Early College


  • Vision Statement:
    The Early College Program gives students within the Northwest High community the opportunity to earn up to a Liberal Arts Transfer Associate of Arts Degree during their high school experience.

    • Earn a transfer degree through Metropolitan Community College while you earn your high school diploma!
    • Open to all qualified Omaha Public Schools students who:
      • Choose Northwest High in their 9th grade selection and attend Northwest to be a part of the Early College program.
      • Display appropriate behavior and school attendance.
    • Application opened on December 1, 2022. Students must login with their OPS Office 365 account.
      • Thank you for your interest in the Northwest High School Early College Program!  
      • You must also choose Northwest High School as your first choice in high school selection to be considered for admission into the Early College Program.
      • Completion of this application does not guarantee your admission into Northwest High School or the Early College Program.  
    • Frequently Asked Questions:
      • Who can apply? Any Omaha Public School student who will be entering 9th grade.
      • How do I apply? Choose Northwest High as first choice in high school selection and complete the application available on the Northwest website.
      • Where is the Early College Program located? The Early College Program is located at Northwest High and Metropolitan Community College. You must attend Northwest High to be enrolled in the Early College Program.
      • Is there a cost to participate? There is not a cost.
      • What courses will be required to complete? Please refer to the sample schedules link below.
      • Will transportation be provided for students within the Early College Program? Transportation will be provided based on the guidelines of the Omaha Public School student assignment plan.
      • Will I be required to complete any additional courses? Students who enter the Early College Program in 9th grade and continue through graduation will not be required to take additional courses to fulfill Northwest graduation requirements or the associate degree if they follow the four-year plan.
      • What are my options if I discover the Early College Program is not for me? Application to the Early College Program should be considered a commitment through graduation. However, if your goals change, see your high school counselor.
      • If I participate in the Early College Program will I still be able to take Advanced Placement courses? Early College participants may still elect to take Advanced Placement courses.
      • How does successful completion of the Liberal Arts Transfer Associate of Arts Degree impact entrance into a bachelor's degree granting college? The degree strengthens foundation skills, provides broad understanding, and develops thinking skills as students prepare for advanced sequences of courses at four-year institutions.
      • Will the Liberal Arts Transfer Associate of Arts Degree transfer to other colleges or universities? Metropolitan Community College has transfer agreements in place with a variety of colleges and institutions. The Transfer Nebraska and Transferology web tools available at Metropolitan Community College Transfer Center (mccneb.edu) help students explore transfer options locally, regionally, and nationally.
    • Northwest Early College Sample Student Schedules