BY KARISSA MILLER

Three Iredell-Statesville Schools early college programs were recently recognized by the school board and Superintendent Jeff James for achieving outstanding graduation rates for the 2020-2021 school year.

All three programs posted 100 percent graduation rates for their five-year cohorts:

♦ Agriculture and Science Early College (ASEC) had a 100 percent graduation rate for its four-year cohort and 100 percent for its five-year cohort;

♦ Crossroads Arts and Science Early College had a 97.8-percent graduation rate for its four-year cohort and a 100 percent for its five-year cohort; and

♦ Collaborative College for Technology and Leadership (CCTL) had a 97.9-percent graduation rate for its four-year cohort and 100 percent for their five-year cohort.

“This is outstanding. It sets up our students up for significant employment gains as they move forward with life,” said I-SS Executive Director of Secondary Education Kelly Cooper.

All three early colleges are a partnership between I-SS and Mitchell Community College. Participating students have an opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an associate’s degree in five years — at no cost to their families. Learn more about these programs HERE.

The N.C. graduation rate was 87 percent in 2020-2021.