Wichita Public Schools will launch its Early College Academy at Northwest High School in fall 2019, but only 50 positions are open for what should prove to be an opportunity for students to get a head start on college and life.

The Early College Program, in partnership with Friends University, will allow students to take classes for college credit the summer before their sophomore year. When students in the program graduate high school, they will have enough college credits for the equivalent of an associate degree and can start college as third-year students.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our students to earn two years’ worth of college credit at no cost to our families,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tiffinie Irving.

Incoming freshmen for fall 2019 from across Wichita can submit an application, which will consist of an entry essay and recommendations from teachers. Applications are available online at usd259.org.

Completed applications can be submitted to the Wichita Public Schools’ Magnet Office, 903 S. Edgemoor, or to the student’s middle school. The deadline is January 25, 2019. Notification letters will be mailed to families in the spring.