MOUNT VERNON, NY — Intellectus Preparatory Charter School, a tuition-free public charter school located at 175-177 Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon, New York, has announced a new partnership with Westchester Community College that will give eligible scholars the opportunity to begin earning college credits while completing high school — and potentially work toward an associate degree before graduation.
Under the partnership, participating Intellectus Prep scholars who meet applicable academic, enrollment, and eligibility requirements will be able to take college-level coursework through Westchester Community College while still enrolled in high school.
School officials say the pathway is part of a larger academic strategy that begins well before students reach high school.
Intellectus Prep encourages families to enroll students in grades 6 and 7, allowing educators additional time to identify and address academic gaps and prepare scholars for more advanced coursework. By eighth grade, every Intellectus Prep scholar takes three high school-level courses, giving students the opportunity to begin earning high school credits early and accelerate their progress toward college-level study.
“This partnership represents the vision we have held for our scholars from the beginning: that their education at Intellectus Prep should prepare them to enter adulthood with meaningful choices and a strong academic foundation,” said Kenyah Miller, Founder and Executive Director of Intellectus Preparatory Charter School, who attended an early college high school herself.
“Our scholars will have the opportunity to begin college coursework, earn transferable credits, and work toward completing an associate degree while receiving the academic and personal support necessary to pursue that goal.”
The partnership could also provide participating families with a financial benefit by reducing the amount of time — and potentially the cost — required for students to complete a college degree after high school.
“As a parent, it is powerful to know that our children will have access to college-level opportunities while they are still surrounded by the teachers, counselors, and families who know them,” said Colby Jenkins, an Intellectus Prep parent and community member.
“This pathway gives scholars an opportunity to build confidence, earn college credits, and begin preparing for their futures before they graduate from high school.”
Westchester Community College officials said the partnership is designed to expand access to higher education while providing students with a structured transition from high school to college.
“Westchester Community College is pleased to partner with Intellectus Preparatory Charter School to provide scholars with access to college-level coursework and a structured pathway toward an associate degree,” said Lisa Santalis, Assistant Dean of High School Partnerships at Westchester Community College.
“Participating scholars who meet the program’s eligibility and academic requirements will have the opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school. We look forward to supporting these scholars as they progress through the program.”
Intellectus Prep’s inaugural high school graduating class is currently in the 11th grade and is scheduled to graduate during the 2027–28 school year. Those students will become the school’s first alumni when they graduate in June 2028.
The Mount Vernon charter school is currently accepting applications for students entering grades 6 through 11, with families particularly encouraged to enroll students in grades 6 and 7 so they can take full advantage of the school’s academic support, high school acceleration, and college-pathway programs.
Intellectus Preparatory Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school growing to serve students in grades 6 through 12 in Mount Vernon. The school says its mission centers on academic achievement, personal development, leadership, college and career readiness, and lifelong learning.
Enrollment is open to students residing anywhere in New York State, including English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education Programs.
For more information, visit IntellectusPrep.org.
