Very important point Cym about calculating GPA! I have heard that some HS will only give pass/fail grade for HS classes taken in MS. On the other hand, colleges generally recalculate GPA, anyways that is what I am reading.
Also, generally schools that are early college do not offer AP classes, since they offer college level classes. Do those kids still write AP exams? If not, they are out of the race for some scholarships, I believe?
I think that early college schools work well for kids who want to stay in state for college. What if you want to go OOS?
Excellent point about extracurriculars - I am reading that early college HS do not offer too many.
Please keep your ideas coming!