Go to High School on a South Piedmont Campus
Anson & Union County both offer cooperative, innovative high schools where you can earn your high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously. Both Anson County Early College and Union County Early College are located on South Piedmont’s campuses. The location of these high schools will ensure you get to experience college life firsthand, all while enjoying personalized instruction and support. You’ll set yourself up for long-term success — all while still in high school.
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Find an early college close to you.
A head start on your college education!
Combine high school with college credits!
What are Early Colleges?
Anson County Early College (ACEC) and Union County Early College (UCEC) are comprehensive, innovative public high schools located on South Piedmont Community College campuses in Polkton and Monroe. These schools allow you to earn both your high school diploma and college credits, putting you on the fast track to an associate degree or career certificate. With enrollment starting in the ninth or 10th grade, you’ll navigate your entire high school career while simultaneously working toward higher education goals.
Why choose Early College?
Choosing an Early College means getting a jump start on your academic journey. You’ll enjoy the benefits of small, supportive learning environments and access to college resources. By the time you graduate high school, you’ll already have earned significant college credits, making your path to a bachelor’s degree even smoother. Plus, you’ll build valuable relationships with faculty and peers, and experience a college setting while still in high school.
Reducing Costs, Maximizing Potential
Early Colleges offer a powerful opportunity to earn your high school diploma and college credits at the same time — all while taking classes on a real college campus. Enrollment happens through the Early Colleges themselves, and students typically begin in 9th or 10th grade. From the start, you’ll be working toward an associate degree or career certificate — laying the foundation for college, a career, and your adult life, right now.
With small class sizes, strong support systems, and full access to college resources, Early College students grow in independence and confidence. You’ll build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers, gain real college experience, and graduate with a head start — not just academically, but personally and professionally, too.
Your Future Can Start Today
Participating in the early college program has been an invaluable experience. It has provided me with a significant head start on my academic journey and allowed me to earn my associate’s degree concurrently with my high school diploma by the age of 18. This achievement translates to a reduced financial burden when I transfer to a four-year institution, allowing me to focus on my studies and minimize potential law school debt.
Hannah Theus, Union County Early College graduate