Brockton School: Students Graduate With 60 College Credits

Students at a Massachusetts charter school are graduating high school with two years of college already under their belts, and they're not paying a dime for it.

New Heights Charter Public School in Brockton recently marked its tenth anniversary of offering students something most high schoolers can only dream about: free, transferable college credits. The school was founded in 2016 as Massachusetts' first early college charter school, built on the belief that every student deserves a real shot at higher education.

The model is simple but powerful. Students in grades 6 through 12 can start taking college courses as early as ninth grade through partnerships with Massasoit Community College and Bridgewater State University. By the time they walk across the graduation stage, most students have earned over 60 college credits.

That's not a typo. While the school guarantees at least 12 college credits for every graduate, the majority of students are finishing high school with the equivalent of two full years of college already completed.

"Our scholars have opportunities to experience college-level coursework, earn transferable college credits, and see themselves as college students long before they graduate from high school," Principal Ondrea Johnston explained.

The program serves all students, not just those traditionally tracked for college. Upperclassmen can even take full-time college course loads while still enrolled in high school, giving them confidence and experience that goes far beyond textbooks.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends beyond individual students. Families in Brockton are saving tens of thousands of dollars in college tuition costs, and students are entering universities with confidence that comes from already succeeding at the college level.

Executive Director and co-founder Omari Walker said the school takes seriously the trust families place in them. "We remain committed to providing our scholars with the academic foundation, support, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in high school, in college, and beyond."

The partnerships with local colleges have been crucial to the program's success. These collaborations ensure the credits students earn are legitimate and transferable, not just participation certificates.

After ten years, New Heights has proven that early college programs can work for all students when given the right support and opportunities.

For Brockton families, choosing New Heights means their children can graduate high school already halfway to a bachelor's degree, debt-free.