Leander ISD Early College High School (ECHS) is now accepting applications for the 2027–28 school year. ECHS offers students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma while also working toward an associate degree from Austin Community College (ACC), tuition-free.
Through a partnership with ACC, students experience college-level coursework alongside their high school classes in a small, supportive learning community. ECHS combines high academic expectations, inquiry-based instruction and individualized support to help students build the skills and confidence needed for success in college and beyond.
Current eighth-grade students interested in attending ECHS as freshmen in 2027–28 are encouraged to apply. Current 9th-grade students interested in transfers to ECHS for their sophomore year may also apply. Students living outside Leander ISD are also welcome to apply.
The priority application deadline is Monday, Feb. 1, 2027. ECHS has a target freshman cohort of 125 students, with admission offers made through a lottery selection process. Students who are not initially selected will be placed on a waitlist and contacted as seats become available.
Admission notifications are expected to begin in mid-February. Applications will continue to be accepted after the priority deadline until available seats are filled.
Learn More About Early College High School
Interested students and families are invited to attend an upcoming informational session or schedule a campus tour to learn more about the ECHS experience, academic opportunities and application process.
- 8:30-10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Early College HS campus at ACC San Gabriel
- 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9: Join the Virtual Session
Looking Ahead: ECHS Facility Plans
Leander ISD is developing plans for a permanent ECHS campus at the renovated former Faubion Elementary site in Cedar Park, near ACC’s Cypress Creek campus. On the current timeline, the transition would take place as early as Fall 2029. For additional details and ongoing updates, visit leanderisd.org/echsfuture.
More Information
- 🎥 Watch: My ECHS Why
- 📄 Review: Frequently Asked Questions about eligibility, transportation and much more.
- 🙋 Submit: Send questions
- 🗓️ Schedule: Reserve your space on a Monday afternoon group tour & information session by emailing [email protected] or calling 512-223-2650.
- ℹ️ Information: ECHS Website, ECHS Facebook, ECHS Instagram
- ✅ Apply: ECHS Form for 2027-28 School Year
- 📲 Share Your Interest: Complete the ECHS Interest Form
