WILKES EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Wilkes Early College High is a Title I public high school that is part of the Wilkes County Schools school district, located in Wilkesboro, NC with about 232 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 8 teachers, Wilkes Early College High 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.

Wilkes Early College High (WECH), located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, is a specialized educational institution designed to provide students with a unique bridge between high school and higher education. Operating in partnership with Wilkes Community College, the school allows students to pursue a rigorous curriculum that enables them to earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree or significant college credit simultaneously. This model is particularly beneficial for students seeking an accelerated academic track, as it prepares them for the demands of university-level coursework while still in a supportive, secondary school environment.

The school emphasizes a smaller, focused learning community that fosters close relationships between students and faculty. By integrating high school requirements with college courses, WECH aims to reduce the time and cost associated with obtaining a post-secondary degree, while also cultivating essential skills such as time management, self-advocacy, and academic independence. The program is ideal for students who are ready to take ownership of their education early on and are looking for a transition-focused setting that effectively prepares them for future career paths or transfer to a four-year university.

For more information, contact Wilkes Early College High at (336) 838-6247 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.