Transition School and Early Entrance Program

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The Transition School and Early Entrance Program (TS/EEP) is an early college entrance program located on the University of Washington campus at the Halbert and Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars. The program was begun in 1977 by the late Halbert Robinson, who recognized the need for extremely gifted students to have an accelerated academic program. The Transition School, founded in 1980, gives a small group of talented middle school age students the chance to enter the University of Washington while also developing the skills, knowledge, and support needed to succeed in college. The Center is now under the direction of Dr. Kate Noble, and the associate director of TS/EEP is Dr. Nancy Sisko.

The Early Entrance program starts with a one year Transition School. At most 16 middle school age students (no older than 14) are enrolled each year. They are initially provided with a curriculum comprised of five courses, English, History, Pre-Calculus, Physics, and Ethics during fall and winter quarters. In the spring quarter, the Physics and Ethics classes end, and the students each enroll in an entry-level University class of their choice. This provides a taste of what actual University work is like before making a full transition to university classes in the following fall.

Following the Transition School, the students become full-time freshmen at the University, and many also enter the University's Honors Program. Students usually stay at University of Washington for four years, culminating their Early Entrance Program years with a bachelor's degree.

The Transition School and Early Entrance Program is a non-residential program open only to residents of Seattle, Washington and the surrounding area. Prospective students from other areas are welcome to apply if they are willing to move to the Seattle area upon acceptance.