Randolph Early College High School is beginning the recruitment cycle for its next freshman class and has set up several information sessions at Randolph County middle schools during February. Parents and students may attend any session at the various middle schools; they do not have to attend at their home school.
RECHS is a nontraditional high school where students take college-level classes at Randolph Community College in addition to their high school classes. Since it opened in fall 2006, it has had very high levels of retention and success. In the first class to graduate this coming spring, around 50 students are on track to complete their associate degrees as well as their high school diplomas. Recently the school earned the Honor School of Excellence designation in the ABCs of Public Education report.
Students at RECHS can graduate with a high school diploma and up to two years of transferable college credit or an associate degree in four or five years, depending on the track they choose. Those college classes are free, so an RECHS graduate is receiving an associate degree at no cost, a major savings for parents. They can then transfer to a four-year school just like any other RCC graduate.
"Our students begin taking college classes as freshmen," said Nancy Cross, RECHS liaison. "All RECHS students take an honors curriculum, and we offer support for our students to help them be successful." Cross noted that RECHS students are selected from throughout Randolph County; not all students who apply are accepted. While the school does target first generation college students, economically disadvantaged students, and minorities, students are not required to have financial need. "There is no specific requirement for acceptance, but students who can express a sincere desire to attend greatly increase their chances of acceptance," said Cross.
Parents should note that RECHS has no sports program or band. It does offer clubs and organizations to the students, and they may participate in RCC's intramural sports league.
The information sessions are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the following schools and dates:
Feb. 1 – Southwestern Randolph Middle School Media Center.
Feb. 8 – Southeastern Randolph Middle School Media Center.
Feb. 8 – Archdale-Trinity Middle School Media Center.
Feb. 22 – Randleman Middle School Media Center.
Applications will be available Feb. 25 and are due by March 18. Interviews will be conducted on March 27 and March 29 by invitation only. Please call RECHS with questions at 336-625-1137.
