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Early College High School among tops in N.C.

Henderson County Early College High School is among four schools statewide honored by NC New Schools for innovative practices and academic excellence.

The Henderson County school earned the recognition on the strength of solid evidence that it's helping all students achieve success by setting high expectations and following effective, student-centered approaches to teaching and learning, the NC New Schools organization said in a news release. Schools winning recognition are achieving strong student outcomes measured by a number of different criteria including state exams and the ACT college entrance exam.

The school has exceeded goals for academic progress by students in each of the last two years, outpacing the state on ACT performance by more than 30 percentage points and achieving a graduation rate in each of the last two years exceeding 90 percent.

"I am so excited the Henderson County Early College is being recognized as a NC New Schools Innovative School of Excellence," said Principal Beth Caudle. "Congratulations to the students and staff for their hard work and dedication to inspiring success in college, career and life. And a big thanks to our partners: Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County Public Schools, and North Carolina New Schools for believing in our students and being committed to the success of the HCEC."

In particular, the team of educators said Henderson County Early College had a positive, supportive culture throughout the school, with teachers, students and school leadership all active contributors. The school has built, and continues to improve, a proactive system of supports where struggling students are provided with the support necessary for academic success.

The three other schools singled out for innovation and excellence by NC New Schools were Caldwell Early College High School, Johnston County Early College Academy and Wake Early College of Health and Sciences.

NC New Schools will work with all four schools to develop as host sites to showcase practice for educators, policy makers and leaders visiting from other schools, districts and states.

The four schools are proving that when every teacher in every classroom applies common, proven approaches to teaching and learning, students benefit. The schools have developed a culture in which students are held to high expectations but are also nurtured and supported in ways that help them achieve ambitious goals. Relationships among students and teachers are strong and meaningful. NC New Schools is a nonprofit organizations that promotes innovative education and works for a high graduation rate.