BLUE RIDGE EARLY COLLEGE

Blue Ridge Early College is a Title I public high school that is part of the Jackson County Public Schools school district, located in Cashiers, NC with about 167 students offering grade levels from 7th Grade to 13th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 11 teachers, Blue Ridge Early College has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. 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.

Blue Ridge Early College (BREC), located in the mountain community of Cashiers, North Carolina, is a unique educational institution serving students in grades 6 through 12. As part of the Jackson County Public Schools system, the school operates on a "school-within-a-school" model that emphasizes academic rigor and a seamless transition between middle school, high school, and post-secondary education. By integrating a college-preparatory curriculum with the opportunity for students to earn college credits while still in high school, BREC aims to provide a structured yet flexible environment that prepares its students for the demands of higher education and future career paths.

The school is defined by its small, community-focused atmosphere, which fosters strong relationships between faculty, students, and families. Because the student body spans a wide age range, Blue Ridge Early College prioritizes a supportive culture that encourages personal responsibility, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. Through partnerships with local institutions, such as Southwestern Community College, the school provides a pathway for students to graduate with significant college credit—or even an associate degree—reducing the cost and time required for traditional four-year college paths while ensuring students are well-equipped for the workforce.

For more information, contact Blue Ridge Early College at (828) 743-2646 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.