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Average

#1744 of 2,648 schools in NC

Ashe County Early College High

High School · Ashe County Schools

PO Box 449, West Jefferson, NC 28694

Enrollment

131

Student-Teacher

32.8:1

Score

5.5

Grades

9th – UG

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,744 of 2,648

In West Jefferson

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#6 of 6

Ashe County Schools

Equity

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Ashe County Early College High

5.5/10

High School in West Jefferson · grades 9th – UG. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Ashe County High

5.8/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Westwood Elementary

7.4/10

2.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Ashe County Early College High

Ashe County Early College High is a public high school in West Jefferson, NC, part of Ashe County Schools. Ashe County Early College High serves approximately 131 students, and covers grades 9th-UG, and has a 32.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Ashe County Early College High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,744 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Ashe County Early College High show 93% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025) and 91% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.5 · Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 131 students, Ashe County Early College High is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Ashe County Early College High runs 32.8:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Ashe County Early College High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.9Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data5
Annual Change-1.01 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics9.8Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency88.6% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency86% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+32.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+32.4 pts
Overall Proficiency87% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+40.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile96th
College Readiness2.6Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio32.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,547

Ashe County Early College High — Students at Ashe County Early College High score 87% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

97.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 92.9% (multi-year average, 2020-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 91.2% (multi-year average, 2018-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 8 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2018
ELA
90%
2019
ELA
90%
2020*
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2021*
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2025
Math
88.6%
ELA
86%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.9/10.

How Ashe County Early College High Compares

See how Ashe County Early College High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.5/10
34th percentile in NC
Academic
9.8/10
Excellent
Growth
7.9/10
Very Good
Environment
1.3/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
98%
Teaching Staff
33:1 student-teacher ratio
4 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO Box 449, West Jefferson, NC 28694

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Ashe County Early College High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Watauga High (rated 8.7/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby Boone), which scores notably higher. Another option is OAK HILL ACADEMY (rated 8.2/10, 16.1 miles away, in nearby Mouth Of Wilson), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Watauga Innovation Academy (rated 7.8/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby Boone), which scores notably higher. For more schools in West Jefferson, see our West Jefferson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Ashe County High West Jefferson 0.2 mi 5.8
Westwood Elementary West Jefferson 2.7 mi 7.4
Mountain View Elementary Jefferson 3.3 mi 7.6
Ashe County Middle Warrensville 5.2 mi 8.9
Blue Ridge Elementary Warrensville 5.6 mi 8.6
Parkway Elementary Boone 12.2 mi 8.2
Green Valley Elementary Boone 12.4 mi 6.0
Two Rivers Community School Boone 13.9 mi 6.2
Piney Creek Elementary Piney Creek 14.3 mi 5.1
MOUNTAIN PATHWAYS SCHOOL Boone 14.8 mi
OAK HILL ACADEMY Mouth Of Wilson 16.1 mi 8.2
Watauga Virtual Academy Boone 15.3 mi
Watauga High Boone 15.7 mi 8.7
Watauga Innovation Academy Boone 15.7 mi 7.8
Hardin Park Elementary Boone 15.7 mi 7.6
Grayson Highlands Troutdale 18.2 mi 9.6
Mabel Elementary Zionville 15.8 mi 5.4
Mount Pleasant Elementary School Ferguson 18.9 mi 4.6
Millers Creek Elementary School Millers Creek 18.3 mi 8.4
West Wilkes High School Millers Creek 18.8 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28694 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$48,135

Median Home Value

$239,800

Median Rent

$757/mo

Population

7,369

College Educated

21.2%

Homeownership

78.8%

Avg Commute

20.4 min

Poverty Rate

11.3%

Median Age

49.1

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Hallyburton Academy Drexel, NC 5.5
Rutherford Opportunity Center Forest City, NC 5.7
AdVance Academy Henderson, NC 5.2
EMMA LEE BROADY ACADEMY Graham, NC 5.2
Shaw Academy Laurinburg, NC 5.8
Ashley Chapel Educational Center Rockingham, NC 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ashe County Early College High

What grades does Ashe County Early College High serve?

Ashe County Early College High serves students in grades 9th through UG.

How many students attend Ashe County Early College High?

Ashe County Early College High has an enrollment of approximately 131 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ashe County Early College High?

The student-teacher ratio at Ashe County Early College High is 32.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Ashe County Early College High rank in NC?

Ashe County Early College High ranks #1,744 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Ashe County Early College High's MySchoolScout rating?

Ashe County Early College High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Ashe County Early College High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ashe County Early College High has 93% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025) and 91% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2025).

Is Ashe County Early College High a charter school?

No, Ashe County Early College High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Ashe County Early College High a Title I school?

No, Ashe County Early College High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ashe County Early College High?

97.7% of students at Ashe County Early College High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
23 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
15 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
131
Student-Teacher Ratio
32.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
4
Free/Reduced Lunch
97.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Ashe County

District

Ashe County Schools
District Enrollment
2,698
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,547
District Rank
#6 of 6

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