UNION COUNTY EARLY COLLEGE

Union County Early College is a Title I public high school that is part of the Union County Public Schools school district, located in Monroe, NC with about 380 students offering grade levels from 9th 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 13 teachers, Union County Early College has a student/teacher ratio of about 29:1. 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.

Union County Early College (UCEC), located in Monroe, North Carolina, is an innovative public high school operated within the Union County Public Schools district. Designed to bridge the gap between secondary and post-secondary education, the school offers a specialized academic environment where students can earn both a high school diploma and transferable college credit—often including an Associate’s degree—simultaneously. By partnering with local higher education institutions, UCEC provides a rigorous curriculum that challenges students to engage in college-level coursework while still in their formative high school years.

The school is structured to foster a supportive, small-learning community that emphasizes college readiness, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. Because of its unique model, UCEC is particularly well-suited for students who are motivated to accelerate their education, reduce the future cost of college tuition, and gain early exposure to the expectations of a university setting. Through its blend of traditional high school support and professional collegiate standards, Union County Early College serves as a strategic pathway for students aiming to gain a competitive edge in their academic and career pursuits.

For more information, contact Union County Early College at (704) 290-1565 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.