Jackson County Early College is a public high school located in Sylva, North Carolina. It opened as an alternative to Smoky Mountain High School in 2008 for those students willing to put in extra work to also earn a community college 2-year degree along with their high school diploma.
Serving 112 students in grades 9-13, Jackson Co Early College ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥50% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥80% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 112 students
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Graduation Rate: ≥80% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Jackson Co Early College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Community Size
School Overview
Jackson Co Early College's student population of 112 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 2 teachers has declined by 50% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
112 students
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
Year Founded
2008
Colors
Black, Teal
School Calendar
School Rankings
Jackson Co Early College ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Jackson Co Early College is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#702 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)≥50%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
American Indian
5%
1%
Asian
4%
5%
Hispanic
16%
22%
Black
2%
24%
White
65%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥80%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Jaguar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jackson Co Early College's ranking?
Jackson Co Early College is ranked #702 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Jackson Co Early College often compared to?
Jackson Co Early Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Smoky Mountain High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Jackson Co Early College?
The graduation rate of Jackson Co Early College is 80%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Jackson Co Early College?
112 students attend Jackson Co Early College.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Jackson Co Early College students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are American Indian, 4% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What grades does Jackson Co Early College offer ?
Jackson Co Early College offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Jackson Co Early College part of?
Jackson Co Early College is part of Jackson County School District.
School Reviews
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