Early College High School Programs

SUNY Schenectady partners with Schenectady City School District to provide high school students with an opportunity to earn college credits and experience college-level learning while completing their diploma. This collaborative program helps students get a head start on college and reduce future tuition costs! 

The application for the 2026-2027 school year will open on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 and close on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Who Should Apply?

Students who:

  • Want to challenge themselves with innovative learning opportunities
  • Work well in a team-oriented environment
  • Are prepared to excel in a dynamic, non-traditional setting

Two Early College High School graduates wearing their gowns at Commencement in 2025.  Two Early College High School students stand with their poster presentation.

View the Early College High School Handbook

Early College High School – Center City

Smart Transfer and Smart Pathway

  • 32 students selected each year
  • Location: Center City Campus and SUNY Schenectady
    • Grades 9 and 10 are primarily located at Center City during the school year and our summer program takes place at SUNY Schenectady. Students in their sophomore year work with our Early College Student Success Coach and SUNY Schenectady advisors on a degree pathway.  Grades 11 and 12 are primarily at SUNY Schenectady, however please note that matriculation to the college is based on credit attainment, academic progression and in coordination with district and college partners.
  • 4-year commitment with mandatory program requirements and accelerated academic track including a 6-week Summer Program required (beginning in Summer before entering 9th grade)
  • Program Goal: Earning 60 college credits or an associate’s degree by high school graduation. Students may also transfer earned credits to a 4-year institution after high school graduation
  • Smart Transfer Degree Pathways include –
    • Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Sciences A.A.
    • Criminal Justice A.S.
    • Mathematics and Science A.S.
    • Business Administration A.S.
  • Smart Pathway Degree Pathways include –
    • Criminal Justice A.S.
    • Human Services A.S. 
    • Teacher Education Transfer A.S.  

Smart Tech Early College High School students working together at table.

  • 32 students selected each year
  • Location: Center City Campus and SUNY Schenectady Location
    • Grades 9 and 10 are primarily located at Center City during the school year and our summer program takes place at SUNY Schenectady. Students in their sophomore year work with our Early College Student Success Coach and SUNY Schenectady advisors on a degree pathway.  Grades 11 and 12 are primarily at SUNY Schenectady, however please note that matriculation to the college is based on credit attainment, academic progression and in coordination with district and college partners.
  • 4-6-year commitment with mandatory program requirements and accelerated academic track including a 6-week Summer Program required (beginning in Summer before entering 9th grade).
    • This program includes up to two additional years post high school graduation to complete more rigorous STEM requirements
  • Program Goal: Career-focused on STEM and as Associate’s Degree in an applied science/tech field
  • Smart Tech Degree Pathways include –
    • Biotechnology A.S.
    • Computer Science A.S.
    • Computer Information Systems A.A.S.
    • Programming for Game Design A.S.
    • Computer Networking Systems & Cybersecurity A.A.S.

Early College High School – Steinmetz Freshman Academy/Schenectady High School and Big Picture

Smart Scholars

  • Over 200 students selected each year
  • Location: Steinmetz Leadership Academy and Schenectady High School along with Big Picture
  • 4-year commitment with mandatory program requirements and accelerated academic track including a 6-week Summer Program required (beginning in Summer before entering 9th grade)
  • Program Goal: A minimum of 24 earned college credits
  • Students who are part of the Smart Scholars program have access to college credit while in a traditional high school setting meaning they benefit from that site programming, individualized pacing and expanded options for electives.