Focused on student success and achievement, Middle College High School (MCHS) is a partnership between Hamilton County Department of Education and Chattanooga State Community College that provides a contemporary educational program for high school students who are motivated to complete their high school diploma and earn college credit simultaneously.  Launched in the fall of 2001, MCHS affords students access to college-level courses that accelerate their education and facilitate a seamless transition to the workforce or to post-secondary education.

MCHS is located on Chattanooga State’s main campus, which provides an optimal setting for encouraging students to pursue a four-year college degree.  Designed as a high school for sophomores, juniors and seniors, MCHS introduces its student body to the rigors of the college classroom while offering them a diversified roster of courses and the opportunity to explore their career aspirations.  “Students gain confidence about their academic abilities while attending MCHS,” says Dr. Elaine Swafford, vice president for Student Services at Chattanooga State.  “Middle College exposes them to post-secondary learning experiences and engages them in college activities.  Currently, 90% of our middle college graduates continue their education at a four-year institution.”

As highlighted by Dr. Swafford, the middle college model may appear unconventional, but mission is the same as a traditional high school.  “All high school programs strive to prepare students for their future,” notes Dr. Swafford.  “But the uniqueness of the middle college concept challenges students to accept responsibility for their education and be proactive about their future goals and ambitions; hence middle college students develop a competitive edge.  They graduate with the fundamental skills necessary to manage the demands of real life.”

In the spring of 2009, Chattanooga State and Hamilton County Department of Education expanded the Middle College program to include a technical academy.  Centered on nine concentrations in engineering technology, The Technical Academy at Middle College High School ensures that qualified high school students have access to the curricula developed for specific engineering careers.

Tim McGhee, dean of the engineering technology division, worked cooperatively with local business and industry leaders as well as high school educators to develop a series of educational plans for the Middle College technical academy.  These plans offer students a clear, distinct map that directs them towards the classes they must complete to fulfill the requirements for the particular technology concentration they are interested in studying.  “While intense and precise, the plans provide exact guidance for technical academy students and integrate academic and technical competencies that prepare them for real-world applications,” notes Mr. McGhee.  Currently, Chattanooga State has developed 9 academic plans for the following concentrations in engineering technology.

• Civil Engineering Technology • Construction Engineering Technology • Design/Drafting Engineering Technology • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology-Automated Controls • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology-Computer Systems • Manufacturing Engineering Technology • Mechanical Engineering Technology • Non-Destructive Engineering Technology • Radiation Protection Engineering Technology

Middle College High School affords students a variety of benefits.  One of the most notable advantages is that students complete their high school requirements while earning college credit.  Additionally, some students earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma.  During Chattanooga State’s 2010 commencement celebration, 62 students graduated from Middle College High School and 28% of the Class of 2010 received associate degrees simultaneously with their high school diplomas. Students interested in attending Middle College High School must apply for admission.  All potential students must score a 19 or higher on the ACT and must be in good-standing at their current high schools.  Dr. Elaine Swafford, vice president for student affairs at Chattanooga State, urges students and parents to contact the Middle College High School office as soon as possible to review the admissions process.  Angela Daniel, the principal of Middle College High School, will be able to assist prospective students and their parents.

For information on applying for admission to Middle College High School, contact Angela Daniel by calling 423.697.3226 or by email at angela.daniel@chattanoogastate.edu.  Interested students and parents can also call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.  Information about Middle College can be found by clicking on the tab for “Future Students.”

For information about Chattanooga State and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.