Success in the OAHS Early College Cadre requires a solid partnership and commitment between teacher, parent, and student. We believe students with the following qualities will have greater success in the program:

• Highly motivated
• Strong work ethic
• Works independently
• Ability to handle college-level work
• Organized
• Manages time wisely
• Ability to communicate
• Ability to self-advocate

Yes! College Now! classes are scheduled to take place before the school day starts as to have minimal impact on extracurriculars.

Participation in the program is expected to be a four year commitment.

College Now! courses offered at Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) will be scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. College Now! courses offered at Allan Hancock (AHC) or online during the summer terms will be scheduled by AHC and will vary based on faculty. Concurrent Enrollment courses offered on OAHS campus will be scheduled during the regular high school bell schedule.

All College Now! courses may be taught by Allan Hancock College (AHC) faculty or qualified Orcutt Academy Staff that have been approved to teach CollegeNow! courses.

Orcutt Academy High School offers a variety of supports for students. General tutoring is available before and after school as scheduled. Support sessions with high school teachers are available during Specialized Instruction period on Thursdays. You will have an Early College Cadre Spartan Homeroom with a teacher as well as the high school’s dedicated counseling staff. Additionally, as an Allan Hancock College (AHC) student, you will be eligible for AHC Student Supports and Services. Find out more information about the full list of AHC Student Supports and Services offered here.

You can purchase textbooks and other required materials via the Allan Hancock College bookstore or any online vendor. Allan Hancock College and the Central Coast have plenty of resources to help you focus on your academics without having to worry about books! Check out the AHC Learning Resources for more information and support in acquiring textbooks and materials.

If a student begins struggling while participating in the program, a meeting will be scheduled with the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), counselor and an administrator. As a team, a determination will be made regarding next steps which could include the potential dismissal from the Cadre.

For students who have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), an IEP team meeting may be held prior to enrollment in the program to determine appropriateness as an educational option and outline any support services provided.

Early College Cadre is a rigorous, competitive pathway designed for the most motivated students. If you decide the Early College Cadre isn’t a good fit for you, schedule a meeting with your high school counselor to discuss next steps. A meeting may be scheduled with the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), counselor and an administrator. As a team, a determination will be made regarding next steps.

Note, there is a substantial waitlist for ECC and once a spot is forfeited, it will be extremely unlikely for the student to be able to regain entry to the Cadre.

Please contact Josh Ostini, Vice Principal of Orcutt Academy High School, at jostini@orcutt-schools.net or (805) 938-8550.