Graduate with a diploma and up to two years of college credit. Tuition-free.
MPUSD's newly developed partnership with Monterey Peninsula College is paving the way for an Early College High School Program beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The program will give motivated students the opportunity to earn high school and college credit at the same time, starting in 9th grade - at no cost to families.
Through a supportive, structured environment, students take real college courses while receiving the academic and social-emotional support they need to succeed.
Designed as a school-of-choice program, Early College helps students accelerate their learning, explore high-demand career pathways, and graduate prepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
Two Specialized Pathways
HEART Academy
Health Education, Advancement, and Readiness Training
📍 Marina High School
The HEART Academy is designed for students interested in health and allied health careers. Students engage in hands-on learning, career exploration, and dual enrollment courses that prepare them for fields such as nursing, medical assisting, public health, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Students complete the Cal-GETC transfer pattern, earn significant college credit, and build a strong foundation for CSU, UC, or direct-to-career pathways.
MIND Academy
Math, Innovation, Networking, and Design
📍 Seaside High School
The MIND Academy is designed for students passionate about STEM, computer science, engineering, and emerging technologies. Beginning in 9th grade, students take dual enrollment courses that build strong skills in mathematics, coding, engineering principles, and problem-solving. This pathway prepares students for high-growth fields such as computer science, engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, and data science while completing the Cal-GETC transfer pattern.
Why Choose Early College?
✔ Earn up to two years of college credit while in high school
✔ Graduate ready to transfer to a CSU or UC as a junior
✔ Save time and money on college tuition
✔ Learn in a small, supportive, college-going community
✔ Explore careers and pathways starting in 9th grade
Students don’t need perfect grades ... just motivation, responsibility, and a willingness to grow.
Who Can Apply?
- Current 8th-grade students
- Curious, motivated learners ready for a challenge
- Students interested in STEM, health, or university transfer pathways
- MPUSD students and eligible students from outside the district
Parent Information Nights
Marina Community Presentation
Hosted at LAMS
Wednesday, February 4
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Seaside Community Presentation
Hosted at Seaside Middle School
Wednesday, February 11
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Districtwide Virtual Presentation
Wednesday, February 18
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Application Timeline
📅 Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
📅 Interviews: May 2026
📅 Notification of Acceptance: June 2026 or earlier
Applications are submitted through the student’s middle school counselor. Students outside MPUSD may submit directly to Monterey Peninsula College Dual Enrollment.
Application Packets
Main website for full information
News Release