About Us

Polk County Early College
1545 East NC Hwy 108
Columbus, NC 28722
828.894.2698 
 
 
 

SCHOOL PROFILE

Director: Mary Metcalf Greene
 
 
CEEB CODE: 
340874
 
School and Community Information
Early college high school is a bold approach, based on the principle that academic rigor, combined with the opportunity to save time and money, is a powerful motivator for students to work hard and meet serious intellectual challenges. Early college high schools blend high school and college courses in a challenging yet supportive program, compressing the time it takes to complete the requirements for a high school diploma and the first two years of college if so desired.
 
Polk County Early College High School began in 2007 in a single classroom at Polk County High School with 12 part-time students.  In 2008 the school grew beyond the classroom and moved into the former Polk County Library in downtown Columbus.  In 2014 we moved to our new larger facility next to Polk County High School. 
 
Students are selected to attend Polk County Early College based on an application, academic records, and academic references. 
 
Curriculum
Polk County Early College partners with Isothermal Community College allowing students to graduate in four years with a High School Diploma, as well as a two year Associates Degree. The majority of our classes are taught live with face to face instruction however, you will have to take some online courses. The staff at Polk County Early College is able to assist you with your online course work. 
 

Grading

100-90 A
89-80 B
79-70 C
69-60 D
59-0 F
STAFF
Director ~ Mary M. Greene
 
Polk County Schools/ ICC Liaison~  Rachel Goettert Staton
 
Technology / Facilitator ~ Josh Money
 
Math Teacher/ Facilitator ~ Jessica Simo
 
Science Teacher / Facilitator ~Kathleen Abraham  
 
Social Studies Teacher / Facilitator ~ Matt Roberts
 
English Teacher / Facilitator ~ Lisa Chapman