(Be sure to scroll down for information flyers.)
Families today have many choices when it comes to the type of school their children attend, and Vance County Schools offer several options to make sure the district’s students go to the school that fits their needs.
With National School Choice Week being observed Jan. 26-30, the principals of three non-traditional VCS schools are poised to share information with families and students about choosing one of the innovative options that might just work for them.
The application period for one of these three schools – STEM Early High School, Vance County Early College High School and Vance Virtual Village Academy – opens on Monday, Feb. 2 and ends on Friday, Feb. 27. Dr. Destiny Ross-Putney, VCS chief officer of instruction and innovation, said prospective applicants should plan to dedicate a good half hour to filling out the application, because they will be asked about particular courses they’re interested in taking and any special interests they may have. There may be a request to submit some written responses to questions as well.
The application goes live on Feb. 2, said VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin. Parents and students can find the application at the VCS website, https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/.
Once the application window has ended, the selection process begins. Decisions will be mailed out by Mar. 23, Sandlin said.
Vance County Early College Interim Principal Dr. Tim Hall encourages parents with rising 9th graders to consider the Early College, located on the campus of Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson.
“Don’t assume that this isn’t for your student,” Hall said. “We’re here to expand access,” Hall said. “The Early College is a life-changing, transformative experience.” Teachers and staff emphasize high expectations but also provide support students need in areas that include time management, study habits, effective communication and self-advocacy.
It’s a place for students who want a smaller high school environment, where they can forge stronger relationships and where they can earn college credits.
Early College students enter at 9th grade and can not only graduate high school but can earn up to two years’ college credit in five years’ time.
The Early College open house is scheduled for (Feb. 4 because of weather delays). (Edited from original post.)
The open houses for the two other innovative options also take place on Feb. 4, both at the Center for Innovation from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
That’s where STEM Early High is located, and principal Jessica Austin said the sixth, seventh and eighth graders who attend this school have the opportunity to earn high school credit before setting foot on a high school campus.
The COGNIA-accredited school provides students access to curricula above their grade level, all in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Regular Club Days allow students to “dig into their passion projects,” Austin said, and expose students to career opportunities that involve Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – STEM.
The middle and high-school students at Vance Virtual Village Academy find an online option best suits their needs, for a variety of reasons. Principal Dr. Jeff Batten said upperclassmen can take classes at Vance-Granville Community also, making college credits accessible to them as well.
Each school has videos and other information on their respective websites, and Ross-Putney said that’s a good way to learn more before attending one of the upcoming open house events.
Sandlin said, “I strongly encourage our community as a whole to take advantage of the school visits.” They provide an opportunity to not only meet the school principals, but also to see what the school building looks like and feels like – to really understand what the space is about.
“Delve into that,” she said, “(by) going to see it for themselves to make sure this is a fit for your child.”
Batten said his school has a wide variety of students who, for whatever reason, find a place at V3A. One student travels extensively with his parent. Virtual classes work. Another student wanted to graduate a whole year early and was able to double up on classes to achieve his goal. And there are opportunities for students to come to a physical location to get help a couple of times a week when they need it, Batten said.
Austin said the teachers at STEM Early High offer intentional STEM exposure and accelerated coursework to allow students to get real-world experiences to prepare them for future careers.
“Not all of our students come in ready,” Austin said. “They have gaps, just like all students. We pride ourselves on being able to reach students in our small setting and being able to help them grow.” By the time they finish eighth grade, the gaps are filled and, in some cases, they’re halfway to being a sophomore in high school.
Hall said he is most proud of the transformation he sees among the students at the Early College.
“Students come in unsure of themselves, (and) over time, they become the type of people who can manage college expectations, communicate with instructors, advocate for themselves and lead…this shift is powerful.”
(This information and audio was originally broadcast and posted Thursday, January 22, 2026. Please look below for an updated flyers from Vance County Schools as of 01-27-26.)
CLICK PLAY!
