Jules Gillis
Advanced Learning Manager
Phone: (413) 534-2020, Extension 1141
Send Jules Gillis an Email

Marielys Barreto
Advanced Learning Coordinator
Phone: (413) 534-2020, Extension 1143
Send Marielys Barreto an Email

Kimberly Izquierdo
AP Coordinator & NHS Advisor
Call/Text: (413) 727-9610
Send Kimberly Izquierdo an Email

Holyoke High School North offers a variety of opportunities for students to take advanced coursework and earn college credit. These on Advanced Placement (AP) classes as well as Early College courses at Holyoke Community College and Westfield State University.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement courses give students the chance to tackle college-level work while they're still in high school and potentially earn college credit and placement. AP classes are taught by trained high school teachers who are experts in their fields. These are rigorous, college-level courses that challenge students to think critically and learn deeply. Students prepare to take an AP test at the end of the course and can earn college credit for qualifying AP scores. Students can enroll in AP courses during course selection time and are encouraged to speak with their school counselor for more information.

HHS North offers the following AP courses:

Early College

Through partnerships with local colleges and universities, Holyoke High School students can earn high school and college credits in a challenging yet highly supportive environment. These experiences allow students to gain an understanding of college-level work, while reducing the time and cost of earning college credits and increasing the likelihood of students completing a college degree.

Note: Tuition, fees, and transportation are provided for students who enroll in either HCC Early College or the Westfield Promise program.

To apply: Students interesting in applying for admission to one of the Early College programs should complete this form by March 16, 2024

Early College at Holyoke Community College

The HCC Early College program is available to students in grades 10-12. Most students apply during their ninth grade year so they can enroll in the full three years of the program. However, students have the option to “jump in” during their junior or senior year if they choose to apply later.

• Grade 10: Students enrolled in the HCC Early College program have the opportunity to take one college class at HHS North starting in the spring of their sophomore spring, after taking a college preparatory course in the fall. 

• Grade 11:

  During their junior year, students may take their college courses either at HHS North or in-person at the main HCC campus.

• Grade 12: Seniors take courses on the HCC campus with other HCC students. This program is aligned with the high school’s theme-based academies: Community and Global Studies (CGS), Engineering and Life Sciences (ELS) and Performing and Media Arts (PMA). A Spanish-Language track is also available for students who prefer to do their college coursework in Spanish. Tuition, fees, books, and transportation are all provided.

College credits earned through this program are transferable to most four-year Massachusetts public colleges and universities, as well as some private colleges.  Students are supported through consistent mentoring, tutoring, and a first year “College Readiness” course (AVID).

More information about Holyoke Community College courses and programs is available on the campus website.

Westfield Promise

The Westfield Promise Early College program is offered through Westfield State University to eligible high school juniors and seniors. Interested students must apply while in 10th grade.

During their junior year, participating students take Composition I and History at HHS North. The course is co-taught by high school faculty members and WSU professors. During their senior year, participating students take classes at the WSU campus for both the fall and spring semesters. Students who complete this program are given priority enrollment at Westfield State.