MMSD to Introduce New Early College Academies for 2025–26 School Year

MMSD, in partnership with Madison College, will offer seniors the ability to participate in three new early college academies for the 2025–26 school year.

The new programs are the Early College Biomedical Academy, Early College Networking & Cybersecurity Academy and Running Start: Personalized Academy, all geared toward helping students meet academic and career goals. Applications are open to current MMSD high school juniors, with coursework starting their senior year. These additional offerings join the already-in-place Early College Education Academy, applications to which are also open to current juniors, and Early College STEM Academy, open to sophomores (this is a two-year cohort that takes place during junior and senior years). 

“These academies provide participants the dual benefit of gaining exposure to advanced-level coursework while earning applicable college credit in the process,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD’s executive director of secondary programs & pathways. “They are rooted in our commitment to educational excellence, and to affording all of our students access to well-rounded opportunities that will benefit them post-graduation.”

For the 2023–24 school year, approximately 61% of the district’s seniors graduated with at least one college credit, translating to tangible tuition savings for those who pursue academic interests at the post-secondary level. 

“Our early college offerings allow students to more deeply explore their interests at the high school level before committing to pursuing a particular field of study in college,” said Cindy Green, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. "They provide a space for those interests to develop into passions that may, ultimately, lead to rewarding careers."

Further details on each of the district’s academy programs, each of which holds the potential for students to earn as many as 30 college credits at no cost, is as follows:

• Early College Biomedical Academy: For students interested in medical lab careers, the Biomedical Academy offers hands-on learning in bio-health fields. This program prepares students for high-wage, in-demand healthcare careers. Up to 25 students will be admitted. 
• Early College Networking & Cybersecurity Academy: The Networking & Cybersecurity Academy prepares students interested in technology, networking and cybersecurity for careers in IT and cybersecurity. Up to 25 students will be admitted. 
• Running Start: Personalized Academy: The Running Start: Personalized Academy allows students to create their own program of study, working with Madison College advisors to tailor a course schedule that leads to a technical diploma in a high-demand field. This program provides flexibility and the opportunity to explore various career paths. Up to 25 students will be admitted.
• Early College Education Academy: For students interested in pursuing a career in education, the Early College Education Academy offers a pathway into the teaching profession. Students will earn up to 30 college credits toward a Liberal Arts Transfer-Education Associate Degree, helping to take the first step toward a future in education. Up to 50 students will be admitted. 
• Early College STEM Academy: The Early College STEM Academy is designed for students who want to explore fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). With a focus on increasing access for underrepresented students in STEM fields, this program offers a chance to earn college credits and build a strong foundation for future STEM careers. Up to 100 students will be admitted.

The deadline to apply for all of the academies is Jan. 24, 2025. Virtual information sessions will be held on Nov. 19, Dec. 11 and Jan. 16, to help guide families through the application process. All classes will take place at Madison College.