C. A. Brown Visits Early College High School

Charles A. Brown Alumni Association Inc.

On April 12, 2019, Joey Washington, President of Charles A. Brown High Alumni Association (CABHAA), along with alumni members, past students and faculty members presented a brief history of C. A. Brown High School and their memories of what is was like to be a student in that same building to the students at ECHS. The Early College High School (ECHS) within Charleston County School District (CCSD) is housed in a portion of Trident Technical College’s – Palmer Campus (formerly Charles A. Brown High School).

Over the past several months our President made the necessary preparations to gather individuals to make this day meaningful for the students. The presenters talked about their personal relationship with their alma mater. Based on the questions, the students showed great interest in learning about the similarities and differences in educating students from 1962-1982 as compared to their current educational programs.

Everyone had a great time answering questions and telling the students about our school. We hope to do this again in the near future to allow these students to know the great history of the hallways they now walk. Those present were: (Former Teachers) Gerald Mackey, Albert Goggins, David Haynes and Coach Earl Brown; and (former students) Joey Washington, Blondelle C. Gadsden, Barbara Bird,       Ret. Brig. Gen. Henry Taylor, Bernard Judge and Frankie Holmes. Vanessa L. Denny is the Principal of CCSD’s Early College High School where ECHS serves students 9^th-12^th grades and allows them to complete up to two years of college credit while earning a HS diploma. Dr. Louester A. S. Robinson is Dean of Trident Technical College and together they have allowed us to share our story and keep our Alma Mater alive.

Next Steps after High School Graduate for Dual Credit Students

CCSD Early College High School

Early College High School High School (ECHS), located on the Palmer Campus of Trident Technical College is a small, personalized learning program for students enrolled in Charleston County School District (CCSD). ECHS is a partnership between Charleston County School District and Trident Technical College (TTC). Early College High School will serve students who have the academic potential, desire, and determination to be successful in high school and beyond. 

ECHS is designed to allow students the opportunity to complete up to two years of college credit while earning a high school diploma as part of a coherent educational program that serves the developmental and intellectual needs of young people. As part of a research-based model, students participate in a summer bridge program after eighth grade and spend ninth grade focusing on high school courses while mastering the life and organizational skills required for success in college. When they demonstrate that they are ready, students will begin to take college classes, dual credit courses, and work at internships and/or apprenticeships. Students excel at each challenge with the support of their ECHS teachers and counselors in an encouraging environment. 

The first class of up to 100 ninth grade students will attend school on TTC’s Palmer Campus beginning in August 2017. By being on the TTC Campus, the school will allow students to experience a real college setting, attend real college courses, and begin to build their resume as a college student. The school will add grade levels 10-12 in the following years, with the first class graduating in June 2021.  You can find them on Facebook at CCSD Early College High School. 

Related YouTube Videos:  

• CCSD Today: Early College High School  (5.15.2017)
• Learning the ECHS Lesson - Stories of CCSD (5.11.2017)
• School Board Member Rev. Dr. Eric Mack Speaks about ECHS (4.25.2017)

Press 

• "Like to Study? Charleston County Students Get Chance to Enroll in new Early College High School."  Post and Courier.