Is my child eliminating options for the future?
No, just the opposite. Early College could open a whole new variety of options.
If your child is interested in industrial or technical work, he will graduate high school with the two-year college degree needed for success in today’s workplace. Or, if your child plans to attend a four-year university, she may take a wide variety of college courses in high school and actually get far ahead of other students.
But if your child wants to change direction, no problem. Early College graduates still leave high school in four to five years and can pursue any course they choose — but with more experience and a two-year college degree already in hand.
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This is new; how do you know it will work?
The idea may be relatively new in North Carolina, but “early college” high schools have been around for years and enjoyed plenty of success throughout the country. Even in this state, similar schools in Greensboro and Rocky Mount have already attracted students and wide acclaim.
Lee Early College has learned a great deal from other successful schools, and has adapted that experience into a school that is flexible enough to meet the needs of our students.
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What if it doesn’t work; can my child go back to a regular high school?
Absolutely. If you find that Lee Early College does not meet the needs of your child, she can transfer to the high school serving your district.
On the other hand, students who want to attend Lee Early College must apply in eighth grade for the freshman class. Because the school offers a four- to five-year, fast-paced academic program, it’s not possible to enter after the freshman year and finish on time.
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What about bus transportation; how does my child get to school?
Bus transportation is provided for Lee Early College students.
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What will the daily schedule be, and how does it fit my work schedule?
That’s a good question, because the exact daily schedule for each student depends on what college courses he’s decided to take and when those courses meet.
Though the exact starting time has not yet been decided, Lee Early College will begin some time in the morning and end some time in the late afternoon. So, generally speaking, the school schedule will fit your work schedule, but may differ from the other county high schools.
While at school, though, every student’s schedule will be slightly different. As students take more and more college courses, they will have more fluid schedules, depending on when their college classes meet.
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What do students do for lunch, and are free or reduce-price lunches available?
As in any traditional school, lunch will be available for all students and will be provided free of charge or at a reduced price for those qualifying under the National School Lunch Program.
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Do we have to pay for textbooks, like they do in college?
No, textbooks will be provided for Early College students, even for college courses. That’s good news. It means that Early College students and their parents not only save the cost of tuition for two years of college, but also the cost of books — which can approach $80 or more per course.
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If there’s limited enrollment, who gets selected and why?
Because enrollment is limited to 400 students, roughly 100 in each grade, anyone wanting to attend Early College will submit an application to the school’s admissions committee. The application is still being developed, but it will likely include a mix of transcripts, writing samples, interviews and recommendations.
Basically, the committee will be looking for mature, motivated students who will benefit from a fast-paced program and can succeed in the school’s less-structured environment.
Other than that, there is no typical student. Some will be working toward a technical degree, while others focus on courses that will transfer to the university. A few will enroll to pursue interests not available at other area high schools. And, the student body will be selected to reflect the demographics of the entire county.
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Why does my child have to enroll for ninth grade?
Early College essentially packs six years of education into a four- to five-year academic program. This means students need to “hit the ground running” from the time they arrive on campus. It would be impossible for students to transfer into the fast-paced curriculum as a sophomore or junior and still complete the work they need in time for graduation.
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Who is in all of the classes? Early College students, CCCC students or both?
It actually depends on the class. Some classes are strictly high school courses attended only by Early College students. Other classes are offered by Central Carolina Community College, and enroll both Early College and CCCC students.
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Will my 14-year-old child be safe in classes with older students?
From looking at the headlines, it sometimes seems as if there are no guarantees any more. But students will be as safe at Early College as they would be at any other school. To start with, students are selected because of their maturity and independence — their ability to thrive in the Early College environment.
Once they arrive on campus, students spend most of their time together in freshman classes, getting to know each other and learning about the college environment. They will be in college classes with at least a few other early college students.
Because the Early College is small and different, teachers and administrators keep issues like safety in mind and supervise students as carefully as possible.
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Will services be provided to LEP or exceptional-needs students?
All customary services for limited-English-proficient and exceptional needs students will be provided at Early College, and students with special needs may be admitted. But because all college courses are taught at an advanced level and fast pace, Early College students must have the essential language skills needed to succeed.
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