Early College

Buncombe County Early College (BCEC), located at 340 Victoria Road in Asheville, North Carolina, is a specialized public high school operating within the Buncombe County Schools district. Unlike a traditional high school experience, BCEC is designed as an "Early College" program, typically partnering with local higher education institutions—in this case, A-B Tech—to allow students to earn both their high school diploma and significant college credit, or even an associate degree, simultaneously. This model is intended to provide a rigorous academic environment that accelerates the transition from secondary education to higher learning while reducing the cost and time required to complete a college degree.

The school emphasizes a small, supportive learning community that fosters close relationships between students and faculty. By integrating high school coursework with college-level classes, BCEC aims to challenge students who are motivated to get a head start on their professional or academic futures. Because it is located on or near the college campus, students are immersed in a collegiate atmosphere, which encourages self-discipline, time management, and maturity. The program is an excellent fit for students who are looking for a non-traditional educational path that prioritizes college readiness and academic advancement.