Early College

Save time and money by getting an early start at Chattanooga State!

Early College pathways allow high school students to enroll in college courses, and earn credits that count toward both a high school diploma and a college degree. This allows students to save time and money on college, and to sample college coursework without being enrolled as a full-time college student. Class credits attained through Early College programs also transfer to other public Tennessee community colleges and universities. With Early College, students can attend college classes during the regular school day at:

  • their high school campus
  • online
  • any of ChattState's three sites (Chattanooga, Kimball, and Dayton)

Early College request info banner

Virtual Office

How to Apply

  1. Apply to ChattState
    - View the Application Checklist

  2. Complete the Dual Enrollment Grant Application

  3. Complete the Parent Signature Form

Early College Pathways

Dual Enrollment Grant

An excellent way to jump-start your college education and future career!

Tennessee’s Dual Enrollment Grant gives students scholarship money for the tuition costs of their Early College classes. The Dual Enrollment Grant allows high school students to attend five (5) college classes tuition-free, but does not cover textbooks, program fees, or other fees. The grant only covers tuition. Speak to the Early College Office for more information about the grant.

  • High School Juniors & Seniors: High School students who attend a recognized Tennessee public or private school are required to receive a high school counselor’s recommendation for the Dual Enrollment Grant. If you have questions about your high school or who to speak to, contact the Early College office.
  • Homeschool Juniors & Seniors: Homeschool students also qualify for the Dual Enrollment Grant. Homeschool students must have an academic advising meeting with an Outreach Specialist before enrolling in classes. Contact the Early College office for more information.

Contact

Phone: 423-697-4427
Fax: 423-697-2676
Email: [email protected]
Location: CAT building (room 74)
Virtual Office

Early College Academy

The Early College Academy (ECA) is a program offered in partnership with Marion County Board of Education.  It is a four year cohort-based program that begins during a student’s freshman year. The ideal ECA student is responsible and demonstrates academic promise. Students in the ECA will graduate high school with a University Parallel Associate of Arts.

Criteria for Admittance Includes:

  • Completed Chattanooga State Early College Application
  • 250 on the Accuplacer exam (for registration purposes)
  • Parental consent

Contact

Phone: Early College (423-697-4427)
Email: [email protected]
Location: CAT Room 74

Collegiate High

Attend High School at Chattanooga State!

Collegiate High is a partnership between the Hamilton County Department of Education and Chattanooga State. It serves as a launch pad for 9th -12th grade students to expedite their education.

By attending high school on ChattState's campus, Collegiate High students have the opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate's degree - or other college credit hours, which count toward a major of their choosing. Students have full access to the ChattState campus' clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and student government. Students can also participate in the ChattState Symphonic Band, and Concert Choir.

Student Criteria:

  1. Students may enroll their freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school.

  2. 9th grade students must have an ACT score, or take the ChattState Accuplacer.

  3. 10th - 12th grade students must have an ACT composite score of 19 or higher

  4. 10th - 12th grade students must be on track for graduation.

Learn More & Apply

Still Not Convinced? Here Are More Advantages​

  • Engineering/Technology programs available
  • Schedule flexibility, including full term in-person, hybrid, online, and 7 week course options
  • Availability of college support services including mentoring, counseling, learning tutoring clubs
  • Accessibility to state-of-the art equipment
  • Small teacher/student ratio
  • Explore a variety of careers and opportunities
  • Enjoy learning on a college campus
  • Participate in Global Scholars Honors Program

Contact

Fax: 423-697-2676
Location: CAT Suite 75

STEM School Chattanooga

About

STEM School Chattanooga is a Hamilton County Department of Education magnet high school located on the campus of Chattanooga State Community College. The keystone of the platform school is an integrated curricular model with a central focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM). This innovative learning environment will serve as an incubator for inventive teaching methods and technological learning. Partnerships with colleges and regional businesses will provide students with opportunities for internships and apprenticeships.
Learn more about STEM School Chattanooga.

Project-based Learning

The curriculum at the STEM school will be rooted in a project-based learning philosophy. Project-based learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative groups. Because project-based learning is filled with active and engaged learning, it inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they are studying. Strong related arts programs and advanced technological resources will foster creativity and innovative critical thinking skills as they address the project challenges presented in school curriculum.

Contact

Phone: 423-531-6270
Fax: 423-531-6268
Location: ChattState Main Campus (CETAS Building)

Mechatronics Academy at Volkswagen

The Mechatronics Academy is a unique partnership between Chattanooga State, Hamilton County Department of Education, and Volkswagen.  Blending high school, dual credit, and dual enrollment courses, this program is designed to give students a jump start on the path to future success in Mechatronics! Students entering their 11th or 12th grade year of high school are eligible to apply.

Selection Criteria

  • 2.0 Cumulative High School GPA
  • Standardized Test Scores in moderate to college level range
  • Good Discipline Record
  • Good Attendance Record
  • On Track for Graduation
  • Academic Recommendation

Contact

Phone: Annika Goins (423-697-2402)
Email: [email protected]

Polytech Academy at Chattanooga State

Polytech Academy at Chattanooga State is a unique blend of high school, dual credit, and dual enrollment courses designed to give students a jump start on their education and career paths. Paths available are Chemical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, and Computer Information Technology. Students entering their 11th or 12th grade year of high school are eligible to apply.

  • 2.0 Cumulative High School GPA
  • Standardized Test Scores in moderate to college level range
  • Good Discipline Record
  • Good Attendance Record
  • On Track for Graduation
  • Academic Recommendation

To be considered as part of the Polytech Academy, complete this interest form.

Contact

Phone: Annika Goins (423-697-2402)
Email: [email protected]

Polytech Academy at Kimball

Selection Criteria

  • 2.5 Cumulative High School GPA 
  • Standardized Test Scores in moderate to college level range
  • Good Discipline Record
  • Good Attendance Record
  • On Track for Graduation
  • Academic Recommendation

Contact

Phone: Early College (423-697-4427)
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Location: Kimball Campus

Tech-Track/Dual Credit

Tech-Track is a federally funded program that provides a seamless transition from secondary education to post-secondary education. Tech-Track allows students to receive college credit, free of charge, for approved courses completed while still in high school. Click here for a complete list of course availability.

Selection Criteria

  • Pass (70%) an articulation exam created by Chattanooga State instructors
  • Submit a College Credit Application
  • Attend Chattanooga State Community College
  • Apply for dual credit within 2 years of high school graduation

Contact

Phone: Breanne Kintz (423-697-4493)
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 423-697-2676
Location: CETAS 370D

TCAT Dual Enrollment

Earn a Third of Your College Diploma While in High School!

The TCAT Dual Enrollment program is an opportunity for high school students to earn up to a third of their college diploma while still in high school. This program is valid only for students at select county high schools, and valid only for TCAT fields such as:

  • cosmetology
  • electricity
  • welding
  • collision repair
  • advanced manufacturing,
  • etc.

Selection Criteria

  • Academic Recommendation
  • Holistic Review of Discipline, Attendance, and Academic Records

Contact

Phone: Carl Miller (423-697-3238)
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 423-697-2676
Location: TCAT

Qualifications

Early College courses become part of a student’s permanent college transcript. Potential students must demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and initiative in addition to being academically prepared for success! Course qualifications are varied. Students need to meet minimum high school GPA qualifications.

Payment & Financial Aid

View tuition info here. Some courses have extra fees that may cover equipment, lab materials, etc.

Students who are juniors or seniors and Tennessee residents may qualify for financial aid through the TN Dual Enrollment Grant.

Transferability

In order to transfer dual enrollment credits to a different institution after high school graduation, students must complete an official transcript request through the National Student Clearinghouse. Learn more about how to transfer dual enrollment credits. The TTP's also constitute an agreement between community colleges and universities confirming that community college courses meet major preparation requirements.

If an Early College student transfers to another Tennessee community college, the student is guaranteed that all courses transfer. A student who completes all the courses listed on a particular Transfer Pathway will earn an A.A. or A. S. degree at the community college. When the student transfers to a Tennessee public university the transcript will certify that the pathway has been followed. The student is guaranteed that all the community college courses taken will be accepted at the university and the courses will count toward completion of the particular major.

"I would just like to say how welcome I have felt at Chattanooga State, and it started with the Early College office. They went above and beyond to help me with admissions and in choosing my first classes. That made me feel a lot more secure in taking college classes. The campus is friendly and offers plenty of classes to choose from. I have loved being treated like an adult, and have found that I have no trouble meeting the requirements of a college level course. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants a change from typical high school courses, and who wants to see what being a college student is like."

- Nikola (home school student)