First Day of School Informational Letter

St Philip's ECHS Alumni

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2017-18 school year.  2016-17 was great and we expect even greater things this year.  We look forward to our first graduating class this year. The class of 2018 has work hard and helped lay a strong foundation for future classes to build upon. We can’t wait to celebrate their accomplishments.  

Our mission is to provide a first-class program that enables students to earn an Associate of Arts, Associates of Applied Science and/or workforce certification while completing the requirements for their high school diploma. Imagine, graduating from college before receiving your high school diploma.

Attending St. Philip’s Early College High School is not an easy task.  The course load is demanding, extracurricular offerings are not offered at the same level as most comprehensive high schools, but the payoff of receiving a college degree (free of charge) along with the growth and success students will experience outweighs what may be given up. A successful future is within reach of all our students and this belief is a part of our culture.

We look forward to some great changes this year.  We are adding extra college level faculty, a college bound advisor, and increasing our physical space to offer our students with additional support they may need. We have relocated all administrative and student support offices to one building, added two computer labs, a large multipurpose room, and a lounge for juniors and seniors to study and/or wait for their college classes. In addition, we have a new food service serving area, textbook room, teacher workroom and food pantry.  We hope to work with our Parent Family Liaison (PFL) and PTO to provide a uniform closet. St. Philip’s College new Turbon Student Center will open August 9th.  This center has a lot to offer our ECHS students; such as billiard tables, gaming consoles, student government offices, bookstore, post office, coffee shop, and a six-lane bowling alley.

Finally, we invite our parents to get involved.  We have various opportunities for involvement.  You may attend monthly PTO meetings, parent education classes, serve as a chaperone for college trips, share your career or serve as a mentor.  Why not take a college class yourself?   Dads, we need men who are willing to serve as role models for our young men. Call Mrs. Miller, PFL at 210-486-2406 for additional information. The opportunities are great and waiting for you. Let’s make this a great year…the choice is ours!

• Simultaneously earn your high school diploma and up to 60 hours of college credit or an associate degree – free of cost to you and your family.
• Get an opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science
• Pursue industry certifications in the fields of information technology or automotive technology
• Transfer your college credits to other public colleges or universities in Texas to be applied toward a bachelor’s degree

Engage in a rigorous academic program:

• Create and maintain a personal portfolio that includes samples of academic projects, college and career research and workshops
• Begin taking college entrance exams, or practice versions, starting in the 9th grade
• Participate in a minimum of 25 service hours each year
• Apply to a minimum of four colleges or universities and submit at least six scholarship applications.

Take advantage of campus life:

• Attend school full-time at St. Philip’s College, taking both high school and college-level courses there.
• Enjoy the amenities and resources to which other St. Philip’s College students have access, such as academic labs, library, Student Center, swimming pool and tennis courts.
• Immerse yourself in college culture for a seamless transition from high school to higher education at a 4-year institution

Benefit from academic supports:

• Summer bridge programs during summers prior to the 9^th and 10^th grades, to include team building, soft skills and academic jumpstart programs in math and English.
• Academic mentoring sessions and study management strategies
• College Prep program to support academic, social and emotional needs of students
• Upperclassmen paired as “buddy” to freshman.