In January of 2006, Joel Castro was hired to be principal of a school that existed only on paper.  Recruiting for this new school model (the second in Houston) took place in the basement of the East Region Office. There were no teachers yet, no building available yet, no data, no guarantees. When parents in the East Region of HISD heard that there was a chance for free college classes and a small school, over 100 parents and students applied. Each family had a personal interview, and most were accepted into East Early College.  Parents applied based on a brochure, information from Challenge ECHS, and the chance of a great opportunity for their children.
 

The school opened in August of 2006 on the campus of Houston Community College-SE in four classrooms of the Angela Morales, third floor. Classes at HCC began two weeks later, so in those six rooms (an office for all teachers, principal, secretary, attendance, instructional coordinator, one classroom used to distribute textbooks and for math, one for science, one for social studies, one for English, one for electives). The temporary buildings were being set up two blocks away, but were not ready when it was time to vacate. Many staff members worked all day Saturday and Sunday to ensure that students would have indoor classes.

The founding teachers and staff were: Joel Castro, Tamera Bolden, Belinda Herrera, Ninfa Jimenez, Lief Sigren, Charli Merchant, Laura Sliver, Deonia Jones, Deb Mims, and Andrea Nitsch. There was no custodian, no police officer, no gym. The school itself consisted of an old church office, an old theatre, four temporary buildings, and a deserted church lot across the street for PE. The first year, all events such as Oktoberfest, lunch, Cinco de Mayo, field trips and college visits were all-school events. There was a very dedicated liaison from HCC, Karen Saenz, and involvement from professors Pauline Warren, Michael Bohn, Miki Novak and some others who supported the initiative. Also involved was then-president Fena Garza. 

The school was supported by the Houston Independent School District, Houston Comunity College, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Texas High School Project. Other early supporters were Abel & Diana Davila, Thelma Garza and Patsy Cavazos, Dr. Abe Saavedra. The school earned an exemplary rating in the first year (2006-07).  Each year for the first three years, teachers and staff were added as grade levels were added, the student population grew to around 350, and still the results were excellent. 

The new campus was built in 2009-2010 a few miles closer to downtown Houston. During the first year as juniors and seniors had heavy college class loads, students had to be bused to the old campus while the Felix Fraga building was being completed. The graduating class of 2012 was the last group to remember attending classes in the old T-buildings, and walking down the block in the rain or heat to attend their classes at HCC. East Early College has been exemplary every year since the first year, and continues to ensure that all students have a chance to complete their high school courses and earn an associate’s degree at the same time. 

The target population is still first-generation college-goers, low SES, second-language learners and/or students at risk of not graduating from high school or enrolling in college.

Every teacher and staff member was chosen to support that mission.