Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
Early College & Certifications
College learning, industry credentials & applied technology experiences
Explore how Circuits earn college credit, work toward an associate degree, and build technical skills and credentials while completing high school.
For current and prospective students
Understand your options
Our early college and certification opportunities connect high school learning to further study and technical careers. Students plan with counselors and teachers so that their choices fit their interests, readiness, and graduation requirements.
College coursework
Early college & college credit
Enroll in approved college coursework while still in high school. Build experience with college expectations and begin a college academic record.
Structured college program
Associate degree pathway
Follow a planned sequence of college courses toward an ECC degree while completing your high school education. A degree pathway requires sustained progress across multiple terms.
Skills & evidence
Certifications & applied learning
Develop technical knowledge, prepare for credential assessments, and demonstrate what you can do through labs, design work, and portfolio projects.
New: Essex County College partnership
ECC Data Science Early College Associate Degree Program
Our new ECC Data Science pathway gives students a structured opportunity to work toward an associate degree while enrolled at Data Science. Students build a college course plan alongside their high school graduation plan, with guidance from the school and college.
The college credential
Computer Science: Data Science Option, A.S.
ECC’s published program, code 232D, requires 60 credits: 30 in general education and 30 in the major. Its curriculum combines computing, mathematics, science, communication, and data-focused study.
View ECC’s official degree requirementsYour individual pathway
A sequence built with your school team
Plan for the prerequisites and college readiness needed to begin the sequence. Your counselor helps align acceleration, high school coursework, college registration, and the time needed to progress toward the degree.
The school shares the current cohort entry process, course sequence, and enrollment instructions with eligible students and families.
What does the degree include?
- Programming and computational problem-solving
- Organizing and working with databases
- Statistical and mathematical analysis
- Foundations of data science
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Communicating findings through visual representations
These are areas in ECC’s published curriculum, rather than a semester-by-semester school schedule. College placement and prerequisites determine the appropriate starting courses.
Planning ahead
Make room for college during senior year.
Students can accelerate approved high school coursework so that college courses fit into the senior-year school day.
Complete approved coursework earlier
Work with your counselor to identify requirements that can be completed in advance. Approved summer CTE and elective courses, when offered, can help students move forward in their high school plan and create later scheduling flexibility.
Use the space for college learning
As requirements are completed and college readiness develops, your school team can plan a senior-year schedule that combines remaining high school classes with approved college courses during the school day.
- Review your transcript. Know the courses, credits, and other graduation requirements that remain.
- Plan approved acceleration. Choose coursework that fits your pathway and is recorded in your high school plan.
- Meet college entry requirements. Complete any placement, prerequisites, application, and permission steps.
- Confirm the senior schedule. Review college meeting times, remaining school classes, study time, and any travel arrangements.
A four-year planning guide
Build your pathway over time
Use this guide with your counselor. Your course sequence and readiness determine your individual timeline.
Grade 9
Build the foundation
Develop strong attendance, organization, mathematics, reading, and technology habits. Learn about CTE pathways, early college, and certification preparation. Begin a four-year course plan.
Grade 10
Plan your acceleration
Review your transcript and interests with your counselor. Explore approved summer coursework and the prerequisites needed for college mathematics, programming, and other courses.
Grade 11
Begin college-level work
Work toward the approved entry point for your early college pathway. Balance high school courses, college readiness, CTE learning, and certification preparation. Review your senior-year options before scheduling.
Grade 12
Complete, document & transition
Follow your approved high school and college schedule. Finish Newark graduation requirements, track college progress, complete available credentials, and prepare official records for your next institution.
Industry credentials & preparation
Certification opportunities
Our technology pathways connect learning to CompTIA credentials, AI certification, and IT Specialist preparation. Students develop knowledge and practical skills through their coursework and any assigned preparation activities.
Networking credential
CompTIA Network+
Build knowledge of wired and wireless networks, connections, network operations, and troubleshooting. This credential connects to networking and information technology study.
View CompTIA’s credentialCybersecurity credential
CompTIA Security+
Develop foundational cybersecurity knowledge, including threats, safeguards, security operations, and risk. This credential connects to cybersecurity and secure technology practices.
View CompTIA’s credentialIT support foundations
CompTIA A+ preparation
Build the technical-support foundation for working with devices, operating systems, and troubleshooting. Ask your CTE teacher about the preparation sequence and available examination opportunities.
Explore the A+ credentialAI certification
CertPoint Artificial Intelligence
Our AI certification opportunity connects to learning about artificial intelligence and its applications. Ask your teacher for the current preparation plan, official credential title, and assessment requirements for your cohort.
View our school’s program listingTechnology credential family
Certiport IT Specialist
This credential family validates foundational technology skills. Pearson’s catalog includes programming, networking, cybersecurity, data, and AI exam areas. Your teacher identifies the specific credential that fits your course and the school’s current testing opportunities.
Explore IT Specialist credentialsPrograms we use
Cisco Networking Academy & Mouse Design League
These programs help students develop and apply technology skills through guided learning, hands-on practice, and design experiences.
Technical learning platform
Cisco Networking Academy
We use Cisco Networking Academy to support technology learning. The platform includes networking, cybersecurity, programming, and related skill-building resources, with practice activities and career exploration.
- Follow your teacher’s directions to access the assigned course.
- Complete the lessons, labs, and assessments required for your class.
- Save any earned course-completion evidence or digital badges.
Academy coursework and a professional Cisco certification are separate accomplishments. Your teacher will identify any certification exam connected to your program.
Explore Cisco Networking AcademyHuman-centered design & applied AI
Mouse Design League
Mouse Design League connects technology to problems that matter to people and communities. Mouse’s current AI League resources extend that work through computing, AI literacy, research, and app design.
- Investigate a need and understand the people affected.
- Develop ideas, create prototypes, and improve through feedback.
- Explain your design decisions and present your solution.
Design work builds portfolio evidence and presentation skills. Follow school directions for current projects, mentors, and showcase opportunities.
Explore Mouse’s design & AI programFrom interest to participation
How to get started
Start at school so your course choices, approvals, and schedule fit together.
Start with your interests
Tell your counselor and CTE teacher what you want to study and which opportunities interest you: college courses, the ECC associate degree pathway, certifications, or applied design projects.
Review your readiness
Review your transcript, graduation progress, course prerequisites, learning habits, and any partner placement requirements. Identify preparation or support you need.
Build an approved plan
Map high school requirements, approved acceleration, the college course sequence, and any certification goals. Plan for time in class, independent study, transportation, and other commitments.
Complete the required forms
Follow school directions for applications, parent or guardian permissions, college registration, placement, and account setup. Use the current instructions for your program and semester.
Confirm your schedule & access
Check that your course registration is complete and your school schedule is approved. Confirm class dates, location or online platform, materials, funding arrangements, and contact information.
Complete the work & keep records
Meet deadlines, attend consistently, and ask for help early. Save college transcripts, earned credentials, project evidence, and the information needed to verify your accomplishments.
For participating students
Manage the responsibilities of college learning.
Stay connected & ask early
Check your college account, course platform, school messages, and grade-level Schoology hub. Track deadlines in one calendar, communicate respectfully with instructors, and seek support as soon as a concern develops.
Protect your academic record
College grades become part of your college record. Follow academic-integrity rules and keep track of registration and withdrawal deadlines. Speak with your counselor and college contact before making a course change.
Plan time beyond the class meeting
Allow time for reading, assignments, labs, projects, and exam preparation. Build a realistic weekly plan around high school courses, college responsibilities, activities, and other commitments.
Keep evidence of your work
Organize course information, college transcripts, credential verification links, and selected projects. Use the exact name of each earned credential on résumés, portfolios, and applications.
Official information
College partners & planning resources
Research the options, then follow school instructions for the opportunities available to your cohort.
Essex County College
Learn about college enrollment while in high school and the college’s pre-college resources.
Visit ECC Pre-College ReadinessRutgers University–Newark
Explore the university’s dual-enrollment information and college-learning opportunities for high school students.
Explore Rutgers–NewarkNew Jersey Institute of Technology
Explore NJIT’s pre-college and college-credit programs. Ask your counselor which school-connected opportunities fit your plan.
Explore NJIT programsNJ Transfer
Research course equivalencies between participating New Jersey institutions, then confirm how credits apply with the receiving college.
Research course equivalenciesQuestions & answers
Early College & Certifications FAQs
Can I take college courses during the school day in senior year?
Yes. Students who plan ahead and successfully complete approved high school coursework can create space for college courses during the senior-year school day. Your counselor and school team must approve the individual schedule, including the high school requirements that remain.
Does early college mean I graduate from high school early?
Early college means beginning college study while still in high school. You continue to work toward your Newark high school diploma and must complete all applicable graduation requirements.
Will every early college student earn an associate degree?
Students can take individual college courses or pursue a structured degree pathway. The ECC Data Science pathway works toward an associate degree. The degree is awarded only when the student completes the college’s approved requirements; taking one course or joining the pathway does not itself earn the degree.
Will a college course replace a required high school course?
College credit and high school credit must be reviewed separately. Do not assume a college course satisfies a Newark graduation requirement. Your counselor and school team must confirm any approved equivalency and how it appears in your high school plan.
Is early college the same as AP?
Early college involves enrollment in a college course and a college academic record. AP is a separate College Board course and examination program. Each college decides how it awards credit for AP scores and how it evaluates prior college coursework. Students can discuss how both opportunities fit their goals with their counselor.
Will my college credits transfer?
The receiving institution decides which credits it accepts and how those credits apply to a major or degree. Save course information and request an official college transcript when needed. NJ Transfer can help you research New Jersey course equivalencies.
Does passing a class mean I am industry certified?
A course, completion badge, project, and industry certification can represent different accomplishments. Certification requires meeting the issuer’s requirements, which may include passing a separate examination. Record the exact credential you earned.
How much does participation cost?
School-sponsored early college coursework is funded through Newark Public Schools. Ask the school to explain the arrangements for your specific opportunity, including books, supplies, transportation, certification exams, and any retakes, before registering or purchasing materials.
Do I register for programs on my own?
Begin with your school counselor or CTE teacher. School-sponsored enrollment, course selection, scheduling, and exam arrangements are coordinated through the school. Provider websites are useful for research; follow your school’s current directions for participation.
Where will I find deadlines and current opportunities?
Check your grade-level Schoology hub, school announcements, and messages from your counselor or CTE teacher. Courses, application windows, preparation sessions, and exam dates vary by program and term.
Your next step
Talk with your school team.
For early college planning, transcript reviews, and graduation alignment, contact counselors Dimitris Meredith or Tatyana Zapata. For CTE pathways, certification preparation, Cisco Academy, or Mouse Design League, start with your CTE teacher or Department Chair Lakeisha Stokes.
The Main Office can help students and families connect with the right person.
Call 973-350-5088
What is Early College?
Early college is the opportunity to earn college credits while in High School.
Why Participate in Early College?
These courses are fully funded by Newark Public Schools. In addition, early college allows students to gain an understanding of college course expectations.
Benefits of Early College
Early college courses saves families thousands of dollars in tuition costs. Early college also allow students to enter college ahead of their peers.
Dual Credit Partners
