A Jump Start on the Future: Brunswick County Early College High School
By Heather Lowery
Great things are happening down a seemingly quiet road in Bolivia, North Carolina. There you will find the home of the Firebirds at Brunswick County Early College High School (BCECHS). Only in its second year, headed by Principal Dr. Vicky Snyder, the school of 155 students has already made great strides.
The school was started by the state’s Early College High School initiative, sponsored by Governor Michael Easley in conjunction with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and actively pursued by Brunswick County Schools Superintendent Kate McGee. North Carolina is one of the forerunners in the country for trying to find alternatives to traditional high schools, and only about 25 states have early college schools such as BCECHS. Currently, more than 40 early college schools exist in North Carolina, and several of those are in nearby counties.
"This type of school is not just unique to North Carolina, but what I think is unique is the support we get from the governor and the legislature that is funding this, and, of course, the local superintendent who makes the decisions that this is going to happen," states Snyder.
Students at BCECHS are offered a unique curriculum, yet one that meets North Carolina’s course of study.
"The philosophy behind early college schools is that when you keep your school small, three basic key elements are more likely to occur," says Snyder, who suggests that because of its small size, BCECHS and other area schools like it can provide rigorous instruction, connect kids to the outside world and provide opportunities to foster relationships.
"We are unique and unusual in that we are on two sites," states Snyder.
The freshmen and their teachers form their own small learning community in a wing located in a building they share with Brunswick Academy. There they are taught honor’s-level courses, which consist of two English courses in one year, mathematics, science and history. A major focus is also given to reading, writing, organization, study skills and cooperative learning. All of these elements help prepare them for the COMPASS Test (Brunswick Community College’s placement test), so they can then take college courses. In their sophomore year, they transition, with the support of their teachers and administration present at both campuses, to Brunswick Community College (BCC), located just four-tenths of a mile down the road.
It has been an adjustment for students on both campuses.
"I think the students at BCC are getting used to us being in their classes," comments a sophomore. "Being in college classes makes me act and feel more mature and responsible."
Successful students will be able to graduate from BCECHS with a North Carolina high school diploma as well as up to two years of college-transfer credits or an associate’s degree from BCC within four to five years.
Kim Harmon, Instructional Support at BCECHS, comments, "We owe a lot to Superintendent McGee, President Stephen Greiner and Vice President for Academic Services Sharon Thompson of BCC. They are the marriage between the college and this school. They are very committed to seeing that this school continues and succeeds."
What are the criteria for attending this rare school? First, the students need to be freshmen who are first generation (meaning no one in their immediate family has graduated from college). Second, they must have good test scores. Third, motivation and the desire to start their education early is a necessity.
Assistant Principal Pete Wildeboer says, "The students are unique…they are fun to work with because they are so goal oriented. The school enables them to release that." He also gives credit to the staff for being an integral part of the school’s success: "The staff is also unique. They teach the curriculum, but teach out of the box."
Snyder agrees wholeheartedly. Because of the small class sizes, the teachers are better able to work closely with their students and to know each individual’s strengths and needs. "The staff is a professional community," says Snyder. "The students are treated with respect and we model that for them."
The staff has been trained in a program called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). The teachers in turn teach this to their students. The program focuses on organization, study skills and cooperative learning. An integrated curriculum is important to the staff, as well. All of the students are taught to take Cornell Notes (a specific form of note-taking developed at Cornell University), and reading and writing are given importance in all subjects. Rigorous it is! Students are held accountable for two and a half hours of homework a night.
In addition, the students are taught to value their community. Many opportunities are provided for the students to volunteer in places such as Brunswick Community Hospital and area schools. Additionally, the students are taught the significance of "putting their best foot forward" by participating once a week in "dressing for success." As best put by one student, "We are more likely to get job if we are dressed to succeed."
Furthermore, the students have the occasion every Friday to develop their interests and abilities by learning through club activities, such as yearbook, fitness, baseball/softball, drama, ballroom dancing, science, government and Toastmaster’s, to name a few.
One thing is for sure: The teachers and students alike have a passion for this school.
"I think it is a fabulous opportunity for kids to learn in a safe place and feel at home," states Laurry Fitzpatrick, a science teacher.
"We’re the best kept secret," comments math teacher Christine Schrode. "We offer so much more than other places… and we have high expectations of our students. This is the most awesome place to work and we have an awesome leader."
Schrode continues to say that students may have to give up some things in order to come here; for example, some students have long bus rides to and from the school. A freshman shares another example. She relayed a conversation that she had with her parents prior to making the choice to attend BCECHS. They discussed the fact that she would have to give up her basketball to focus on her studies. Excitedly she explains, "But now, I’m glad that I chose here!"
BCECHS knows the importance of keeping the lines of communication open.
"We have a huge commitment to our parents to maintain contact with them and communicate with them regarding their children," states Snyder. "We have very active parents."
BCECHS’s parent support group, named WINGS (Working in Nurturing, Guidance and Support), is full of life and is forming committees to lead social activities and fund-raising projects. The school also continues to look to the business community for support and partnerships.
After its first year, the school’s overall test scores were excellent and exceeded North Carolina’s growth expectations, giving it a "high growth" rating. Snyder continues to have grand plans for BCECHS. She is confident that after graduation her students will be equipped to compete in the global market.
"We want to continue to step up the academic preparedness and grow in such a way that we become an integral part of Brunswick Community College and the community at large."
With the motto of Success is Our Tradition, BCECHS is well on its way to making this a reality.
Opinions in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent management views.