The Early College @ Jones is an innovative way for high school students to earn a high school diploma while also earning college credits. Students may take college-level core academic classes such as Economics; English 1101 and 1102; Math 1111 and Math 1113; Music Appreciation; Speech 1101; Political Science 1101 (Gov); Psychology 1101; and US History 2112; students may also earn technical college certification in Animation and Game Design; Criminal Justice; Childcare Specialist; Design and Media Production; Firefighter; Health Information Technology; and Nurse Aid (CNA). The Hall County School District partners with Brenau University, Lanier Technical College (LTC) and the University of North Georgia (UNG) to provide unique access to Georgia’s Dual Enrollment (previously MOWR) program on our Dual Enrollment Jones campus. Since the fall 2016, Brenau, LTC and UNG professors provide/teach Dual Enrollment courses on the partnering Hall County's Early College @ Jones campus. Transportation is provided for all qualified Dual Enrollment (DE) Hall County students during the school day to/from Jones and our Hall County high schools.
Unique to this program is that: -All students have access to academic support that includes tutoring, career guidance, and personalized planning to meet college and career goals, -Low Student/Professor Ratio, -Students w/ Like Peers in classes, -Laptops and Transportation from/to high schools provided, -Aligns with Hall Co School Schedule, -Caring Professors who provide rigorous classes
Students have the opportunity to take Brenau/LTC/UNG courses each semester at Jones that count for high school and college credit. All core academic classes are guaranteed transfer credit at any University System of Georgia and TCSG schools. If qualified based on applicable test scores and Core Academic GPA, students may take Brenau, LTC and UNG courses or a combination if desired (and as available). Students are also free to take classes at their high school campus or participate in Work Based Learning / Honors Mentorship.
DE funds cover all tuition, textbooks, and mandatory fees for each course. Some courses (labs) may require purchase of course supplies. In order to ensure that every student has access to required technology, Hall County Schools issues a Chromebook or a Laptop to students as needed for the semesters enrolled in Early College.
Note: Students completing any core academic curriculum course will receive full credit for that course when transferring to another University System of Georgia Institution (See Articulation Document). The credit also becomes part of the student's high school transcript. 5.0 scale for core academic classes *4.5 Honors scale for certification programs and Music
*Elective certificate courses are not guaranteed transfer credit. It is up to the transferring college upon acceptance. These courses are weighted at the honors level for high school credit. They are also excellent programs to provide students with skills for part-time or full-time jobs in the future and will also benefit them in their future college studies, as they may lead to diplomas and degrees.
MISSION: Hall County’s Early College @ Jones provides an innovative high school program of choice that creates unique Dual Enrollment (DE) access to college-level academic courses and diverse career pathways. Scholars in the program have the opportunity to gain both high school and college credit for their classes through college certificate, diploma, and degree programs taught by university professors. This program supports the scholars as they transition from high school to college through a DE partnership with Brenau University, Lanier Technical College and the University of North Georgia. Early College @ Jones provides all district qualified learners, with particular care to include first generation students, with academic support as needed that includes tutoring, career guidance, and personalized planning to meet college and career goals.
Vision: Hall County’s Early College @ Jones scholars will become successful college students who:
Are confident in their abilities to succeed in postsecondary education, Know how to secure resources for support as needed, Can creatively solve problems, Display professional soft skills, Have a plan for their future, Leave Early College with 2 or more DE credit classes towards a certificate, diploma or degree.
Beliefs: Character, Competency and Rigor for All.
Goals: 1.To provide Dual Enrollment access to all of our high school students. 2.To provide transportation 3.To provide academic support and career guidance 4.To provide academic degree classes as well as certificate classes 5.To provide laptops/Chromebooks to students as needed for their yearly DE use 6.To provide application support for Dual Enrollment seeking students and seniors transitioning to college 7.To provide certificate classes that pertain to workforce needs specific to our county 8.To provide a low student to professor ratio 9.To provide a college setting 10.To provide first generation college student support 11. To provide college navigation support 12.To provide service and leadership opportunities to our students 13.To provide a dedicated weekly study time 14.To provide a collaborative atmosphere and/or environment 15.To provide soft skill learning opportunities
NOTE: The Hall County School District nor the Early College representatives are liable for information regarding college credit acceptances to all post-secondary institutions. Each college/university major prescribes a specific program of coursework that DE courses may or may not meet. It is the responsibility of the scholar to check specific college entrance requirements and transfer-ability of coursework.
Michele Hood, Early College Dean, greets scholars on the first day! (photo courtesy of The Times Scott Rogers)
