The College Center is located at the North Lake Community Learning Center. 702 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC, 29072
Scholars will attend The College Center for the duration of each school day (8:55 AM to 2:50 p.m.) for their entire high school experience.
Photo by Austin Pacheco on Unsplash
District shuttle transportation is provided (AM/PM) from each of the districts five high schools. However, families may provide transportation (AM/PM) or licensed students may drive to and from TCC. Scholars must follow all Lexington One guidelines for student drivers.
The shorter day is necessary due to transportation logistics. Students can ride their regular bus to their home high school and then take a shuttle bus to our campus. The shuttle bus will also pick them up and return them to their home high school in time for activities, such as sports practice, or to travel home on their regular bus.
In partnership with Midlands Technical College (MTC), and at no cost to families, students will begin taking dual enrollment courses beginning in the 10th-grade year. Scholars will earn an Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies while in high school. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any other degree program.
Upon graduation, scholars may continue with MTC, transfer credits to a 4-year college or university, begin employment, or enlist in the military. Review the South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Center website for transferability information.
2024 Graduates:
Trinity (PHS), Rachel (WKHS), and Ashlee (LHS)
The program is designed for any student interested in pursuing a four-year degree. Credits earned are highly transferable to institutions within South Carolina and other states. Some of the others states that our previous graduates have gone to 4-year schools with transferable credits include California, North Carolina and Virginia.
The program is open to anyone who applies, not just first-generation college students. Students are highly motivated by the chance to earn a full associate degree with extensive academic support and without accumulating debt.
While both are Lexington District One programs, they serve different academic and career paths:
The College Center (TCC): Focuses on dual enrollment courses through Midlands Technical College with the goal of earning an Associate Degree while still in high school.
Lexington Technology Center (LTC): Focuses on vocational training and professional certifications (e.g., automotive, cosmetology, culinary arts, welding, etc.).
Due to the rigorous credit requirements for the Associate Degree path, TCC students do not have room in their schedules to accommodate additional vocational classes at LTC.
Students are able to earn a significantly higher number of college credits through TCC than is typically possible at their zoned high schools. This path is often chosen by families looking to accelerate a student's higher education progress toward advanced degrees. The associate degree earned typically fulfills the first two years of college for many bachelor's degree programs, offering a more extensive credit opportunity than high school AP or dual enrollment classes.
GPA and class rank remain connected to the student's zoned high school. Students apply to four-year institutions as freshmen, not transfer students. The institution then reviews their transcripts and awards college credit for their Midlands Technical College (MTC) coursework. In regard to how GPA is calculated, page 6 of the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy provides a Grade Point Conversion Chart for the 10 Point Grading Scale.
Yes. All credits at TCC are approved by the S.C. State Department of Education. In the case of students who have transferred back to their zoned schools, they have often found themselves ahead of schedule and, in some cases, have chosen to graduate high school a year early.
Approximately 90% of students persist and successfully complete their degrees at TCC.
For the most part, the elective courses will be chosen for the students based on the availability of instructors that MTC provides and their degree requirements. There are some choices as a junior such as what math class the student qualifies for based on MTC’s Accuplacer placement test, and whether or not to take Chemistry. As a senior, students will be transported to Midlands Technical College - Airport Campus and can choose one elective each semester that they qualify for as long as it is offered during that time period. During the second semester, seniors have the option of taking an elective on campus or online.
Yes. While the specific number varies seasonally, a significant portion of our scholars participate in B-team, JV and Varsity athletics at their home schools and excel in those sports. Many of our students also participate in clubs and extracurricular activities such as Dance Teams or Marching Band at their home schools especially those that meet after the school day ends. Most TCC scholars also participate in the clubs offered directly at the TCC location.
All scholars take AVID elective classes (9th-12th grade). AVID provides support with rigorous classes by helping scholars develop study skills, note-taking, time management, writing, and research skills in addition to team building activities. Scholars also learn how to navigate the college admissions process and receive career readiness support through resume writing and career exploration activities.
All scholars are required to earn one (1) credit in either PE or JROTC to meet South Carolina high school graduation requirements. However, we only offer PE, and do not offer JROTC, at The College Center. Students should NOT take a virtual PE class over the summer prior to the start of their 9th grade year.
Visual and performing arts classes are not possible during the school day as part of the TCC course sequence. With permission from the zoned high school, students may be able to participate in after-school activities such as Dance Teams and Marching Band.
Only French and Spanish are offered at The College Center. Colleges prefer or require that both World Language credits are in the same language (e.g., French 1 and French 2). We are not designed for completion of any Immersion Program.