Yadkin Early College

Yadkin Early College (YEC), located on the campus of Surry Community College in Yadkinville, North Carolina, is an innovative educational partnership between the Yadkin County School System and Surry Community College. Designed as a specialized high school, it offers students the unique opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree—or up to two years of transferable college credit—simultaneously. By integrating rigorous high school curriculum with college-level coursework, the school aims to accelerate academic achievement and reduce the financial burden of higher education for local families.

The school is structured to foster a supportive, small-learning environment that encourages student autonomy, critical thinking, and professional development. Because YEC students are fully immersed in the community college setting, they benefit from access to campus resources, diverse elective pathways, and a mature academic atmosphere that bridges the gap between secondary school and university life. This model is particularly beneficial for students seeking a head start on their careers or those who thrive in a non-traditional, fast-paced academic setting, ultimately preparing them for seamless transitions into four-year universities or the workforce.