Recruitment

Recruitment sign

What is Stokes County Early College High School?

The Stokes Early College High School (SECHS) is a joint program of the Stokes County School System and Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech). Students will complete the requirements for a North Carolina high school diploma while earning college credits that lead to an Associate's Degree or Trades Certificate. Transportation is provided to students accepted into this innovative program. Tuition and textbooks are free for college courses (certain associated fees may apply).

How will Stokes Early College High School be different from a traditional high school?

  • Small Classes - by design, enrollment is limited to 50 students per grade level

  • 5th Year Optional - provided to complete your Associate's Degree. You will only take college courses this year.

  • NC Report Card Grade - Consistently ranked as an "A" school and the only one in Stokes County!

  • Small Staff - we get to know you! 

  • Customized Education - with access to teachers, counselor, and college liaison, supports are in place to achieve your goals.

The First Two Years of College Tuition‐Free.

The SECHS is designed as a five-year program to allow students to complete high school requirements and a two-year Associate Degree; students may complete this in 4-years. College tuition and textbook costs are covered for students; however, there is a yearly $52.50 instructional fee for college courses. With a grade of "C" or higher, college courses transfer to the UNC system universities. Those who complete the full degree will have completed their first two years of college tuition-free.

For more information, please contact:

David Durham - Principal
Stokes Early College
336‐593‐5405
David Durham

Jennifer Spargo - Counselor
Stokes Early College
336‐593‐5405
Jennifer Spargo

Holly Kidd - College Liaison
Forsyth Tech
336‐593‐5402, Ext. 1703
Holly Kidd

What degrees can Stokes Early College High School students earn?

Associate in Arts Degree - This degree is geared toward students transferring to complete their Bachelor's Degree in non-STEM subject areas (i.e. history, art, music, languages, etc.).

Associate in Science Degree - This degree is geared toward students transferring to complete their Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) subject areas.

Associate in Applied Science Degree - This degree is geared toward students completing a two-year degree in a specific subject area and then entering the workforce. Examples include, but are not limited to, Business, Criminal Justice, Transportation Systems, etc.

Diploma or Certificate Programs - Students can choose to complete a diploma or certificate program in a technical area such as Welding, Plumbing, Heating & Air, CNA, Early Childhood, Cyber Security, etc.        


What kind of students will succeed in Early College?

The Early College is for students who are:

  • academically able to complete an aggressive, rigorous course of study

  • able to be successful in college-level courses starting in 9th grade

  • self-motivated

  • organized with good time management skills

  • willing to put forth the effort to succeed

When will students start taking college classes?

All students are enrolled in high school and community college courses. 

It is expected that 9th and 10th graders will earn at least 6 credit hours (2-3 classes) of transferable courses with a college grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 or higher. This GPA allows for students to be placed into their college English courses. In order to take college math courses, students must earn a Level 4 or higher on their Math 3 EOC.  

Students in the 11th and 12th grades will take more college courses than high school courses. This will be the time to work more closely with your counselor and college liaison to customize your educational goals.  

What is the application process for Stokes Early College High School?

Interested students must submit an application and supporting materials. The majority of applicants will be entering 9th-grade students; however, we do accept entering 10th or 11th-grade students. Our Priority Recruitment Period is mid-January to mid-February. If outside this time frame, contact the school for discussion on an individual basis (applications may not be considered after June 30).

Students interested in applying to the Stokes Early College High School must:

1. Complete the online application. (Will be posted here during the Priority Recruitment Period)

2. Ask your counselor to submit the following records from 6-8 grade:

        Report cards 

        Test scores (EOG and/or EOC)

        Attendance Records

        Discipline History

3. Ask two current core teachers and one other school staff member to complete an online recommendation form.

4. Attend our Open House with your parent/guardian

5. Visit us during our Shadown Day (attend two classes and eat lunch with students)

6. Complete an interview (through Google Meet)

7. If accepted, let us know you want to attend and complete the online Forsyth Tech application