Our Design
The Middle College National Consortium’s work is built upon four Design Principles. These pillars of practice derived are from years of experience and continue to evolve to meet the needs of an ever-changing educational landscape.
Using these Design Principles, MCNC schools bridge the high school and college experience for underserved youth, leading to increased access to and success in college.
For more than three decades, MCNC has successfully pioneered innovative programs that serve School Districts Community Colleges Universities Public High Schools Charter High Schools and their unique students.
The MCNC Design Principles:
Schools providing a college experience for high school students are more successful when they commit to in-depth work within these four key areas.
College-Focused Academic Program
An individualized, formal academic education plan, including high school and college courses, guides each MCNC student.
Dynamic School-College Partnerships
Locating Middle/Early College Schools on or very close to the partner college campus is integral to student motivation and success.
Comprehensive Student Support
Schools implement wraparound, innovative, and flexible structures and mechanisms to support students academically, emotionally, and socially.
Culture of Continuous Improvement
For Middle/Early College Schools, data informs decisions regarding pedagogy and school structures and systems. Partnered institutions participate in joint improvement, planning, learning opportunities, and/or professional development.