In 2016, the Beaumont Early College High School (BECHS) opened its doors as an innovative four-year public high school, where attending students are dually enrolled at Beaumont Independent School District and Lamar Institute of Technology.

Redefining traditional school experiences, BECHS integrates academics, college coursework, and career exploration, providing an avenue for students to graduate with a high school diploma and the opportunity to attain an Associate degree, at no expense to the students.

Melanie Pharis, principal of BECHS, spoke about the school, its mission, and goals achieved. Previously, Melanie served as a history teacher at West Brook High School. After teaching for a year at BECHS, she became a principal her second year.

"We take you where you're at," Melanie said, explaining that their students come from diverse backgrounds and that the program doesn't put up barriers.

While the program is open to all students, it specifically targets at-risk populations and those who may not have previously been pursuing college. The program strives to prepare students to become successful, independent college students by providing course work and opportunities that focus on: college readiness, academic and behavior skills, exam prep and testing.

The staff serves as an academic and social support system, helping navigate college and utilizing college support systems, assistance with college, scholarship, and financial aid applications. 

Helping to develop skill sets necessary to thrive in the real world, students receive extensive exposure to the workplace and representatives from the workplace through guest speakers, site-based visits, internships, and lessons in hard and soft skills expected of employees.

The school has 21 teachers on staff and 150 spots available per grade level with a 93-95 percent retainment level. 

The school operates on the gradual release model - freshmen stay on the high school campus and by the time they are seniors, they are attending classes on the LIT campus. Instructors also come to the BCEHS campus, Melanie said.

Interested students must complete an application and turn it in by the deadline (last day of the fall semester). Students interested in applying can visit the website (echs.bmtisd.com).