Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the Native American aspect of the program?

The EC program was originally grant-funded at FHS four years ago to help academically capable Native American students reach their goal of getting into college. The EC staff therefore are sensitive to the needs of those students and, when appropriate, aligns the curriculum to provide for our Native American learners. However, like FHS the EC program is comprised of a diverse group of students from all cultural backgrounds in the Ferndale area and everyone that meets the criteria are encouraged to apply.

What is an Early College (EC) cohort?

It is a group of 15-22 students that are in various core classes together. They will more or less be with that group of students their freshman and sophomore year, less in their junior year, and on their own senior year. Total, the EC program has 105 students 9 th -12 th grade in 5 cohorts. The purpose behind them is to create a group of students who learn to know and help one another achieve their goal of getting into college.

What does looping mean?

It means that students will have the same teacher for:

  • History with Mrs. Stockmar / 9 th - 10 th
  • Transitions & Academy with Ms. Rainwater / 9 th - 11 th
  • Math with Mr. Skagg’s / 9 th - varies
  • English with Ms. Rainwater / 9 th - 10 th
  • Science with Mr. Wilson / 9 th

Looping is one of the biggest reasons for EC success because it fosters: teacher and student relationships that can translate into a more comfortable learning environment; better awareness of erratic behavior and grade performance; higher retention; and a more personalized education.

What does a typical EC class schedule look like?

For a detailed look, click here “((hyperlink to schedule))”. Students often report that they don’t feel segregated from the rest of the FHS student body in any way. They can participate in any FHS activity, club or class they want to as long as they are taking EC classes they place into and stay on track with the rigorous class schedule designed to meet requirements for eventual college placement.

What are the criteria for application?

  • First-generation college and/or free & reduced lunch
  • Placement in Freshman English or Freshman Honors English recommended
  • Placement in Integrated Math (or higher) recommended
  • Counselor recommendation
  • Parental approval
  • Completed application (WORD or PDF)

What are the Academy I & II classes?

Taught by Ms. Rainwater, the 10 th and 11 th grade Academy classes emphasizes:

  • Community based service learning
  • Scholarship research
  • Information on navigating the path to college entrance
  • Student directed tutorials
  • Supplemental instruction for the WASL
  • Effective study habits
  • Regular Basmati grade reflections

For 9 th graders, Ms. Rainwater teaches the EC Transitions class, an Academy-like class all incoming FHS freshmen are required to take.

Does EC provide any extra resources for students?

  • Technology: 20 PowerBook laptops; 3 video cameras; 1 digital camera; wireless internet in EC classrooms; laser printer; video projector. All are solely for EC students.
  • Family Coordinator: A staff person dedicated solely for EC students to help ensure that families, students, and teachers are all informed about students’ barriers and successes inside and outside of the classroom.
  • Community College Liaisons: A Whatcom Community College and Northwest Indian College staff are present at their respective colleges to help EC students if they decide to enroll in Running Start. They also come to FHS and assist students with the placement tests, loaning out college textbooks, and connecting tutors to students.
  • Scholarship Assistance: Every year various organizations lend support to EC students by offering up opportunities to visit University and Community College campuses. There, they actively try to help connect students with financial aid.

How can an EC student earn college credit while in high school?

  • Tech Prep: The easiest fully paid for way to earn college credit. There are several business and technology classes at FHS that give students college credit if they fill out the proper paperwork and get a B or better in the class - see ‘FHS Handbook’ or your teacher for the list of classes and details.
  • Running Start: Running Start is the most popular and flexible way for students to earn fully paid for college credit. All of the local Community Colleges now offer Running Start to both juniors and seniors who pass a placement test.
  • Advanced Placement (AP): Honors type classes where students take an end of the semester test to see if they qualify for college credit.
  • Cornerstone: A Central Washington University program that allows students in upper level FHS classes (Calculus, Physics, etc.) to earn college credit.

What is the EC Club?

It is an ASB club that allows students to raise money for student directed activities. The EC Club meets Tuesdays every other week and holds events such as: ice cream socials, bowling, movies, food for study tables, and game days.

What is the EC Senate?

Much like the ASB Senate, it is a small group of elected students that represent each grade level. In total, they represent the EC students and help lead the direction of the program from a student perspective. They hold monthly meetings to discuss and decide on various activities and ideas.

Are there many off-campus activities that EC participates in?

  • Service Learning: The Academy II (11 th grade) class does a community service project that usually involves student directed outreach and learning experience.
  • College Tours: At least a few times in their 4 years, EC students are recruited by the local community colleges and universities to do tours at their schools.
  • Family Potluck Dinner: At the end of the year we have a potluck dinner at Hovander Park where everyone in the EC family is invited to celebrate the year’s hard work.
  • Fundraisers: Earth Day land rehabilitation, Lummi Reservation Beach Cleanup, City of Ferndale Toy Drive, etc.
  • Freshman Retreat: At some point in the year (usually beginning) the freshman go on a retreat somewhere in Whatcom County to bond as a cohort.
  • End of Year Celebration: This has established itself into a tradition where those students who quality are eligible for a local trip at the end of the year of their choosing.

Where does the extra support and services for EC come from?

  • Student fundraised money through the EC Club
  • Taxpayers of Ferndale who recently approved a bond/levy that funded a ‘Family Coordinator’ position solely for EC students
  • Lummi tribal grants
  • District budget
  • Early College Center for Native Education at Antioch University
  • Northwest Indian College
  • Western Washington University
  • Whatcom Community College
  • Bill and Melinda Gates ‘ Small Schools’ grant
  • Outward Bound Wilderness Summer Program
  • Washington State Legislators
  • Starbucks’ Make Your Mark Foundation and the Literacy grant