TRI-COUNTY EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Tri-County Early College High is a public high school that is part of the Cherokee County Schools school district, located in Murphy, NC with about 140 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 13th Grade. With about 7 teachers, Tri-County Early College High has a student/teacher ratio of about 20:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Tri-County Early College High (TCECHS), located in Murphy, North Carolina, is an innovative educational partnership between the Cherokee County School District and Tri-County Community College. Designed to bridge the gap between high school and higher education, the school offers students the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree (or up to two years of transferable college credit) simultaneously. This model is intended to accelerate students' academic paths, reduce the financial burden of future college tuition, and provide a seamless transition into the workforce or a four-year university.

The school is characterized by its small-school environment, which fosters close relationships between students and faculty, allowing for personalized instruction and targeted academic support. By integrating college-level coursework into the daily curriculum, TCECHS focuses on developing student maturity, autonomy, and critical thinking skills within a rigorous academic framework. As part of the broader North Carolina Early College initiative, the school serves as a supportive, career-focused learning community that prepares students for the challenges of post-secondary success in a uniquely condensed timeframe.

For more information, contact Tri-County Early College High at (828) 835-4318 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.