Early College at MCC Maple Woods

The part-time NKC Schools Early College Academy is open to all students entering their junior or senior year of high school who meet the qualification standards outlined below. Students who pursue this opportunity will attend MCC-Maple Woods for half of the school day. Transportation will be provided for students who attend in the morning. Students engaged in Early College Academy are still considered full-time NKC Schools students and are eligible for all MSHAA athletics and activities.

Student Benefits and Outcomes

• Students will earn approximately 10–15 college hours/semester of enrollment at MCC-Maple Woods at NO COST to families (over $3,000 value).
• These college courses will concurrently count toward high school graduation requirements AND a college degree.
• These courses may be part of the Core 42 that are transferable to any publicly-funded 4-year college or university in Missouri (additional information on CORE 42 on the Early College Academy flyer). 
• Students can make substantial progress toward earning an Associate of Arts degree if they choose that postsecondary path.
• Transportation will be provided for students from their home high school and back to their high school to complete their school day for MCC classes that begin at 8:00 a.m. and end by 11:00 a.m.
• Students are still eligible for MSHSAA athletics and activities.

Minimum Student Qualifications for Consideration

• Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
• Official student disciplinary record from the school
• Recommendations from two teachers
• Record of 90% attendance
• College Readiness – Students need a qualifying scores on ACT OR MCC Placement Test score that places them into college-level classes at MCC. (ACT test dates.)
• Completed application and a signed agreement to abide by the expectations and responsibilities of the NKC Schools Early College Academy
• Completion of the MCC application for enrollment
• Two recommendations from teachers/coaches from with in past two years.
• Discussion with Director Early College Programs or designee.

Application

The NKC Schools Early College Academy application is available online via Microsoft form, to the right. Please contact Ms. Gilliland with any questions.

Applications for 2026-27 open November 1, 2025 and are due no later than March 20, 2026.

Application Details:

• NKC Application - click the application ink on the right side of this page, recommendation link also on the right side, send to two individuals -teachers and counselors.
• MCC Application: Link is within the NKC Application and posted to the right, it has multiple steps- see notes and document.

Learn More

Register to attend an Early College Academy Information session. MCC-Maple Woods is open to incoming Juniors and Seniors

Virtual informational sessions for each of our Early College Academy Programs.

Zoom sessions 2026: MCC-Maple Woods: January 21, January 29, February 5, or February 11. 

Use the Save My Seat link below to register and be sent a zoom link by noon on the day of the session you choose:

SAVE MY SEAT