BPS expands early college programs to 5 more high schools

Boston is expanding programs that give students in five public high schools the chance to earn college credit.

Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools announced Tuesday the expansion to the Early College and Innovation Pathway program, which also allows students to take technical classes and have internships in fields like life sciences, finance and health care.

The schools that will introduce new programs in the coming academic year are New Mission High, Fenway High, Brighton High, Excel High and Jeremiah E. Burke High.

Superintendent Brenda Casselius said the district is seeking state approval to provide the programs in all of Boston's schools.

"We believe that increasing the breadth and the depth of early college programs and innovation pathways in our schools is a key strategy in continuing to accelerate student learning and raise academic rigor for our students," Casselius said.

Boston school officials said early college programs can reduce the time and cost required to obtain a degree.