Randolph Early College High School Measures Success

Randolph Early College High School, which opened its doors on the Randolph Community College campus in fall of 2006, has had unprecedented success, according to state and local reports. The school enrolled its fourth class of freshmen this fall and has 65 seniors on track to graduate this spring. Approximately 50 are expected to complete their associate degree from RCC as well as their high school diploma.

"That is very exciting," said Cathy Waddell, RECHS principal. "None of us really thought that far out. It was a dream." Under the early college high school model, students can earn their high school diploma and up to two years of transferable college credit or an associate degree in four or five years.

Out of a total of 76 seniors, 11 have chosen the fifth year option, according to Nancy Cross, RECHS liaison. That could be for several reasons, she said. "They might need extra time or want to take a lighter load and spread the experience out to a fifth year." They also might be pursuing a technical degree at RCC, like Photographic Technology, which takes extra time to finish because of scheduling. Those who choose to graduate in four years without an associate degree will be able to transfer the college credits they have completed to whatever college they decide to attend. They might choose this option because "not all college credit programs are accessible to our students as high school students," said Cross, like Nursing or Radiography that have further entrance requirements.

To read the entire story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2009/2009-10-13.php.