About AEC

Alexander Early College (AEC) is an innovative dual enrollment school that serves the students of Alexander County. The legacy class is made up of approximately 65 students from East Alexander Middle School and West Alexander Middle School. The students of AEC are dedicated to the principle of integrity. They are a group that collectively benefits from the Early College experience. A common trait among the students of AEC is that they desire for something greater than the traditional high school experience. Approximately 80% of the AEC legacy class are first-generation college students! For them, college is no longer a possibility. It is a reality! 

The students of AEC learn from the most innovative and effective teachers in the state of North Carolina. Each student strives to read, write, think, and talk in every class, every day to expand their knowledge and to think on a level that only AEC can offer. The goal of AEC is to create lifelong learners who will someday be leaders in Alexander County. 

Alexander Early College will engage students in a college-going culture in a four or five-year program where students will simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree in Science or Art (or up to two years of transferable college credits). Early College High Schools make higher education more accessible and also help students become more comfortable in an advanced educational environment. 

The student-centered curriculum will be built upon a collaborative problem-solving model. Student discovery will be supported by a teacher who facilitates and provides opportunities for students to build confidence and develop a deep understanding of content. An emphasis will be placed on student communication with rigorous support in communication skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.