The Early College Honors Program at DHS
Please visit the links on the left for more information including important dates for applying, contact information, and FAQs.
What is the Darlington High School Early College Honors Program?
The Darlington High School Early College Honors Program is a program that is designed to offer ninth and tenth grade students the opportunity to take advanced courses in preparation for the the opportunity to take actual college classes with certified college instructors in eleventh and twelfth grade. Successfully completing a college course by earning a C or higher will result in the student earning at least 3 hours of college credit for each class the student takes. Qualified students can take as many classes as their schedules allows or only a few that interest them. Some students take only a few courses and some pursue a local pathway certificate that lead them to a college major in the area of business, education, or health sciences. Truly driven and dedicated students earn a two-year associate degree by the time they graduate high school!
What does this mean for students and their parents?
This is an extraordinary academic and financial value for parents and students. The program currently offers 26 different college courses that students can take. This means ECHP students and their families can save THOUSANDS of dollars because students receive reduced or free tuition and textbooks.
Unlike AP and IB courses, students who earn credit in dual credit classes are guaranteed to have that credit transfer to any public college or university within South Carolina. Furthermore, participation potentially increases a student's opportunity for receiving other scholarships as well.
Who teaches these classes?
Each class is taught by a highly-qualified, innovative teacher - some of whom are Nationally Board Certified. Many classes are taught by DHS teachers who are also adjunct instructors at FDTC and/or FMU and online classes have both a DHS teacher and an FDTC instructor.
Want more information?
Watch this video for more information about the DHS Early College Honors Program.
What do students really gain from the ECHP?
Watch this alumni video to hear what former students have to say about the DHS Early College Honors Program.