Early College

Located on SCC’s main campus in Sylva

Located on SCC’s Macon campus in Franklin

Located at Blue Ridge School in Cashiers

Early College High Schools are defined as small, autonomous schools typically immersed on a college campus which provide accelerated education to a wide range of high school students, typically beginning in the ninth-grade year. These institutions focus on rigor, relevance, relationship, equity, and sustainability, which are incorporated into all elements of the college including administration and instruction. In these accelerated programs, students are given the opportunity to complete a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree or two years of college credit.

The target population for this program is the under-represented or underserved student in higher education, such as low-income, minority, or first-generation students. However, Early Colleges serve students other than those who are underserved in higher education, incorporating a wide range of abilities and academic experiences into the study body. The Early College High School’s goal is to make every student college-ready. This will be accomplished through exposure to collegiate curriculum, supporting students in their educational and career goals, and assisting students in the completion of a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree or two years of college credit.

• a mature learning environment

• a rigorous honors-level curriculum

• small class size

• a personalized schedule

• project-based & portfolio -based learning

• supportive relationships

• relevance to future life goals

• preparation for college

 

For more information about Early Colleges in North Carolina, visit the New Schools Project website.

For more information about Early Colleges across the nation, visit The Early College High School Initiative website.