of expectations.

Belonging at PECHS

PECHS is a community where students can be ambitious and supported at the same time. We celebrate persistence, progress, service, curiosity, and growth—not just final grades.

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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.