Tammy Mielke, School Counselor

Mondays, Tuesdays, & Fridays Only

(949) 515-3397

tmielke@nmusd.us

Early Start Program at OCC

High school students may be eligible for Orange Coast College’s Early Start Program.  The Early Start Program was designed for 11^th and 12^th grade high school students seeking advanced scholastic or vocational coursework not available at the high school. 

Academic Requirements for Early Start Program (ESP) Students

 Eligible students have the opportunity to enroll in a maximum of six units each semester (3 units max for summer and winter intersession) and earn college credit while still attending high school.  Students are expected to meet the same requirements as regular college students and coursework taken appears on the student's college transcript.

 Things to consider:

• Students must apply for admission, turn in a Part-Time Early Start Program form signed by the parent/guardian and the high school principal), and meet the prerequisite before they will be permitted to register for classes.
• Enrolling in college courses creates a permanent record (college transcript).
• Students should plan to study a minimum of two hours each week for each hour of class time (unit).
• Students planning to apply coursework taken at OCC toward college or university admission or progress toward a degree should contact the respective institutions regarding policies involving prior coursework.

Students interested in attending Orange Coast College under the Early Start Program must submit a completed admissions application to the Admissions Office along with an Early Start Petition Form signed by both the high school principal and the parent/guardian.  Students who are enrolled in the Early Start Program and are designated as California residents (see residency information) are not required to pay the per unit enrollment fee but are required to pay all other required fees.

All graduation requirements as listed in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District's Board of Education Policy 5220 must be met by students receiving diplomas in a NMUSD high school.

** Students earn ...more