Northern Highlands Regional High School

Career & Academic Pathways - Bergen Community College

High School Partnership Programs

Early College Program:

Through a unique partnership with Bergen Community College, Northern Highlands offers high-performing junior and senior students an ability to earn an Associate Degree (60 college credits) while attending high school. The Early College Program is an innovative way for high school students to earn both a high school diploma and a two-year Associate Degree, which can be applied toward a Bachelor’s Degree, thus reducing the cost of tuition to complete college. 

Freshmen and sophomore students are encouraged to meet with their high school guidance counselors to map out their four-year high school course load in order to ensure all requirements are met to earn both Bergen Community College and Northern Highlands diplomas before graduation. This program begins in junior year, and students must have at least a 3.7 GPA. Students will have the opportunity to earn Associate Degree credit by taking AP, Dual Enrollment, and courses at any college, including Bergen Community College. Current sophomore students can retroactively apply AP credits toward the Early College Program. Students in this program will receive either a Professional Studies General Education Degree or a Natural Science and Math General Degree.

The approximate cost of the program is $8,000 for 60 college credits over two years without dual enrollment or AP courses. Cost per credit is subject to change, and students are responsible for purchasing textbooks, required materials, and fees. 

Prerequisite: Prior administrative approval by the Career & Academic Pathways Supervisor, Director of Guidance, and Principal must be obtained before enrolling in this program.  

Current sophomore students are encouraged to apply by 3/1 in order to plan the junior and senior course loads.

Bergen Experience:

High-performing sophomores, juniors, and seniors can take courses on the BCC campus while still attending high school during the school year or summer.

Any online and/or seated college class will be weighted as Honors level. This program offers up to 3 college credits at a reduced Northern Highlands tuition rate.  Any costs incurred as a result of an online and/or seated college course will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. The Board of Education will not assume any responsibility for any fees associated with this program. 

There are two applications associated with this program: a Bergen Community College application and Northern Highlands' BCC Application: NH BCC Early College Program Application. Once the appropriate course(s) are determined, students should complete the NH Course Request for Advancement/Enrichment for each individual college course.

Prerequisite: Prior administrative approval by the Career & Academic Pathways Supervisor, Department Supervisor, Director of Guidance, and Principal must be obtained before enrolling in any online and/or seated course.

Early Career:

This option is designed for students who have not decided if they want to go straight to work after high school or attend college. Students can take coursework to become a Certified Logistics Associate/Certified Logistics Technician; Construction Management, Childhood Development Associate; and Medical Office Assistant. 

Prerequisite: Prior administrative approval by the Career & Academic Pathways Supervisor, Department Supervisor, Director of Guidance, and Principal must be obtained before enrolling in this program.