Early college in session

The Toledo Early College High School's third year is underway at UT's Scott Park Campus.

The partnership between UT and Toledo Public Schools lets high school students earn up to two years of college credits. The high school is one of two Toledo Public High Schools that received an excellent rating based on Ohio standardized test scores and attendance.

About 70 freshmen entered the program this year, which already has more than 260 freshmen, sophomore and junior students.

Robin Wheatley, principal of TECHS, said the school accepts up to 100 new students each year.

Students must meet one of four requirements. Applicants must be a first-generation college student, an ethnic minority, speak English as a second language or qualify for the free or reduced lunch program in order to get into the classes.

"This is an excellent opportunity for students who had the ability to go to college, but probably would not have finished," Wheatley said.

Unlike traditional high schools, there are no bus lines for TECHS students, which is a drawback for some potential students, Wheatley said.

The small school environment served TECHS well in building relationships among the staff and students, Wheatley said.

"I have yet to mistakenly tell a UT student not to leave the cafeteria," she said.

Michael Kistner, UT senior Spanish lecturer, teaches Spanish 1120 at Scott Park and said his TECHS students are well prepared.

"Their grades are higher than the majority of the class," Kistner said, adding that he sees the students just like any other UT student.

Wheatley said she's had positive feedback from professors about the students.

"We've had some professors do testimonials about how well our students have done," she said. "We have very few students who do not pass classes."

Christina Casano, a TECHS sophomore, said her high school classes helped prepare her for college classes.

"There really isn't much difference between our high school and college classes," Casano said.

There is one difference Casano noticed, though - college professors don't remind students as often about homework assignments as high school teachers, she said.

Breanna Hauri, another TECHS sophomore, learned about the program from a family friend.

"It's a really great opportunity; since we are a small school, you get to know a lot of people," Hauri said.

She also said her teachers help students study for tests and answer questions about college courses.

"When you first go, nobody really talks to each other," she said. "After a while, you get to know everybody. Everybody is here for the same thing."

Most UT students can't tell their fellow classmate may be in high school.

Dennis Lettman, interim dean of University College, said the school benefits UT in several ways. It helps realize the university's mission as a metropolitan institution by reaching out to the community, he said. The program also better prepares a diverse student group who might not go to college, and the university's enrollment numbers and relationship with Toledo Public Schools is strengthened.

UT students should realize these are high school students and give them a helping hand, Lettman said.

"Every year, new experiences bring new ideas," he said.

Wheatley especially wants to let UT blue-collar workers and relatives know more about the program.

The school's first set of students is set to graduate in the 2008-2009 school year, Wheatley said, adding that the students will graduate with a big advantage over other students - they'll already be two years into a four-year degree.