Early College: Calvert County

Early College Program

image of woman with a graduation cap with the early college logoEarly College is a dual enrollment program for rising juniors and seniors in Calvert County Public Schools.

About CSM Early College

Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) and College of Southern Maryland (CSM) are proud to announce a new partnership to bring CCPS high school students and their families the CSM Early College Program. Open to rising juniors and seniors, this tuition-free program is an opportunity to experience being a full-time college student, save money, and earn a full year’s worth of college credits.

Students will take college classes on the CSM Prince Frederick Campus, while simultaneously fulfilling their high school graduation requirements. Students will earn their high school diploma while also earning a General Studies Transfer Certificate or Business Administration Associates degree at CSM. Aligning with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, this program for the 2025-2026 academic year is open to rising juniors seniors from CCPS high schools.

  • As an Early College student, you’ll get the full experience of being a CSM student taking college classes full time.
  • You’ll attend class at the Prince Frederick Campus Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., in CSM’s fully equipped classroom spaces and labs.
  • You’ll have access to CSM facilities and resources, as well as a comprehensive network of support services provided by both CSM and your home high school.
  • You’ll experience the pace and rigor of college-level coursework. Most importantly, you’ll see the reward for your dedication and effort when you graduate high school with your diploma and a full year of college credit.

Program Benefits

Seniors will earn a General Transfer Certificate for completion of 25 college credits, approximately half an associate degree or the first year of a four-year degree.

CCPS covers tuition, fees, and course materials.

Students will take college classes full time at CSM’s Prince Frederick Campus and will experience the pace and rigor of college-level coursework.

Students will have access to CSM’s top-notch support services, including academic support. Students who hold IEP/504 plans can apply for services at CSM. Visit www.csmd.edu/DisabilityServices to learn more.

Costs

  • CCPS will fully cover students’ CSM tuition, fees, and course materials.
  • CCPS will provide transportation and boxed lunches.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be a rising junior or senior.
  • GPA
  • Completed Algebra 2 with a grade of C or higher by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year for General Studies Transfer Certificate 
  • Completed Algebra 2 with a B or higher by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year for Business Administration Associates.
  • Completed or will complete their student service-learning hours by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • Completed all state testing requirements by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.

How to Apply

The Early College Application is now open! The application deadline is January 31, 2025.

Apply Online

Be sure to indicate on your application that you are interested in the Early College program for Fall 2025. 

Parents and guardians with questions can contact their child’s high school counselor. For information about the application or the program, contact us at EarlyCollege@csmd.edu.

CMS Page Edit