2026-2027 AAEC School Calendar
How Early College Works
At most high schools, college comes after. At AAEC, it happens at the same time. Students complete the same graduation requirements as any Arizona high schooler, but many of those requirements are met through college courses that earn both high school and college credit. One class. Two transcripts.
- Start with a plan (Grade 9). Every student and family meets with an advisor to build a four-year plan around the student’s goals. Parents are encouraged to join these planning meetings.
- Build college-ready skills. Most students begin with FYE103: Strategies for College Success, learning the study habits college demands.
- Take real college courses. When ready, students enroll in college classes taught by college professors at the partner community college.
- Earn credit that counts twice. A 3-credit college course earns college credit and 0.5 high school credit at the same time.
- Follow your pathway. Students continue along a planned course sequence — often the AGEC block — toward an associate degree, a certificate, or university transfer.
- Graduate ahead. Students leave with a diploma, college credit (many with an associate degree), and a plan for what’s next.
Degrees, certificates & transfer
Most AAEC students follow the AGEC (Arizona General Education Curriculum) block — a set of courses designed to transfer cleanly to Arizona’s public universities. From there, students can complete an associate degree, earn a certificate in a career field, or transfer credits directly toward a bachelor’s degree. The goal of every advising session is simple: leave AAEC with a plan, and the knowledge to carry it forward.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. AAEC is a tuition-free public charter school. The college courses students take are also free to families — saving thousands in future college costs.
No. AAEC doesn’t cap college credits. Many students graduate with a full associate degree or more.
With structured support, planning, and tutoring, AAEC students consistently succeed in rigorous coursework — and graduate more prepared for what’s next.
AAEC students still have clubs, activities, and community — plus a head start on independence and their future. Many say it’s a more meaningful experience, not a smaller one.
Most courses follow the AGEC block, which is designed to transfer to Arizona’s public universities. Advisors help students plan with transfer in mind.
Not at all. Equine and agriculture are two pathways among many, including engineering, veterinary science, biosciences, and business.
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