What is a middle college?

Middle college high schools are alternative high schools located on or adjacent to two- or four-year colleges; thereby, providing students the opportunity to take college courses and high school classes at the same time.

What is the purpose of locating a high school program on a college campus?

The middle college creates a small school setting in an adult environment. High school students receive personalized instruction and counseling as well as more responsibility. In addition, high school students are surrounded by college students who serve as peer role models.

The creators of middle colleges envisioned an environment in which “at-risk” students developed self-worth and self-esteem, and improved their academic performance.

Describe a middle college high school student?

Students are academically able but underachieving. They are disengaged and may have a high absenteeism rate.

Students are not disruptive nor do they have significant learning deficiencies. There are already alternative schools for students experiencing behavioral difficulties or who have other special needs. The middle college is for a segment of the student population that is not yet being served.

How many middle college high schools are there?

There are about 30 middle colleges nationwide. The Chester County Middle College High School will be the second in Pennsylvania. The Boyce Campus Middle College High School is located in Monroeville in Allegheny County PA.

On which college campus will the Chester County Middle College be situated?

The Delaware County Community College Chester County Exton Campus.

Its address and telephone/FAX information are as follows:

Chester County Middle College High School
Whiteland Business Park
906 Springdale Drive
Exton, PA 19341
610-280-9377
610-280-3688 FAX

Do students graduate with a high school diploma?

Yes. Students earn a high school diploma and have the opportunity to earn college credit while they are high school students. The Chester County Middle College High School is a program for high school students in grades 11 and 12 only.

How will the middle college differ from the Center for Arts & Technology?

Because of its location, students attending the middle college will not be enrolled in technical/career programs. Middle college students may opt to take college courses leading to an associate’s degree; however, they are not enrolled in a specific occupational program.

The middle college will be a separate school, serving a different student population. It is not an expansion or an alternative to the CATs, which is a vocational technical high school. If the middle college high school were located on or near a CAT campus, then students would also be able to enroll in technical programs.

When did the Chester County Middle College High School open?

The middle college opened in September 2003.

What is dual enrollment?

Dual Enrollment allows students to take college courses and earn post-secondary credit while completing high school graduation requirements. The enrollment agreement is between the Delaware County Community College and the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

How does the Chester County Middle College High School enhance education in Chester County?

The middle college fills a gap in the current educational offerings in the county and serves a student population that is struggling in the traditional educational system.

Whom do I contact for more information?

E-mail, CCMC Principal Christopher Watson at chrisw@cciu.org or call 610-280-9377. Also, check out these links.

How do I apply?

Click here.