More than ever, students are enrolling in schools of choice, and more specifically Early College high schools. In years past, dual enrollment was the most predominantly sought-after access for postsecondary education within the traditional high school settings, since then new options of Early College High Schools (ECHS), Early College Nursing Academies, and Pathway Technical Early College programs that lead to licensure and employability have emerged. These programs have gained notoriety throughout the nation as a way of addressing the problems of underrepresentation of minority groups in postsecondary education and healthcare professions. A benchmark of designated ECHS programs is to provide postsecondary curriculum and support to students. The purpose of this qualitative instrumental case study was to investigate the perceptions of ECHS and ECHS Nursing Academy students from an ECHS and Nursing Academy in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex of North Texas. The study investigated the lived experiences of these students and graduates and the perceived influence their experiences had on their academic success and preparedness for postsecondary institutions and professional healthcare programs. The study focused on identifying key aspects of academic and social emotional support that students perceived as paramount to their academic achievement, postsecondary and professional healthcare program preparedness. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey comprised of Likert-scale and open-ended questions. After analyzing the data, the following main themes emerged: (a) early exposure, (b) motivation, (c) college going behaviors, (d) connectedness, and (e) staff/faculty assistance. This study offered valuable implications for leaders and educators of ECHS, ECHS Nursing Academies, and Pathways in Technology ECHS as a guide to monitor and evaluate the program's effectiveness in reaching and maintaining benchmarks for designation and student achievement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]