Hemlock Public School District is proud to spotlight Hemlock High School Early Middle College (EMC) and its ongoing partnership with Delta College, providing students with an exceptional opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school—at no cost to families. Early Middle College has been part of Hemlock’s student options for more than 10 years, reflecting the district’s long-standing commitment to expanding rigorous, future-focused pathways.
With Hemlock’s planned expansion of five or more new AP offerings for the 2026–2027 school year, families now have an even stronger set of advanced options that work together to create a truly personalized, future-ready pathway. The combination of Early Middle College + expanded AP gives Hemlock students multiple ways to accelerate learning, explore interests, and build momentum toward life after graduation.
“This is the kind of opportunity that changes a student’s trajectory,” said Board of Education President Matthew Wesener. “Early Middle College reflects what we believe about Hemlock: we are a high-performing district that keeps widening the runway for kids. When you pair EMC with our expanded AP pathway, you’re looking at a world of possibilities for students who want to challenge themselves and gain a real jump on their future.”
The EMC program is located in the Reg Rye Learning Center, in the southwest corner of Hemlock High School, alongside Hemlock Virtual and the Counseling Center. This intentional placement creates a strong support ecosystem for students balancing advanced coursework, planning for postsecondary goals, and accessing personalized academic guidance.
“Early Middle College is about opportunity with support,” said Dean of Students Kyle Boros. “We work closely with families to help students understand what’s possible and how to navigate it. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all track—it’s a high-impact option for students who are ready to take a meaningful step toward college and career readiness while still enjoying the full high school experience.”
Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck emphasized that the district’s focus remains on expanding access, not narrowing it. “We’re pulling the sled a bit harder because our students deserve the widest set of doors we can open,” Killingbeck said. “Early Middle College and AP are both about confidence, purpose, and preparedness. This is Hemlock leaning in for kids and families—because we believe students from a small town should have big-time options.”
A parent shared the difference the program can make early in a student’s high school journey: “We didn’t realize how much this could impact our child’s future until we learned more about it,” the parent said. “The idea that our student can earn college credits, build confidence, and still be fully connected to high school activities is incredibly reassuring. If you have a motivated sophomore, this is absolutely worth exploring.”
The district encourages families—especially those with current sophomores—to learn more about how EMC can fit into their student’s academic plan and long-term goals.
Online Open House
To help families explore the program, Hemlock will host an Early Middle College Online Open House with Dean of Students Kyle Boros and the high school team.
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: meet.google.com/poi-qsaa-qec
Phone Numbers: +1 304-691-0086
PIN: 612 433 968#
This session will cover eligibility, course planning, student supports, how the Delta College partnership works, and how the program can be paired with Hemlock’s expanded AP options.