The Early College Academy is a seasonal microschool that is open to current middle schoolers in the state of Georgia to experience advanced academic courses during the summer, fall and spring semesters.  This program provides advanced academic classes not always found in the local school option amongst same-aged peers.  Rising Scholars Early College Academy recognizes that academic capability is not marked by age, but by what possiblities are made available.

History

The first cohort of this program took place in the spring of 2023, with 20 students eventually completing 6 college credits.  100% of past participants credited the program with preparing them for future college studies. 

For up-to-date information on this cohort follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/earlycollegeacademy

Funding Needs

For ways to fund a student or cohort, please visit: 

Current Registration

For the Summer 2026, Early College Academy will open enrollment to its seasonal microschool for middle school and high school students (including 13th grade). 

What Is a Seasonal Microschool?

A seasonal microschool operates for a defined part of the year rather than the full traditional school calendar. Although time-limited, it is a purpose-driven learning community.

1. We operate as a seasonal microschool

• 6 weeks in the summer starting in June

• We focus on:

  • Literacy and math  intervention and acceleration, depending on enrolled students’ needs

  • Project-based learning

  • Enrichment (STEM, arts, entrepreneurship, environmental justice, film/documentary making, coding, etc.)

  • Providing a neurodivergent-friendly learning environment

2. We operate during breaks

• We are open during

  • Fall break

  • Winter break

  • Spring break

  • Summer break

3. Our microschool is designed to:

• • Prevent learning loss

  • Support struggling students and the needs of twice-exceptional students

  • Provide structured learning during breaks (both in person and online)

4. We can also operate as a transitional microschool, depending on families’ needs

• We can serve students:

  • Leaving a traditional school

  • Preparing for homeschooling, dual enrollment, or private school

  • Recovering from burnout, bullying, or discipline issues

For our summer 2026 program, we take Georgia Promise Scholarship.  We also take Family Support Funds. We are working with one of our partner organizations to offer CAPS for the summer session only.  

Register for Summer 2026 here: 

Since 2024, Rising Scholars Collective has offered school choice fairs for the community to be educated about their choices.  At the 2025 school choice fair over 200 participants attended.  The 2026 school choice fair will feature 30 schools and organizations and over 300 participants are expected.

To find out about how Middle Georgia Families have to navigate school choice, please watch the 12 minute mini-documentary titled "Zoe & Cookie: 60 Years After Segregation" and about the barriers we are working to overcome in our community in real time.

For more information about the Middle Georgia School Choice Fair iniative and the two-weeks celebration leading up to the fair, please visit the Middle Georgia School Choice page. 

During the month of April in 2024 and 2025, Rising Scholars Collective hosted community fairs for disabled students to be able to link families in Middle Georgia to wrap-around services.  To learn more about our fairs, please visit the Disability Fairs page.

Each fourth Wednesday of the month, we meet from 6 - 7 pm to talk about the needs of our children and the resources available to our community.  This parent group is special because it focuses on the intersectionality that children face with their neurotype and race/ethnicity in the context of Middle Georgia.  Email RisingScholarsCollective@gmail.com to enroll.

Unmasked & Aware is a welcoming virtual social club created specifically for autistic teen girls to connect, relax, and be themselves, without pressure to mask or perform. This space centers authenticity, mutual respect, and shared understanding, offering participants a chance to build connections in ways that feel comfortable and affirming.

The club provides a low-stress environment where teens can engage in guided conversations, shared interests, and community-building activities at their own pace. There is no expectation to “fit in” or act a certain way; instead, differences in communication styles, energy levels, and interests are respected and valued. Unmasked & Aware emphasizes emotional safety, peer support, and self-awareness while honoring each participant’s individuality.

Designed with neurodiversity-affirming practices, the virtual format allows teens to participate from the comfort of their own space, reducing social pressure and sensory overload. The club supports confidence, self-acceptance, and connection helping autistic teen girls realize they are not alone and that who they are is enough. 

We take Family Support Funds for this group.