Serving 52 students in grades 9-12, Polk County Early College ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥50% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥80% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 52 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 12%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Polk County Early College serves the entire district of Columbus, NC, encompassing an area of approximately 238.5 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 15 to 20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edges of the attendance zone located about 13.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Polk County Early College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Polk County Early College's student population of 52 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
52 students
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Year Founded
2007
School Calendar
School Rankings
Polk County Early College ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Polk County Early College is 0.22, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#702 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)≥50%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
10%
22%
Black
n/a
24%
White
88%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥90%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)5.8%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
94%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polk County Early College's ranking?
Polk County Early College is ranked #702 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Polk County Early College often compared to?
Polk County Early Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Polk County High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Polk County Early College?
The graduation rate of Polk County Early College is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Polk County Early College?
52 students attend Polk County Early College.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Polk County Early College students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Polk County Early College?
Polk County Early College has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Polk County Early College offer ?
Polk County Early College offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Polk County Early College part of?
Polk County Early College is part of Polk County Schools.
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