Early College School at Del State

The Early College High School (ECHS) at Delaware State University is a specialized public charter school located on the campus of Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware. Designed to bridge the gap between secondary and higher education, the school offers a rigorous academic environment where students have the unique opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and significant college credit—up to two years toward a bachelor’s degree—simultaneously. By integrating the high school experience with the resources and expectations of a university setting, the institution aims to increase college readiness, improve graduation rates, and reduce the financial burden of post-secondary education for its students.

The school is characterized by a mission to provide an inclusive, supportive, and intellectually stimulating community that prepares students for success in a competitive global workforce. Because it is located directly on a university campus, students are immersed in a collegiate atmosphere, gaining early exposure to college-level coursework, faculty mentorship, and extracurricular facilities. This model is particularly focused on serving students who may be underrepresented in higher education, providing them with the tools and academic scaffolding necessary to excel in a four-year degree program and beyond.