There are many types of early college high schools in North Carolina, and the pre-summit study visits provide participants with options to choose a model. Participants may specify a preferred school and district to visit based on the following descriptions.
Option 1: The Middle College at UNCG
- Serving the cities of Greensboro and High Point, Guilford County Schools is the third largest district in North Carolina with more than 70,000 students attending 122 schools and programs. The district gives students and families the power of choice, offering 48 schools and 66 innovative programs across all grade levels that align with student interests, emerging industries, and future career pathways. District programs and school options are as diverse as the student population, with every choice leading to a path and every program and school preparing students for what comes next: college, careers, military service, or entrepreneurship. No matter their path whether for college, careers, military service, or entrepreneurship, GCS prepares every student to thrive as future-ready leaders, collaborators, and innovators.
- As a choice school, the Middle College at UNCG, located on the University of North Carolina Greensboro campus and established in 2011, provides a rigorous, student-centered learning environment focused on health, medical, and life sciences. With small class sizes, a 100% graduation rate, and opportunities to earn up to 60 college credits while completing high school, students are well-prepared for higher education and future careers. The school’s curriculum emphasizes leadership, character development, and service learning, while pathways programs offer hands-on career exploration, job shadowing, and internships with community partners. Guided by its vision to develop globally responsible individuals, the Middle College at UNCG ensures every student is college, career, and life ready. This visit will include a school tour, discussions with faculty and students, and a "deep dive" session to learn more about how the school structures career-connected learning experiences aligned with college pathways.
Option 2: Early College of Forsyth
- Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools was established in 1963 through the merger of the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County districts. Today, it is the fourth-largest school system in North Carolina and ranks 81st in the nation. Serving more than 52,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, WS/FCS is committed to providing a high-quality education for every child. The district includes 42 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, 16 high schools, and 8 specialty schools, for a total of 81 schools across the system.
- This study visit will include both the Early College of Forsyth and the Middle College of Forsyth since both schools partner with and located on the campus of Forsyth Technical Community College. These two unique high schools are dedicated to preparing students for careers that are available in our community today and in the future. Both schools offer smaller, student-centered learning communities that prepare students for a challenging program of study by developing academic rigor, providing relevant coursework, and building strong school and community relationships for success in the global economy. This learning visit will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about each school and how their programs are differentiated to meet the unique needs of learners. The visit will also include a "deep dive" session to learn more about how the schools are working to improve the success of all learners, especially first generation and students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
