Early College High School Programs
SHS College in the High School (CHS) Program
About the Program
Located at Schenectady High School's main campus, the Schenectady Smart Scholars Early College High School is a grant-funded program which allows high school students to pursue and obtain, at minimum, 24 college credits while earning their High School Diplomas. Funded by the New York State Education Department, Smart Scholars is a partnership between SUNY Schenectady and Schenectady High School. Admitted students participate in a multi-stage application process, which occurs in 8th grade, and participate in a summer college classes at SUNY Schenectady and College in the High School classes at Schenectady High School's main campus. Every year a cohort of up to 250 students are admitted to the program.
SCSD Early College High School
Located at Center City in downtown Schenectady (Grades 9/10) and at SUNY Schenectady's main campus (Grades 11/12), the Schenectady Early College High School (ECHS) is New York State Education Department (NYSED) grants/ SCSD district funded school focused on preparing and supporting high school students to pursue and obtain associate degrees while also earning their high school diplomas. Students can automatically transfer to a 4-year institution to complete their bachelor degrees or choose to enter the workforce with their college degree. Our Early College High School allows students to learn in a fully immersive college setting.
Smart Transfer Program:
Smart Transfer is a partnership between SUNY Schenectady and the school district. Students apply in 8th grade, undergoing a multi-stage application process and then, upon acceptance, participate in a rigorous six-week summer program at SUNY Schenectady. Every year a new cohort of students are admitted to the program with the goal of graduation from both SUNY Schenectady and Schenectady High School after four years.
Smart Tech (P-Tech) Program:
The Smart Tech (P-Tech) Program launched in the 2024-25 school year and provides opportunities for cohorts of students to pursue potential pathways in Biotechnology, Biological Technician, Computer Information Systems, Computer Networking Systems and Cybersecurity, Computer Science and Programming for Game Development. Students apply for the ECHS and P-Tech matches are made in the spring of 8th grade. Students attend a six-week Summer Bridge Program at SUNY Schenectady and are admitted to the program with the goal of on-time high school graduation and an associate degree in four to six years.