Jackson-Madison County Schools to open Early College High School
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NORTH JACKSON — The Jackson-Madison County School System said students soon will be able to earn college credit starting their freshman year in high school. Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin announced plans on Monday to open an Early College High School at North Side High School. “I think it’s going to have a huge impact in preparing our students to be college or workforce ready,” Ruffin said. The school district said the program gives students an opportunity to graduate high school with an associate‘s degree or earn up to 60 hours of college credit. “Just the exposure for students is probably the biggest benefit, the opportunity for students to really see and experience college and what college education, the rigor of college education feels like,” North Side Principal Jason Bridgeman said. District officials said they plan to open Early College High School with about 125 freshmen, then add another 125 students every subsequent school year. The district will partner with Jackson State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Jackson State President Dr. Bruce Blanding said it allows students to save money and get into the workforce more quickly. “It’s a win-win-win if you will for the student,” Blanding said. Students must apply for the program. “Right now we are recruiting eighth graders going into ninth grade,” Ruffin said. The Early College High School is set to open in the fall of 2015. Ruffin said they will have to hire some additional staff for the Early College High School. A parent and student information meeting will take place Mar. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Jackson State Community College. Another parent and student information meeting will take place at 2 p.m. April 11 at North Side High School.
