KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- While most students don't start thinking about college until high school, some elementary and middle school kids in the Kansas City, Mo., school district are already focused on higher education.

Housed in the old Southwest High School in Brookside is the new Southwest Early College Campus.

"The program is very interesting, the curriculum they are putting together. If she follows her plan, when she leaves here she could have up to 60 credit hours," said Rita Berry, whose child is a student at the new school.

Clive Coleman, associate superintendent, said, "I think this is the only early college model in the state of Missouri. We're happy to be one of the first and hope to expand. We currently have 240 students enrolled."

This year the halls will be filled with sixth and ninth graders. Additional grade levels will be added over the next few years, and eventually it will cover grades six through 12.

The class of 2012 will be the first to graduate, earning college credit, internships and mentoring opportunities helped along by several education partners including the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

It's an open enrollment school, which means any student in the district can apply.

"We have an absolute belief here, we're going to provide everything a kid needs from whatever level they've started out to the highest level of achievement. Who wouldn't be excited about that?" said principal Steven Scraggs.