Ashley Faith Holbrook Attends Surry Early College

2013 Dec 3

Ashley Faith Holbrook of State Road, N.C., is attending the Surry Early College at Surry Community College through a partnership with Surry County Schools.

The Surry Early College High School of Design opened in August 2006 as one of Governor Mike Easley's Learn and Earn redesigned high schools. Students are selected through an application process and begin taking college courses in the ninth grade.

While in the program, students attend Surry Community College with no tuition costs to parents. Students can earn a high school diploma and an associate's degree in four to five years. Targeted degree areas include graphic or fine arts, information technology and biotechnology.

As a redesigned high school, the mission of the Surry Early College High School of Design is to provide opportunities for students from a diverse background to achieve a college education. Approximately 80 ninth graders, who represent the demographics of Surry County, are admitted each year. The school has a maximum capacity of 400 students. Kevin Via is the principal.

Designed on the key concepts of rigor, relevance and relationships, academic delivery is based on real-world problem-solving with numerous opportunities for students to present their research in multi-media formats. In addition to meeting college requirements, students must perform at a proficiency level on all End of Course tests. Students develop leadership skills through public speaking, drama and journalism.

For more information, go to www.surry.k12.nc.us/ech.