New Middle College Lets High Schoolers Earn AA

New middle college launches with first cohort able to earn a full associate degree while finishing high school

A new middle college program has opened through a partnership between Rock Hill Schools and York Technical College, enrolling an inaugural cohort of 20 dual-enrollment students. The program lets participating high school students finish with both a standard high school diploma and a full Associate of Arts degree designed for transfer to a four-year university. Tuition and college fees for the students are covered by the S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, while families are responsible for the cost of instructional materials.

Key details about the first class

The first group of students began coursework on the college campus as the 2025–26 school year started. The program is structured so students take college-level classes in core subjects — English, math, science, social studies and the humanities — alongside or in place of some high school courses. The curriculum is optimized to give students a transfer-ready associate degree and a head start on a bachelor’s degree, with the first cohort expected to complete both credentials by May 2027.

Funding and costs

The S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance Program will cover tuition and college fees for participating students. Families still need to cover instructional materials and associated supplies. The program aims to reduce the financial barrier to college by enabling students to earn approximately two years of college credit at no tuition cost.

Academic pathway and outcomes

Students in the middle college will earn an Associate of Arts degree focused on transferability, allowing smoother transitions to four-year institutions. Coursework includes foundational college classes in the primary academic disciplines, offering students the equivalent of the first two years of a bachelor’s program. The program also positions graduates to enter the workforce immediately with a credential at age 17 or 18 if they choose.

Program partners, leadership and related initiatives

The program is a joint effort between Rock Hill Schools and York Technical College, with district and college leaders overseeing implementation. The partnership builds on recent expansion of dual-enrollment opportunities in the district. A separate Business & Leadership dual enrollment program launched the same month in collaboration with Winthrop University, enrolling a first cohort of 28 students and offering up to 36 college credit hours in subjects such as writing, economics and accounting.

How the middle college differs from standard dual enrollment

Middle colleges typically integrate high school and college coursework on a college campus, creating a pathway for students to complete an associate degree at the same time as their high school diploma. This program is intended to be more intensive than single-course dual enrollment by aligning a full two-year college curriculum with high school graduation requirements. The associate degree is specifically designed for transfer, which can save time and money for students who pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Who the program serves and selection

The inaugural cohort is made up of 20 high school students selected to begin dual-enrollment study. Students and families participated in a launch event on the college campus. The program is aimed at students ready for college-level work while still enrolled in high school, with the expectation that graduates will either continue to a four-year university or enter the workforce with an associate degree.

Logistics, next steps and expectations

Students will attend classes on the college campus and follow a schedule that integrates both high school and college requirements. Families should plan to budget for textbooks and other instructional materials not covered by state tuition assistance. School and college staff will support students with advising and course planning to ensure credits align with transfer expectations at four-year institutions.

Broader context

The new middle college expands a growing trend in secondary education that pairs high school students with postsecondary institutions to accelerate college completion. By reducing tuition costs and offering a transfer-ready associate degree, the program aims to increase college access and lower time-to-degree for participating students.