Tyler McKinnish, a Haywood County student on his way to being a doctor, credits Haywood Early College with giving him a good start on the road to higher education.

McKinnish only graduated from high school in 2010, but is already in the UNC School of Medicine at Chapel Hill on his way to becoming a doctor. As a Haywood Early College student, he had two years of college courses under his belt by his senior of high school.

“I found that the Early College program really motivated me,” he explained.

Haywood Early College is a high school that enrolls students in grades 9 through 13. Students complete a high school diploma and a college transfer degree in five years. It’s free of charge. 

Haywood Early College holds an open house each spring. Tours are also available. Applications are available through Haywood County Schools Central Office and through the Haywood Early College Principal’s Office located on the campus of HCC. 828.565.4226.