Early/Middle College
The Early/Middle College program allows students to earn up to an associate degree or certificate at little or no cost by completing a fifth year of high school. Students delay high school graduation for one year while they take college courses at Kalamazoo Valley. Tuition and fees are paid by the local school district up to the state allocated maximum. Students take courses at Kalamazoo Valley campuses, but may also take Kalamazoo Valley courses at their high school (in certain school districts). There are currently more than 100 Early/Middle College programs in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the Early/Middle College program?
Who can participate?
Currently, the Gull Lake, Kalamazoo, Galesburg-Augusta, Parchment, Portage, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg and Climax-Scotts school districts and the Van Buren Technology Center participate in the Early/Middle College program at Kalamazoo Valley.
What course materials do I need?
It depends on the courses you are taking. Some courses will require a textbook but it doesn't have to be the traditional textbook. It could be an e-book. Some courses will use printed course packs created by our instructors and others will use digital media from external sources. Some resources are free while others have a fee. Some of the textbook publishers offer a subscription service for unlimited e-books title for one fee. Check with the Kalamazoo Valley Bookstore to see which of your classes might fall under one of the electronic subscription services. It might save you money!
Will I be graduating with my diploma at my high school or will I be graduating with my diploma from Kalamazoo Valley?
Both. The high school diploma comes from the high school after completion of the fifth year. Based upon the program completed at Kalamazoo Valley, students may also be awarded another credential.
How many college credits can a student earn?
Students in this program can earn up to an associate degree.
Can credits be transferred to 4 year university?
Students will need to work closely with a Kalamazoo Valley academic counselor or pathway advisor to ensure they are in a program that will be able to transfer to other universities.
Can students still participate in high school sports at their home school?
Yes, though the 12th grade. However, the student’s schedule would have to accommodate participation in these activities and parents must arrange student transportation. Students are not eligible to play high school sports in the 5th year because they have met their four years of eligibility established through the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Students cannot play college sports in the 5th year because they do not yet have a high school diploma as required by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) which governs sport at Kalamazoo Valley. Students are still welcome to participate in club sports offered through the Office of Student Activities.