The Early College High School Initiative focuses on young people for whom the transition into postsecondary education is now problematic. Its priority is to serve low-income young people, first-generation college goers, English language learners, and students of color, all of whom are statistically underrepresented in higher education and for whom society often has low aspirations for academic achievement. The initiative will increase the number of these young people who attain an Associate’s degree or two years of college credit and the opportunity to attain a Bachelor’s degree.
(http://earlycolleges.org/overview.html#basics5)

In the fall of 2008, students, teachers and staff of Buncombe County Early College crafted the school Mission Statement:

Students, teachers and staff of Buncombe County Early College also crafted the following:

Belief Statements

Buncombe County Early College faculty and staff believe:

• All people should be treated with respect and dignity.
• Positive relationships are a vital aspect of any learning community.
• Learning is not a passive activity; it involves active engagement, cooperation, problem solving and critical thinking.
• Quality teaching and learning require the freedom to take healthy risks, which can only happen in an environment of trust.
• Everyone is both a teacher and a learner.

Early College students believe:

• mutual respect is vital for a productive learning environment;
• responsibility is the key to independence;
• trust requires honesty and is necessary to gain freedom and respect;
• teamwork is important for success.

Buncombe County Schools Vision Statement

Preparing all students to realize their potential in a rapidly changing, diverse, global society.