For 70 years — ever since Staples became the first school in Connecticut to offer Advanced Placement courses — Westport students have earned college credits while still in high school.
But there’s an exam involved. And many universities are tightening restrictions on AP credits.
For well over a decade, Staples has offered a second option for college credits. The UConn Early College Experience enabled students to take courses in high school for a fraction of the cost of normal college tuition.
The course is weighted like an AP course, in determining grade point averages.
And though Staples teachers are certified as University of Connecticut affiliate faculty, it’s not limited to the state’s flagship university. Passing grades are accepted for credit by 87% of the colleges in the US.
Since its inception, the program was low-key. Most Staples offerings were in world languages.
Now — with the addition of social studies, English courses and music, and a push by the school’s counseling department — the ECE effort has expanded.
This year, 292 Staples students took ECE courses — a huge jump from last year’s 153. That’s the fifth highest number enrolled in the state, UConn officials say.
Courses include Anthropology (this coming year), Seminar in Academic Writing and Multimodal Composition, AP French Language and Culture, AP German Language and Culture, Contemporary World Studies, Italian 4 Honors, and Popular Music and Diversity in American Society.
Enia Noonan’s Italian 4 Honors class enjoys the Early College Experience (check out the branded blue t-shirt).
Each course offers 3-4 college credits. The cost is $50 per credit — far below the cost at an actual college campus.
The University of Connecticut vets teachers closely. If an instructor’s educational background does not meet certification requirements, they must take or audit UConn courses to qualify.
Once teachers and their syllabi have been accepted by UConn, they do annual training there. It’s a chance to stay current, and meet other ECE instructors.
Last summer, Staples was approved for an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. The funds support faculty training and certification, and exploration of new opportunities.
Future plans include possible new courses, and partnerships with other universities, like Southern Connecticut State.
Staples Counseling department chair Bill Plunkett is proud of the program, for the breadth and depth of courses offered, the opportunity to earn college credit at a fraction of the usual cost, and the high rate of participation.
Seven decades ago, Staples was a national leader in AP education. With the ECE program, it once again looks for ways to offer college opportunities to high school students.
Wow! Been in town 53 yrs and never knew…what a wonderful opportunity and what an important addition to the wonders of Westport.
Go Staples!! Continuing a long history of academic excellence!!
In 1992, our son Evan was offered enough AP credits at Staples HS to get a year of college credits enabling him to graduate from Harvard in 3 years and to be recognized as an AP scholar. (He still had time while at Staples to become a Wrestling Team captain and President of the UN club).
that’s amazing.
you must be proud of your son.
VERY! And actually- proud of all of our kids and grandkids.
Staples HS creates a climate of success in so many academic, artistic and athletic areas for its students. Evan is one of many who year after year and decade after decade- have benefited from a Staples education provided by all the great teachers Staples has had seemingly- perpetually!!