ABOUT LEE EARLY COLLEGE
There's nothing new about earning college credits in high school. Through Advanced Placement courses and other avenues, many students have enjoyed fast-paced academic programs for decades.
So what's special about Lee Early College? The entire curriculum has been designed to help independent and motivated students get ahead in life by completing their high school diploma and a two-year college degree in just four to five years.
HOW IT WORKS.
Students begin by taking an accelerated curriculum of high school classes as well as a couple of college classes. As they progress through the program, they spend the majority of their time in college classes. Lee Early College faculty members help each student select a college degree program and enroll in appropriate courses. A senior project, which can begin as early as the freshman year, is required for graduation. Students are able to meet both high school and college requirements in just four years by taking courses over two summers and by taking specific college courses that also satisfy high school graduation requirements.
WHO ATTENDS LEE EARLY COLLEGE?
There's no typical student. Some enroll with an eye toward high-paying jobs in industry, completing their associate degree in a technical field and moving quickly into the workforce. Others arrive planning to attend a four-year university, completing an associate degree in university transfer courses before entering the university as a college junior. About the only thing they have in common is personal motivation and an ability to thrive in a more independent setting. Otherwise, they reflect the broad diversity of Lee County.
A HIGH SCHOOL ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS.
Lee Early College is a public high school with a cap of 400 students meeting on the campus of Central Carolina Community College in Sanford. It is operated by Lee County Schools in partnership with the community college.
Students have full access to the college library, computer laboratories, academic assistance center and social activities.
TWO DIPLOMAS FOR THE PRICE OF NONE.
Lee Early College graduates leave with a high school diploma and an associate degree. For free. As a Lee County public school, no students are charged for tuition, books or laboratory fees.
STUDENT Q&A
What majors are available at Lee Early College?
You can major in one of many associate degree programs offered on the Central Carolina Community College campus in Sanford.
That includes accounting, auto restoration, automotive systems, bioprocess technology, broadcasting, business administration, community journalism, computer engineering, computer information, criminal justice, early childhood education, electronics engineering, human resources management, human services technology, industrial systems, and library and information technology.
That's not all. There's also machining, tool, die and mold-making; mechanical engineering technology; medical office administration; office systems technology; operations management; paralegal technology; and veterinary medical technology.
For those planning to attend a four-year university, a wide selection of university transfer courses are offered as part of the associate degree in university transfer.
Lee Early College students must meet all usual college requirements for enrollment into any particular academic program.
What if I want to attend a competitive university?
You could be far better off than your peers. When you graduate from Lee Early College, you will have earned two years of college credit and an associate degree.
What does that mean? University admissions officers will know you have the skill and dedication do college work, making your application even more attractive at competitive universities.
Depending on what courses you complete at Lee Early College, you could enter the university as a junior and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in just two years — saving plenty of time and thousands of dollars. And, in the process, you’ll arrive with credit for introductory classes that can be packed with hundreds of students.
I'm not sure what I want to do when I graduate. Can I still apply?
Absolutely. We don't expect every student to know for sure in eighth grade what she wants to do for the rest of her life. Besides, plenty of college students change their minds, too!
If you're motivated to get ahead in life, Early College counselors will help you consider all of the options and choose the best courses for you.
Does Lee Early College offer extracurricular activities?
Yes, both within the high school and through the college.
Lee Early College sponsors a Student Government Association (SGA), which may decide to organize a senior prom or other events, and clubs can be formed just as they are at any traditional high school. New activities will probably be added over the first four years, as new student classes arrive and the school approaches 400 students.
In addition to school-sponsored activities, many college social clubs and career-oriented groups are open to Lee Early College students.
Does Lee Early College offer sports?
Because of the school’s unique structure and fast-paced academic program, Lee Early College does not offer varsity athletics. LEC does, however, offer several sporting clubs.
What if I decide late in high school to attend a four-year university?
No matter what you study at Lee Early College, you will graduate with a high school diploma and plenty of college credit.
This not only allows you to apply for admission to a university, but it may place you ahead of others who made a similar decision while attending a traditional high school.
Lee Early College counselors work with all students one-on-one to help them make career decisions and take advantage of the many opportunities available.