How It Works

College-level learning begins immediately at Travis Early College High School, with students enrolling in their first college courses and becoming San Antonio College students in the second semester of 9th grade. Freshmen and sophomores take elective courses at SAC, our program partner, and Pre-Advanced Placement courses in core subjects, such as English, Math, Science and Social Studies, at our campus.

Hear what our graduates have to say about the program in this short video produced by the SAISD Foundation.

To help prepare them for the rigors of college, students at all grade levels must take an AVID college preparation course, which provides them with valuable skills to help them succeed in college. The AVID course is taken at our campus each of the four years of high school. Juniors and seniors also have academic mentoring periods where they can receive tutoring for college and/or high school courses.

More information about the AVID Program can be found at www.avid.org.

The number of courses that Travis students take at SAC increases each year, with juniors and seniors potentially spending the majority of their school day in college classes. Most of the courses count toward high school credit, though some provide only college credit to meet the requirements for earning an associate degree in liberal arts. In our first group of graduates, the class of 2012, 48 graduates earned an associate degree after completing 60 college-credit hours. On average, students in the first graduating class earned 42 college-credit hours from SAC – that’s well over a year of college! That level of success has continued, with student's in every school year earning an Associate's Degree.

The college credits earned at SAC transfer to most Texas state schools.

Travis students enroll at SAC as any other college student, take courses with other SAC students and have access to all the same facilities and resources as other college students, including the library and clubs and organizations. They also graduate with SAC students, if they meet the requirements for earning an associate degree; a separate graduation ceremony is held for Travis.

Our school provides an excellent opportunity for students to get a jump-start on their college education, learn how to navigate the college system, and save a significant amount of college tuition costs.

To learn more about how the program works, contact our campus at (210) 738-9830.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an early college high school?
Early college high schools are small schools designed so that students can earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree or up to two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree. Early college high schools have the potential to improve high school graduation rates and better prepare all students for high-skill careers by engaging them in a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum and compressing the number of years needed to earn a college degree. (Source: Early College High School Initiative)

What type of associate degree could I earn?
Through a partnership between Travis Early College High School and neighboring San Antonio College, students have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree or an Associates of Teaching degree. Scholars may earn up to 60 hours of college credit that, when transferred to a four-year institution, may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.

Will I also earn a high school diploma?
Yes. The college courses you take also count as high school credit and count toward the Distinguished Achievement Diploma.

Will I have two graduation ceremonies?
Yes! If you earn 60 hours of college credit, you become eligible to walk the stage with hundreds of other SAC graduates. A separate, traditional high school graduation ceremony hosted by SAISD will also be held upon completion of the program.

Do I have to provide my own transportation to the school?
Not necessarily. If you are within SAISD, bus transportation is available from SAISD home high schools. To view the bus routes to Travis ECHS, click here.

Do I have to provide my own transportation to SAC?
No. Students walk to their classes at SAC, which is located across the street from Travis ECHS. We are located at 1915 N. Main Ave.

Will my credits transfer to any university?
Each university has its own set of transfer requirements, but credits will transfer to most Texas universities.

How many credits can I earn free of cost?
You may earn up to 60 college credits at San Antonio College tuition-free during your four years at Travis Early College High School. Additional credits may be earned at an in-district tuition rate.

Do I have to pay for my college textbooks?
No. Travis Early College High School picks up that cost.

Will I take all of my courses at SAC?
No. Students take most of their courses at Travis ECHS during their freshman and sophomore years. Students begin to take about half of their courses at SAC during their junior and senior years.

What kinds of courses will I take at SAC?
In the 9th and 10th grades, you will take basic courses that satisfy the requirement for electives, such as Spanish, Theater, and Kinesiology. In the 11th and 12th grades, you can take core subject courses–English, Social Studies, Science and Math–at the college.

Will I be treated like other SAC students?
Yes. Travis ECHS students take classes with traditional SAC students, are eligible to join clubs at the college,and have access to the same resources, including the library, computer labs, athletic facilities, and tutoring services.

What extracurricular activities are offered?
Travis ECHS offers clubs and organizations including the National Honor Society, the Robotics Club, the Environmental Club, Gamma Sigma Girls, Spanish Club, Student Council, the Cyber Samurai Club, and more. Students are also eligible to join clubs and organizations at SAC, including Phi Beta Kappa, an Academic Honor Society.