Franklin County Early College students start new school year

Franklin County Early College High School held an orientation session and open house on Aug. 3 at Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin County Campus. Students started classes on Aug. 4, marking the beginning of the first full year for the school, which opened in January. The high school is the newest of the four early college programs that VGCC operates in partnership with four local school systems. Students in early college programs simultaneously complete both a high school diploma and a two-year college degree (or up to two years of college-transferable credit) over a five-year period.

Franklin County Schools and VGCC officials first welcomed incoming freshmen and their parents, and then welcomed back the returning sophomores. Of the 61 students in the new class, approximately 50 were in attendance.

The group heard motivational words from VGCC President Randy Parker, Vice President of Instruction Dr. Angela Ballentine, and Franklin Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May. Olu Ariyo, VGCC’s new college liaison for the high school, discussed various college rules and policies. FCECHS Principal Jim Harris and other high school staff then addressed the students and parents.

After the orientation in the campus’s multi-purpose room, students went on to Building 5, to fill out paperwork and tour their classrooms.

The mission of Franklin County Early College High School is to provide a small, personalized learning community that prepares students for a challenging program of study by developing academic rigor, providing relevant coursework and building school and community relationships for student success in a global economy.

Above: VGCC President Randy Parker (standing at podium) addresses new Franklin County Early College High School students and their parents at an orientation session on the college’s Franklin County Campus on Aug. 3. (VGCC photo)