More than 40 students graduate with Associate’s degree in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. – Jackson Central-Merry Early College High announced that 41 seniors will graduate this year with a high school diploma in addition to an Associate’s degree.

This will be the first time over 40 students at JCM Early College High will earn a high school diploma along with an Associate’s degree. 

“Many students that will actually get their college diploma a couple weeks before they actually get their high school diploma just because of timing, and then they’ll be able to go into a four-year program or they’ll be able to go straight into the workforce,” said JCM Early College High Principal Nathan Lewis.

For some this speeds up the process of higher education. 

“We’ve had many graduates who have gone and been able to finish their four-year program by the time they were 20 years old,” Lewis said.

The concept is for students who are sure they want to pursue a college degree but may not know what they want to study. 

“We’re able to help them with that while they’re in high school with tutoring, with extra support, and so our teachers here and at Jackson State work alongside them,” Lewis said.

This program is one of few programs offered in the state where students can finish a college degree from Jackson State or TCAT while still in high school. 

“It’s going to college, but going to college in a supportive environment,” Lewis said.

One student who was homeschooled before attending says not only has the school given him opportunities but also taught him the importance of doing what’s right. 

“Integrity is the best way to go, and I’ve tried to keep that in mind so that I can be successful and actually do it on my own terms,” said Mark Owen, a Junior at JCM Early College High.

This will be the sixth graduating class of seniors since the first group of seniors who graduated in May of 2019

“We are excited that that number continues to grow and the popularity of the program continues to grow,” Lewis said.

JCM Early College High takes applications for ninth graders every year. 

Students complete an interview process and are chosen based on their drive to continue into higher education, level of maturity, parental support, as well as grade performance. 

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