Waltham High School and Regis College are partnering to launch a new Early College program that will provide high school students with the opportunity to earn college credits, experience college life, explore career pathways, and prepare for future study while still in high school. All courses will be offered tuition-free to eligible Waltham High School students.
Recently approved as part of the Commonwealth's expansion of Early College programs, the partnership reflects the state’s commitment to expanding educational equity and access, creating strong academic pathways, providing robust student support, strengthening connections to careers, and fostering deep partnerships between K-12 and higher education institutions.
"This partnership is about helping students see college as something that is possible and attainable," said Regis College President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN. "By providing early access to college coursework, individualized support, and exposure to meaningful career pathways, we are helping students build the confidence, skills, and momentum needed to succeed in higher education and beyond. We are proud to partner with Waltham High School to create opportunities that expand access, promote persistence, and support students on their journey to college graduation and career success."
The program is designed to support students who have historically faced barriers to higher education, including first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and students from low-income households. Beginning in their sophomore year, students will participate in college-readiness courses, receive comprehensive advising and academic support, and gradually transition to transferable college-level coursework aligned with high-demand fields such as healthcare and education.
The partnership will provide students with a structured academic pathway that begins in high school and continues into higher education. Throughout the program, students will receive ongoing academic advising, college and career planning, and access to support services designed to help them navigate the transition to college successfully.
Students will also have opportunities to visit the Regis campus, participate in college events and presentations, engage with faculty and advisors, and explore careers through experiential learning opportunities. These experiences will help students connect their academic interests to future professions while building a strong sense of belonging within a college environment.
The Early College designation reflects the deep partnership between Waltham High School and Regis and their shared commitment to increasing educational opportunity, improving college access and completion rates, and preparing students for success in college, careers, and civic life.
At full implementation, the Regis partnership is expected to serve approximately 120 Waltham High School students, with the district's combined Early College efforts reaching nearly 300 students overall.