Early College Opportunities

A group of young students, some smiling, are seated at desks in what appears to be an early college academy setting, with a banner displaying the text %22Early College Academies%22 in the foreground.

Early College Credit is for high school students to earn both high school credit and college credit, at no cost to them, while still in high school. This opportunity allows high school students to experience college and get a jump start on their post high school education. Each opportunity has a different process and timeline.

Early College Academies

STEM Academy

Early College STEM Academy (ECSA) is available to 10th grade students for their 11th and 12th grade years with a particular emphasis on populations that are underrepresented in STEM fields (students who identify as female, first generation college students and/or students of color). Students take all coursework at Madison College South Campus.

Learn More About the Early College STEM Academy

Education Academy

Early College Education Academy is a full-time early college enrollment for 12th grade students. Students apply during 11th grade. This Academy is designed for students who are interested in exploring and pursuing careers in education.

Learn More About the Early College Education Academy

Networking & Cybersecurity Academy

Early College Networking & Cybersecurity Academy is a full-time early college enrollment for 12th grade students. Students apply during 11th grade. This Academy is designed for students who are interested in exploring and pursuing careers in IT hardware, networking, and cybersecurity.

Learn more about the Early College Networking & Cybersecurity Academy

Biotechnology Academy

Early College Biotechnology Academy is a full-time early college enrollment for 12th grade students. Students apply during 11th grade. This Academy is designed for students who are interested in exploring and pursuing careers in biotechnology laboratory science, phlebotomy, and other related bio health fields.

Learn More About the Early College Biotechnology Academy

La Follette student working in the CNA program with a patient

Running Start - Academy

Running Start is a full-time personalized early college enrollment for 12th grade students. Students apply during 11th grade. This Academy is designed for students who are interested in exploring and pursuing a specific career other than the senior academies already established. Students will work closely with Madison College advisors to develop their own highly personalized program of study.

Learn More About the Running Start Academy

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

Advanced Placement classes are college level courses taught in our high schools by MMSD teachers. Students may take an Advanced Placement exam and have the potential to earn college credit depending on their score and college policies. For a full list of AP courses offered at your school see your Course Catalog.

AP Computer Science

AP Computer Science Principles (Math credit)

AP Language and Composition

AP Literature and Composition

AP Statistics

AP Precalculus

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Biology

AP Physics I

AP Physics II

AP Chemistry

AP Environmental Science

AP World History

AP US History

AP European History

AP Psychology

AP Microeconomics

AP Macroeconomics

AP United States Government and Politics

AP Chinese Language & Culture

AP French Language

AP Spanish Language

AP Spanish Literature

AP German

AP Seminar

AP Research

Advanced Art (AP Art Portfolio)

AP Music Theory

Dual Credit Courses in MMSD

MMSD offers several opportunities within our high schools for students to earn dual credit. The courses outlined below may not be offered every year but are “on the books” and available to be offered with enough interest.

Learn more on the Madison College Dual Credit Website

Advanced Accounting

High School Credit: 1 Elective Credit
College Credit: 3 College Credits

Math Reasoning

High School Credit: 1 Math Credit
College Credit: 3 College Credits

Advanced Marketing

High School Credit: 1 Elective Credit
College Credit: 3 College Credits

Business Technologies 1 & 2

High School Credit (up to 2 per class)
College Credit (up to .67 per class)

Intro to College Writing

High School Credit: 1 English Credit
College Credit: 3 College Credits

Intro to College Reading Strategies

High School Credit: 1 English Credit
College Credit: 3 College Credits

Medical Terminology

High School Credit: 1 Elective Credit
College Credit: 3 College Credits

Wood Fabrication 4

High School Credit: 1 Elective Credit
College Credit: 3 College Credits

Early College Credit Opportunities

MMSD’s goal is for every student to graduate college, career, and community ready. Students who participate in early college credit opportunities before graduating from high school are more likely to enter, persist, and complete a post-high school program. The greatest benefit of early college credit is that students both start college better prepared and they accumulate college credits which assist in graduating college on-time or early while saving money on the overall college costs. Early college credit can take many forms. A few tips for a successful application:

Be sure to work directly with your school counselor on this process. They have valuable information that can help.
Choose alternative courses (3 or 4). If your first choice course is full, canceled, or at a bad time, you will need to have approved alternates to be able to take a different class. The only exceptions is if a student places in a different level based on a placement test (mostly foreign language) or by professor recommendation after the deadline.
When looking for courses to take on a college website, be sure to be looking at the same term for the previous year. (ie. if I want a course in Fall 2024, I should be filtering for Fall 2023). This helps to identify courses that are most likely being offered in that term again. This is 90% full-proof. And, again, please be sure to add alternatives.

The following are opportunities offered on college campuses, not in MMSD high schools.

Early College Credit Program

The Early College Credit Program (ECCP) allows high school students the opportunity to take college courses at Wisconsin public (University of Wisconsin) and private universities

Legislation states that students in grades 9-12 can participate; however, UW-Madison and many others admit only 11th and 12th graders.

Program Specifics:

Courses requested CANNOT be similar or equivalent to courses offered by the district
Student may take up to 18 college credits; Student may only submit up to 4 courses to request; however, UW will limit to 1 course at a time in most cases, 2 in rare cases with previous successful completion
Grades 9-12; however, most universities will have restrictions for Grade 10 or lower
Student MUST meet pre-requisites outlined for each course
Processed within MMSD by the Dept of Secondary Programs
Questions? Contact Margaret Filkins - mffilkinsnie@madison.k12.wi.us

Availability: Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters

Important Dates/Deadlines:

October 1 for Semester 2 classes
March 1, Summer Session
March 1 for Semester 1 classes

Use this site to review possible courses

Steps for Students Interested in the Early College Credit Program

Talk with your school counselor about how this opportunity aligns with your academic and post high school plan.
Identify a college course or two that interests you (we cannot approve any courses that are similar to those offered in MMSD)
Complete the Early College Credit Program Application by March 1 (for Fall Semester) or October 1 (for Spring Semester). The application is open from Sept.1-Oct.1 for Spring Semester and Feb.1- March 1 for Summer/Fall semester.

View MMSD Early College Credit Program Application

What happens next?

MMSD will review your application and approve or deny your application within 45 days of the deadline. The students parent/guardians listed in IC will receive an email indicating your acceptance or denial. Read this carefully and follow any next steps.
If approved, your application is turned over to the college or university and you will receive information from them about next steps. Be sure to check your email regularly and follow all instructions from the college.
Notify your school counselor if you have been accepted into a course to discuss adjusting your schedule.
Keep in mind that MMSD may approve your application and the college may not.

Start College Now

Overview: Start College Now (SCN) allows high school students the opportunity to take college courses at Wisconsin Technical Colleges. This is available for 11th and 12th grade students.

Program Specifics:

Courses requested CANNOT be similar or equivalent to courses offered by the district
Student may take up to 18 college credits; no more than 2 courses at a time
Grades 11 & 12 only
Student MUST meet pre-requisites outlined for each course
Processed within MMSD by the Dept of Secondary Programs
Questions? Contact Margaret Filkins - mffilkinsnie@madison.k12.wi.us

Availability: Only available for Fall and Spring semesters.

Important Dates/Deadlines:

October 1 for Semester 2 classes
March 1, Summer Session
March 1 for Semester 1 classes

Application: Steps for Students Interested in the Start College Now Program

Talk with your school counselor about how this opportunity aligns with your academic and post high school plan.
Identify a technical college course or two that interests you (we cannot approve any courses that are similar to those offered in MMSD)
Complete the Start College Now application by completing the MMSD Early College Credit Program Application by March 1 (for Fall Semester) or October 1 (for Spring Semester)

View MMSD Early College Credit Program Application

What happens next?

MMSD will review your application and approve or deny your application within 45 days of the deadline. The students parent/guardians listed in IC will receive an email indicating your acceptance or denial. Read this carefully and follow any next steps.
If approved, your application is turned over to the technical college and you will receive information from them about next steps. Be sure to check your email regularly and follow all instructions from the college.
Notify your school counselor if you have been accepted into a course to discuss adjusting your schedule.
Keep in mind that MMSD may approve your application and the technical college may not.

Madison College Academies

A Career Academy is a class or group of classes that leads to a Madison College credential or industry certification.

Students can earn college credit, certificates and technical diplomas during high school and leave with a post-secondary credential. Many Academies are flexible and can be completed over multiple semesters to ensure students' success.

If you are interested in pursuing any of the following opportunities, complete a Start College Now application and return to your school counselor. More information can be found higher up on this page.

Additional information can also be found on the Madison College website.

Click on your area of interest to learn more.

Nursing Assistant (CNA)

*Submit Start College Now Application to school counselor by March 1 of year prior

A certified nursing assistant’s (CNA) main role is to provide basic care to patients, as well as assist them in daily activities they might have trouble with on their own, such as bathing. In this program, students learn: communication skills; basic nursing and personal care skills; client rights; and care of clients with dementia.

Certification: Certified Nursing Assistant

Required Course: Nursing Assistant - 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits

Tentative Schedule: Class is held during the school day at East, La Follette, and Memorial (with West students). Lab and clinicals are scheduled before or after school or on weekends.

Mandatory Requirements:

Student must have ACT Reading of 13 or higher or Next Generation Accuplacer Reading of 240 or higher or
C or better in College Reading Strategies or Writing Communication
Students are required to have documentation for a 2-step TB test, appropriate vaccinations, and Health Insurance
A Background Check will be performed
Must be 16 or older to take the course

Additional information for Nursing Assistant Applicants

Biotechnology Laboratory Technician

Courses emphasize workplace skills in communication, safety, time management, and professionalism. Classes will introduce you to technical skills in: working aseptically, making media and solutions, growing bacteria in culture, maintaining proper documentation, and basic laboratory instrumentation.

Certification: Biotechnology Laboratory Support Assistant Diploma

Required Courses:

Fall Term
Biotechnology Laboratory Skills for a Regulated Workplace, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
Laboratory Math for Biotechnology, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
Spring Term
Bioprocess Technology, .34 HS Credit and 1 Madison College Credit
Hazardous Materials - Biotechnology, .34 HS Credit and 1 Madison College Credit
Biotechnology Career Seminar, .34 HS Credit and 1 Madison College Credit

Tentative Schedule:

Online-LIVE sessions Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 8:00 – 9:50
In-person laboratory Wednesday 8:00 – 9:50 at the Truax campus

Requirements for entrance:

A year of high school biology
A year of high school chemistry
A year of algebra

Basic Early Childhood Educator

The Basic Early Childhood Educator embedded technical diploma from Madison College meets the basic requirements to work as a teacher in early childhood settings.

Certification: Preschool Embedded Technical Diploma (Formerly Early Childhood Education Entry Level Provider certificate)

Required Courses:

ECE: Health, Safety, & Nutrition, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
ECE: Early Language and Literacy, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
ECE: Introductory Practicum, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits

Tentative schedule: Some Online/Some In Person, 100% In Person, Madison-South Campus

Mandatory Requirements:

Upon admission to the program, you will complete a background check and criminal history check form
Travel to field work sites is necessary and is your responsibility
Some courses involve preparation of learning materials, field trips, etc. that may involve additional expenses

Emergency Medical Responder

This is an entry-level emergency medical provider course that will prepare individuals for employment or a volunteer position in a variety of pre-hospital, industrial and first responder settings. The EMR course is designed to provide participants with the basic knowledge and skills to manage many medical and trauma-related emergencies.

Certification: Emergency Medical Responder

Required Course: Emergency Medical Responder, .67 HS credits and 2 Madison College Credits

Tentative Schedule: Class is held at Madison College, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 7:30-11:30 am

Mandatory Requirement: Must be 16 or older to take the course

Fire Recruit Academy

Entry-level firefighters help to put out fires using water hoses, fire extinguishers, and water pumps. They also find and rescue victims in burning buildings or emergency situations.

Certification: Fire Recruit Academy

Required Course: Fire Recruit Academy #10-503-100, 1.67 HS Credits and 5 Madison College Credits

Tentative schedule: Class is held at Madison College, Monday through Friday, from 8-11 am

Mandatory Requirements:

Must be 16 or older to take the course
Students must demonstrate competency in the following ways:
- ACT Reading 18+, ACCP Reading 18+, COMP 80+,
- ASSET Reading 80+ or have transcript showing college level English with C or better

Fitness Instructor

Becoming a fitness instructor allows students to channel their passion for health and fitness into a rewarding career that could impact the lives of countless individuals. Students will learn how to properly instruct, demonstrate, and correct exercise. They will also be able to improve their participant’s wellbeing by giving information about nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle management.

Certification: Students who complete these three courses will be prepared to sit for the ACE Group Fitness Exam and be on their way to receiving a Fitness and Wellness Technical Diploma.

Required Courses:

Group Fitness Development, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
A&P for Exercise Lab, .33 HS Credit and 1 Madison College Credits
Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits

Tentative schedule: Some Online/Some In Person at Madison-Truax Campus

Mandatory Requirements: Students of any age can take the courses but must be 18 years old to take the ACE Group Fitness Exam.

Phlebotomy/Specimen Processor

This option for Health Service Pathways students ONLY.

The phlebotomy technician or specimen processor is a vital role in nearly every type of health care facility. Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood from a patient for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations or research. If you are people-oriented, have strong attention to detail and have good manual dexterity, Madison Area Technical College’s phlebotomy training may be right for you.

Certification: Madison College Phlebotomy Specimen Processor Embedded Technical Diploma

Required Courses:

Basic Lab Skills, .34 HS Credit and 1 Madison College Credit
Phlebotomy, .67 HS Credit and 2 Madison College Credits

Tentative schedule:
Basic Lab Skills is held at Madison College, South Campus, from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm for one week in August prior to school starting
Phlebotomy is held at Madison College, South Campus, one night a week from 5-8 pm, beginning second semester, with clinical hours on two Saturdays in April or May.
(NOTE: These two courses are the first two required courses of the Madison College Medical Laboratory Technician Associate Degree.)

Mandatory Requirements:

Must be 18 or older by March 1, 2022.
Students must demonstrate competency in the following ways:
ACT Math 20+ OR Accuplacer-Elementary Algebra 65+, and
ACT English 17+ or Accuplacer-Write 5+ and Sentence 86+
ACT Reading 18+ or Accuplacer-Reading 80+
After registration, students must complete a background check with provided documentation of current required immunizations, and provide proof of health insurance and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
Expect to spend time beyond scheduled class time to study course material and complete assignments.

IT-Service Center Technician

This certificate from Madison College provides instruction for information systems professionals and programming students in the areas of computer hardware and software. Topics covered include installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of personal computer hardware, operating systems, and software.

Certification: IT-Service Center Technician Certificate

Required Courses:

Enterprise Client, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
A+ Hardware Essentials, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits

Tentative schedule: Some Online/Some In Person at Madison-Truax Campus

Mandatory Requirements: Grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in Exploration of IT, 10107111; and concurrent enrollment in IT Security Awareness, 10151102.

Marketing-Social Media

This technical diploma program at Madison College will help marketers get a leading edge on social media strategies. Students learn social media principles, how to develop an integrated marketing campaign, incorporating traditional and digital channels, SEO techniques, web considerations for marketing, and the latest in mobile marketing techniques.

Certification: Marketing-Social Media Technical Diploma

Required Courses:

Marketing Principles, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
Social Media Principles, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
Mobile Marketing, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
Marketing Digital Design, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits
Digital Marketing, 1 HS Credit and 3 Madison College Credits

Tentative schedule: Some Online/Some In Person at Madison-Truax Campus

Mandatory Requirements: N/A

Industry Certifications through CTE

The following are Industry Certifications offered through Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Business, Marketing, IT/Computer Science

Certification: Adobe Illustrator

Course: Graphic Design & Publishing

Certification: Adobe Premiere

Course: Graphic Design & Publishing

Certification: CompTIA - A+

Course: Hardware and Software Essentials

Certification: IC3

Course: Digital Technologies

Certification: IT Service Center Technician

Course: Hardware and Software Essentials

Certification: MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) - Access

Course: Business Technologies 1 & 2

Certification: MOS - Excel

Course: Business Technologies 1 & 2

Certification: MOS - PowerPoint

Course: Business Technologies 1 & 2

Certification: MOS - Word

Course: Business Technologies 1 & 2

Certification: W!SE

Course: Personal Finance

Family Consumer Science/Health Science

Certification: ACCT (Assistant Child Care Teacher)

Course: Careers with Children ACCT

Certification: Infant Toddler Certification

Course: Careers with Children ACCT

Certification: CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)

Course: Nursing Assistant

Certification: EMT Basic

Course: Emergency Medical Technician (held at Madison College)

Certification: Phlebotomy Certification

Course: Phlebotomy (held at Madison College)

Certification: National Restaurant Association - ProStart

Course: ProStart Chef 1

Certification: ServSafe - Food Handler

Course: ProStart Chef 1

Certification: ServSafe - Manager

Course: ProStart Chef 1

Certification: W!SE

Course: Independent Living

Technology Education and Engineering/Project Lead the Way

Certification: American Lift

Course: Automotive Technology 1-4

Certification: ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) - various (ex. Brakes, Suspension and Steering, etc.)

Course: Automotive Technology 1-4

Certification: ASE - Student Career Development

Course: Automotive Technology 1-4

Certification: National Center for Construction Education & Research

Course: Wood Fabrication 1-4

Certification: SP/2 (Safety and Pollution Prevention)

Course: Automotive Technology 1-4

Available through All CTE Content Areas

Certification: Wisconsin Youth Leadership

Certification: Wisconsin Employability Skills

Course: Career Internship

Certification: Youth Apprenticeship

Course: Related Technical Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation available?

Are the college credits transferable to all colleges and universities?

No, not all credits transfer to all colleges and universities. Some credits may transfer to some colleges and universities, but not to others. You will want to check with the college or university you may choose to go to for specific information. If your chosen institution is a Wisconsin Technical College or within the Wisconsin University System, you can use the Wisconsin Transfer Information System, or Transferology, to see where courses may transfer.

When is the best year to take a dual credit course?

This answer is really dependent on each student, their future goals and interests, and readiness for college level coursework; however, most students are best prepared either their junior or senior year. Talking with your school counselor, teachers and family members will be helpful in mapping out when the best time is to take these courses. You want to ensure balance in your course load.

What is a college class like?

College level courses are rigorous. They do require reading and homework outside of class time. Instructors or professors typically hold office hours where you can reach out to them for support. Many college students find it helpful to create study groups of peers to learn from one another. Dates and deadlines are important in a college course. One of the best things you can do is get to know your instructor and communicate with them when you need help.

How will this fit in my schedule?

Work with your school counselor to review what requirements you have yet to complete and how a college course can fit within your schedule. In some cases, it may not be possible depending on the courses that you still need to take or want to take to graduate from high school. We will do all that we can to make adjustments where we can so that you can have this experience.

It’ll take you less time to complete your college degree
Provides you with a head start on the college experience
Will save you money on college tuition
You have access to the perks of a college student like the college library and other resource centers
You may be able to transfer your credits to another college
It allows you to start exploring post high school options and majors without paying for it
It opens doors to classes that are not offered in your high school