BY KARISSA MILLER

Iredell-Statesville Schools early college students returned to campus on Tuesday, kicking off the new year a week before most district students.

At Crossroads Arts and Science Early College in Statesville, teachers discussed class rules and expectations.

“It’s been a smooth start, but a busy day. We were excited that all freshman attended open house and were present here this morning,” said Principal Alicia Eller.

The enrollment at Crossroads, where students have an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and associate degree in five years, is 228 students.

The focus at Crossroads, Eller said, is to provide rigorous and personalized instruction for all students, inspiring them to excel in their honors classes and be college ready.

“Every year, we are trying to provide a respectful, supportive and caring environment for our students. We want school to be a place where they are learning, but also having fun and feel safe,” she said.

Crossroads, which is located on the campus of Statesville High School, will hold a cookout and social for staff and students on Friday during fourth block.

In Michael Williams’ American History class, Williams reviewed the class syllabus. After that, each student filled out a get-to-know you sheet so the teacher and students could get to know each other.

“I’ve always had a personal goal to go to an early college. I moved in eighth grade, and I didn’t really know anyone, but I’m glad that I get to try it out,” student Jude Lackey said.

“I like that it’s a really small student body. It is easy to get to know everyone here,” he added.

Anastasiia Ivanova, 15, said her first day of school had been great so far.

“I really love my teachers and seeing a lot of people I haven’t seen at lunch,” she explained.

Student Avely Garwood said she is adapting to her new schedule quickly, not allowing the regular jitters of new teachers and classmates to take hold.

“All of the teachers have been so nice and everything is laid out to make things easy,” she said.

Student Paul Putman said his favorite part of attending the early college is being surrounded by friends with a diverse thought process.

“A very large variety of people allows me — as someone who likes to be unique — to flourish. There are so many people from different backgrounds, with so many different opinions. It’s cool to be able to compare all the information and form my ideals as I’m exposed over time,” he explained.

BY THE NUMBERS

Crossroads staff are celebrating (based on preliminary data):
• An ACT composite score that increased by more 10 points;
• An EOC proficiency rate that was more than 90-percent in each subject area; and
• A 100 percent graduation rate

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