HCS Early College High School

We’re excited to welcome our students back on August 19! But before we began unpacking boxes, organizing classrooms, and planning for our Trailblazers, our ECHS staff took time to reconnect, reflect on the previous year, and prepare with purpose for an amazing new school year. The energy is building, the excitement is real, and we’re ready for another year of Trailblazers being the best we can be! 🎉📚🐎

ECHS: Where Preparation Meets Opportunity!

HCS Early College High School will provide students with essential school supplies, including notebooks, loose-leaf paper, section dividers, pens, pencils, highlighters, and index cards. Supplies will be distributed in classrooms when school begins on Wednesday, August 19.

Students are required to purchase their own CLEAR backpack. Please note that colored translucent backpacks are not permitted.

Don't forget to take advantage of South Carolina's Tax-Free Weekend (August 7–9)! We encourage families to purchase two clear backpacks so students have a backup for the school year.

We can't wait to welcome our Trailblazers back on August 19! 🐴🧡💙

📣Trailblazers, it's almost time! 🧡💙

Stop by the Trailblazer Cafe on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM to pick up your class schedule and get ready for an amazing school year!

✅ Pick up your schedule
✅ Pay your $25 Technology Fee (in person or online)
✅ Get answers to your bus transportation questions

Important: Students who have not completed registration will not be able to pick up a schedule.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back! School begins Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 7:55 AM.

Today, we celebrate an extraordinary educator and leader as we honor Ms. Karen Thompson on her retirement after 20 years of faithful service to HCS Early College High School.

For two decades, Ms. Thompson has been the heart of ECHS, making an immeasurable impact as an AVID Elective Teacher, Math Teacher, Instructional Coach, AVID Site Coordinator, and Advisor. Her passion for learning, unwavering commitment to student success, and dedication to supporting teachers have helped shape the culture and excellence that define our school. Countless Trailblazers have been inspired by her guidance, encouragement, and belief that every student can achieve at the highest levels.

As she begins this exciting new chapter, we wish her countless hours enjoying her love of reading and making treasured memories with her daughters, grandson, parents, and siblings.

Thank you, Ms. Thompson, for your 20 years of service, leadership, and love for ECHS. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations of Trailblazers. Once a Trailblazer, Always a Trailblazer! 💙🧡

🎉 Please join us in congratulating and welcoming **Dr. Michele Schmidt-Moore** as she begins her new role as **Instructional Coach and AVID Coordinator** at HCS Early College High School!

Dr. Schmidt-Moore brings a wealth of experience in instructional leadership, professional learning, and supporting teachers across all content areas. Her passion for collaboration, student success, and building strong relationships will be an incredible asset to our Trailblazer family.

We are excited to partner with Dr. Schmidt-Moore as we continue to strengthen teaching and learning and ensure every student is prepared for college, career, and beyond.

Welcome to your new role, Dr. Schmidt-Moore! We are excited for all that lies ahead. 🔵🟠

And just like that, Bridge Week 2026 is over. We met some older friends today who already graduated. They told stories and gave great advice. A special thank you to Marquiez, Michelle, Na'hari, Leighanna, Layna, and Jamira! Y'all were fantastic! We toured the beautiful campus. And we performed our advisory skits. We are ready for the Early College experience. We will see you back on Wednesday, August 19th for the first day of school!

Bridge Week Day 2! Having the Trailblazer time of our lives!

Bridge Week would not be complete without an alumni panel! Thank you for joining us and sharing your wisdom!

Marquiez Carter '20

Michelle Portilla '23

Layna Seidhom '24

Na'hari Nelson '24

Leighanna Gerald '24

Jamira Bellamy '26

Best Day Ever! We make friends on Day One of Bridge Week! A special thank you to our advisors, freshman teachers, and ambassadors for making everyone feel so welcome!

The Freshman orientation meeting and Title I event at HCS Early College High was a resounding success, with standing room only. Our Trailblazers certainly demonstrated their strong commitment!