Franklin County High School's Early College Program has been endorsed as highly effective by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis.

The Early College program at FCHS began in the spring of 2014. Then, Franklin County High School joined the RECN grant project in the 2019-20 school year, which provided additional funding to make this possible as well as provide a network of resources from other endorsed schools. Rural Early College Network (RECN) helps rural Indiana high schools more quickly implement the Early College (EC) high school model and focuses on the establishment of model rural Early College high school sites and templates for fostering additional high-quality Early College programs. 

This year the FCHS Early College program will graduate 10 students with 15+ dual credits. In the past two years, three FCHS students graduated with the Indiana College Core Certificate from Ivy Tech Community College in Richmond with a block of 30 transferable college credits. FCHS students have also graduated with college certificates in Machine Tool Technology, Structural Welding and CNA Dementia Care. 

“Through the dual credit opportunities at Franklin County High School, students are able to earn meaningful post-secondary credentials such as the Indiana College Core and an Associates Degree," said Sara Shaver and Katie Degrazia in a joint statement. "Students in the Early College Program are provided with resources and support to help them overcome barriers to higher education." 

This program is only possible with guidance from highly qualified teachers and guidance counselors that have empowered students to earn credits beyond high school. These exemplary educators and counselors collaborated and led students through their Early College courses to be productive in their study area. Over five years, there have been many training sessions for the superintendent, principals, and the team, which consists of two counselors and four dual credit teachers. DeGrazia headed this along with Katie Schneider, Adam Hofer, Sharon Volk, Michael Kristoff and Shaver. Many others played parts, including Colleen Tincher and other teachers.

The Early College high school model creates cohorts within schools that are designed to give students jumpstarts for the rest of their lives. Students can earn high school diplomas and up to two years of credit toward bachelor or associate degrees.

To be considered for endorsement, the school prepared a portfolio that addressed the eight required principles established by CELL, including providing a rigorous curriculum, robust student supports and completion data. In addition, a CELL team visited the school to interview the administration, teachers, students, and parents about the EC and its benefits and challenges before designating the program as endorsed."These newly-endorsed Early College High Schools have documented evidence of quality programs that help high school students graduate high school and accelerate into post-secondary education, whether at a four-year institution or a career/technical program.

“These students' accomplishments are true game-changers for them and their families!" said Sandy Hillman, CELL Director of Early College. "The EC School Leadership Team at Franklin County HS is commended for its strong commitment to blurring the line between high school and post-secondary education.”

Once a school receives endorsement, it is expected to develop its opportunities further. Then it will be reviewed for re-endorsement every three years.