State Accreditation & Integrity: Early College High School designation is maintained through a rigorous evaluation process administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Mission-Driven Design: The program framework is intentionally structured to expand higher education access and degree attainment for students who might not otherwise attend college.
Benchmark Alignment: Operational standards and academic delivery are governed by the TEA Early College High School Blueprint, comprising six foundational benchmarks that ensure quality, equity, and student success.
Memorandum (MOU) with Austin ISD & ACC
Blueprint Standards: Each benchmark establishes specific design elements, required program activities, and mandatory reporting metrics to guarantee high-quality education.
Official TEA Resources: To explore the full framework and benchmark criteria, visit the official TEA Website.
Benchmark 1: School Design
- Calendar of Events - Community & New Student Outreach
- ECHS Academy Benchmarks 1 - 6
- Main Drive Folder of Agenda Minutes
- ECHS Leadership Team and Roles
Benchmark 2: Partnership Agreement
Benchmark 3: Target Population
- ECHS Flyer
- ECHS Academy Benchmarks 1 - 6
- Application
- Early College Programs Handbook
- Handbook (For Students and Parents)
- AISD Code of Conduct
- Demographics, Enrollment, & Testing Scores Data - Akins ECHS
- ECHS Admission Policy
- Transition Calendar and Events
- ECHS Recruitment Schedule/Calendar
- ECHS Recruitment and Communication Plan
- Akins Campus Communication Plan
Benchmark 4: Academic Infrastructure
- Akins Campus & ACC Policies
- Student Success Guide
- Pathways (Student Plans)
- Counselor's Page
- TSI Aggregate Data
- TSI Page
- Tutoring Page
- Handbook (For Students and Parents) - AISD
Benchmark 5: Student Support
- Mentor/Induction Program Plans
- Calendar of Events - Community & New Student Outreach
- Academy Structure at Akins ECHS
- Annual Profession Development Plans
- ECHS Leadership/Liaison Meetings
- Early College Programs Handbook (For Students and Parents)
- Austin Community College Board Agenda and Meetings
- Austin Independent School District Agenda, Meetings, & Minutes
- AVID Program with ECHSA
- Student Support Services (SSS)
- Community in Schools CIS
Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, Akins ECHS is moving to a Careers Academy model with Austin Community College:
Benchmark 6: Work-based Learning (only)