Parent Information

Parent Information: Partnering for Student Success

Welcome to the PECHS Family

Families play an essential role in Early College High School success. PECHS provides the pathway, resources, and guidance; students build the habits and take ownership; families offer encouragement, structure, and communication.

Together, we can help students earn college credit, complete high school successfully, and prepare for the next step.

Parent Expectations

Parents and guardians are expected to:

• Review program information and important deadlines
• Support regular attendance and punctuality
• Encourage students to complete assignments independently
• Monitor communication from PECHS and San Jacinto College
• Attend family meetings and required orientations
• Help students plan transportation and daily schedules
• Encourage students to use tutoring and counseling
• Discuss academic progress and long-term goals
• Support compliance with school and college policies
• Contact staff early when concerns arise

The goal is partnership—not completing the work for the student.

How Families Can Support Students

Establish strong routines

Help your student create a consistent schedule for sleep, school, study, meals, transportation, and activities.

Encourage self-advocacy

Students should practice emailing teachers, asking professors questions, scheduling appointments, and explaining what support they need.

Protect study time

College coursework requires focused time outside the classroom. Help reduce distractions and create a reliable place to work.

Monitor progress without taking over

Ask about assignments, deadlines, grades, and upcoming milestones. Encourage your student to check learning platforms, email, and calendars independently.

Use support early

Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and advising are most effective before a problem becomes urgent.

Celebrate persistence

Recognize effort, improvement, responsible decisions, and resilience—not only perfect results.

Key Policies and Responsibilities

Families should review current Pasadena ISD and San Jacinto College policies. Important areas include:

• Attendance and punctuality
• Academic integrity and plagiarism
• Student conduct and respectful behavior
• Technology and acceptable-use rules
• Course withdrawal and schedule changes
• Confidentiality and student records
• Transportation and campus safety
• Eligibility for continued participation
• Academic progress and degree requirements

Because students are enrolled in both high school and college coursework, some policies may come from Pasadena ISD and others from San Jacinto College. Staff can help families understand which office to contact.

Costs and Required Materials

PECHS is designed to reduce the cost of beginning college.

For eligible PECHS coursework, Pasadena ISD covers:

• College tuition
• Required textbooks, according to current district procedures

Families may still be responsible for expenses such as:

• Transportation
• Meals
• Optional supplies or equipment
• Personal technology
• Optional activities, events, or organization fees
• Costs not covered under current district or college guidelines

Families should confirm current coverage, purchasing procedures, and eligibility requirements before each academic year.

Transportation

Transportation planning is an important part of the junior- and senior-year transition to San Jacinto College.

Families should:

• Review the student’s college schedule early
• Plan how the student will travel to and from campus
• Allow time for traffic, parking, transfers, and weather
• Discuss safety and emergency procedures
• Notify PECHS promptly if transportation problems affect attendance
• Confirm any district transportation options that may be available

Transportation arrangements and services may vary by student, campus, schedule, and district policy. PECHS staff can provide current information and planning guidance.

Communication and Contact Information

PECHS team

For questions about the program, contact the PECHS counselor, coordinator, or campus administration through the Pasadena ISD school directory.

Dean of Pasadena Early College High School	Counselor of Pasadena Early College High School
Aldo Prado	Jennifer Owens
Email: APrado@pasadenaisd.org	Email: JOwens1@pasadenaisd.org

 

Admissions questions

Contact PECHS admissions for:

• Eligibility
• Application deadlines
• Required documents
• Lottery procedures
• Selection notifications
• Summer Bridge

Academic questions

Contact the ECHS counselor or student’s teacher for:

• Course schedules
• TSIA preparation
• Academic progress
• Tutoring
• Degree planning
• Graduation requirements

College questions

Contact the appropriate San Jacinto College office for:

• College registration
• College transcripts
• Campus services
• Course policies
• Advising and transfer planning

For urgent concerns, families should use the contact method provided by the student’s campus and follow established school procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my student need perfect grades to apply?

No. PECHS is intended for motivated students who are willing to work hard and commit to a demanding four-year program. Applicants should review current eligibility requirements, but determination, responsibility, and willingness to seek support are important parts of readiness.

2. Is PECHS really free?

Eligible college tuition and required textbooks are covered through Pasadena ISD under current program procedures. Families may still have costs for transportation, meals, optional supplies, personal technology, or activities not covered by the district or college.

3. Where will my student attend classes?

Freshman and sophomore students generally take classes on their zoned high school campus. Junior and senior students take most or all of their coursework at San Jacinto College, typically at the Central or South Campus, depending on the program and schedule.

4. What is the TSIA, and why does it matter?

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment measures college readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics. Students receive preparation and support, but they must meet applicable readiness requirements before enrolling in most college courses. Counselors help students understand testing and retesting plans.

5. What happens if my student struggles in a college course?

Students should contact the instructor, counselor, mentor, or tutor as soon as possible. PECHS offers coordinated support, but students must communicate early and participate actively in the plan. Families should encourage help-seeking rather than waiting until the end of the term.

6. Is Summer Bridge required?

Yes. Summer Bridge is required for incoming students. It includes academic preparation, TSIA support, orientation, community building, and information about schedules, policies, and college expectations.

7. How does the admissions lottery work?

If eligible applications exceed available seats, PECHS follows a fair selection process established by Pasadena ISD and applicable Early College High School requirements. After eligibility and any priority categories are verified, a random lottery may be used. Families should submit complete applications by the deadline and review current admissions instructions.

8. Will my student automatically earn an Associate Degree?

PECHS provides a planned pathway toward an Associate Degree, but students must successfully complete the required high school and college courses, meet readiness standards, maintain academic progress, and satisfy San Jacinto College degree requirements. The ECHS counselor and college advisors review progress with each student.

Your Partnership Matters

Your encouragement, communication, and confidence can make a lasting difference. By joining PECHS, your student gains a community committed to helping them reach farther—and your family gains a team to support 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.