What is JCEC?

Jackson County Early College (JCEC) is an exciting and innovative school that thrives on collaboration, nestled on the beautiful campus of Southwestern Community College in Sylva, NC. At JCEC, we offer students a unique opportunity to not only earn their high school diploma but also an associate degree or college credential within five years! With just 140 students in grades 9-13, we cultivate a mature, focused learning environment where students engage in challenging honors-level courses through dynamic methods like project-based learning, seminar-style discussions, group work, and cross-curricular projects.

Our small class sizes allow us to truly personalize each student's academic journey, tailoring it to their individual goals and helping them develop into strong leaders ready to tackle their futures. Building supportive relationships with peers, faculty, and community members through service learning and meaningful connections is at the heart of what we do. We’re passionate about showing students how the decisions they make today directly impact their life goals, creating a clear pathway to their bright futures. Through our guiding principles—education, leadership, service, and community—we're shaping tomorrow’s community leaders.

As part of the vibrant Southwestern Community College family, JCEC students enjoy a wealth of resources. From access to cutting-edge computer labs, an expansive college library system, and specialized program equipment to academic supports like the Learning Assistance Center, tutoring options, and online resources, JCEC students are set up for success. Our students learn early on how to expertly balance their high school and college schedules, hone their time management skills, and develop the self-advocacy and resourcefulness needed to thrive in the next stage of their academic and professional lives.

Admission to JCEC is a selective process designed to find the best fit for our unique environment. Applicants must submit their academic transcripts, school grades, attendance records, and teacher or counselor recommendations, along with a list of goals and a reflection on their school experiences. A key part of the application process is the Group Interview Event, where students write an essay and participate in a group interview with JCEC and SCC staff. This collaborative process ensures that JCEC is the right place for each student to flourish.

For eighth graders eager to join our close-knit community, applications are typically submitted during the fall semester of their 8th-grade year. While there are occasional opportunities to join as a 10th grader, the earlier a student can immerse themselves in JCEC’s dynamic learning environment, the better!

We are excited about the future of our students and can’t wait to see all the incredible things they will achieve!