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Early College High School 

Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy

 

Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy (VHTPA) offers a unique Early College High School program that gives students the opportunity to earn an associates degree while completing their high school diploma.
 
VHTPA’s Academic Calendar
Note: VHTPA aligns its academic calendar with Los Angeles Harbor College (LAHC) to better support our early college program.

 

What Are Early and Middle Colleges?

Early and Middle Colleges are specialized programs that partner high schools with local community colleges. These programs allow students to:

  • Take college courses while in high school
  • Earn up to two years of college credit or even an associate degree
  • Experience a rigorous, student-centered curriculum designed to expand college access and success

 

Program Goals

The Early College program at VHTPA is designed to:

  • Provide students the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and associates degree
  • Support students who may thrive in a challenging and engaging academic environment
  • Align high school and college coursework to prepare students for college and career success

 

Who Can Apply?

  • All current 8th graders (rising 9th graders) as well as current 9th graders are encouraged to apply
  • Ideal applicants are motivated, have strong attendance, and are ready to take on college-level work starting in 9th grade

 

Early College student expectations include:

  • Maintaining a minimum  2.0 GPA in college courses
  • Meeting all college course attendance and completion requirements
  • Taking and passing a Dual Enrollment assessment, which measures advanced skills in math, English, critical thinking, and problem-solving

Only students who submit on-time applications will be invited to take the in-person assessment in January. Families will be contacted directly with details.

 

Selection Process

If more students qualify than available spaces, VHTPA uses a random, unbiased lottery system. Priority is given in the following order:

  1. Siblings who reside within Los Angeles Unified School District boundaries
  2. Other students residing within Los Angeles Unified School District boundaries
  3. Siblings living outside Los Angeles Unified School District boundaries (with an approved Inter-District Permit)
  4. Other students living outside Los Angeles Unified School District boundaries (with an approved Inter-District Permit)

How to Apply

  • Submit an on-time Choices Application at apply.lausd.net
  • Application Window (on-time): October 1 - November 14, 2025

 

Informational Meeting Times & School Sites

Meeting Dates: Saturday, October 11th and Saturday, November 1st

To help manage capacity, each session is designated for specific school communities:

  • 8:30 – 9:30 AM | Dodson MS, Private Schools
  • 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Caroldale, Fleming, Wilmington MS
  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Bridges, Carnegie, Stephen White
  • 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Dana, Peary, Other Los Angeles Unified School District School Sites

Due to limited space, attendance is limited to one prospective student and one parent/guardian. That said, if a family has a scheduling conflict, we are happy to welcome them at any session that works best for their schedule.

 
Location
Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy
1111 Figueroa Place
Wilmington, CA 90744
Parking available in Lot #6
 
Contacts
VHTPA Main Office: (310) 834-3932
Los Angeles Unified School District Unified Enrollment: (213) 241-4177