Early College & Advanced Coursework

At SCCS, we prepare students for college and career by giving them a real head start on both, right here in high school.

Our students don’t wait until graduation to find out what they’re capable of. Through college courses, Advanced Placement, career-focused electives, paid work-based learning, and dedicated college advising, SCCS students build skills, earn college credit, and explore real paths to their future.

College Starts in 6th Grade

We know that early exposure matters. That’s why every SCCS student, in every grade from 6 through 12, goes on at least one college trip each year. By the time our students apply to college, they’ve walked onto campuses, pictured themselves there, and know what they’re working toward.

Earn College Credit in High School

Students can begin taking college courses as early as 10th grade, based on eligibility such as credits earned and Regents exams passed.

Through our partnership with the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON), SCCS students are taking these college courses this year:

• Spelman College: Education for Black Girls

• Morehouse College: Professional Communication

• Cornell University: College Environmental Science

Through CUNY College Now, students can also earn college credit at New York City College of Technology (City Tech).

Coming soon: New partnerships with Brooklyn College and Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA).

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP courses give students college-level challenge and the chance to earn college credit with a qualifying exam score. This year, we offer:

• AP Psychology

• AP African American Studies

• AP Literature

• AP Business with Personal Finance, a brand-new course from College Board launching nationwide this year

Our AP offerings rotate, so students can access different courses across their high school years. Past offerings include AP Statistics, AP Language & Composition, AP Precalculus, and AP U.S. History.

Work-Based Learning: Get Paid to Learn & Start Building Your Future

• SCCS Tech Team: Launched last year, the Tech Team gives students paid, hands-on experience providing PC and network technical support right here in our school.

• Restorative Justice Team: In partnership with the NYC Public Schools Office of Safety and Youth Development (OSYD), students train in peer mediation and work alongside school staff to grow restorative justice practices across SCCS. Team members build real skills in conflict resolution, communication, and leadership, and help shape a school culture where everyone is heard.

• Workforce Gateway Internship (WGI): Every year, SCCS seniors take part in WGI. They get hands-on training at a professional workforce site in fields like technology, teaching, healthcare, culinary arts, or construction and skilled trades, and can earn an industry credential for their resume.

• Work, Learn & Grow: Through our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, eligible students can join this NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) program. Students ages 16 to 20 get a paid, 22-week experience that builds work-readiness skills, helps them explore college and careers, and can earn them college credit.

College Advising: Support Every Step of the Way

SCCS is a CollegeBound Initiative (CBI) school through our partnership with the Student Leadership Network. That means we have a full-time Director of College Advising dedicated to our students. Our Director guides every senior through the college process, from building a college list to completing applications, financial aid, and making a final decision.

Your Head Start Begins Here

Whether your goal is college, a career, or both, SCCS will help you get there with a head start.