Is the Mountain Education Center High School (MECHS) a "real" High School?
Yes. The Mountain Education Center has been around for 14 years. We are accredited just like any other high school. MEC was founded to help decrease North Georgia's drop out rate by offering students an option other than traditional day high schools. The main difference is MECHS holds classes at night rather than during the day. We are open from 4:00 to 9:30 PM Mondays through Thursdays. There are no classes on Fridays.

What are some reasons students attend MECHS?
Students enroll at MECHS for many different reasons. Some students must work during the day or take care of families. Other students have quit high school in the past and decide to come back for their diploma. Students also enroll to make up classes they have failed at their local high school. Still others prefer a self-paced, individualized curriculum.

What are the ages of your students?
Most MECHS students are age 16 to 21. Students who are 15 may enroll under certain circumstances, and students over 21 may enroll if they are close to graduating and get permission from an administrator.

What does "self-paced, individualized curriculum" mean?
This means students can work on any class at any time. Our curriculum is independent study, and students can take as long as they need to complete a class. There are no traditional lecture classes. Courses cannot be failed, and we stress mastery learning. Teachers oversee students and are there to tutor or answer any questions.

Who are the teachers at MECHS?
Our teachers are dedicated, State of Georgia certified professionals from local high schools in North Georgia. Many work a full day at their respective high school, and work at MEC at night, and some are retired. Students frequently come to MEC and recognize our teachers from their own high schools.

Why would I get a high school diploma instead of a GED?
Students who plan to pursue continued education after graduation recognize the importance of a high school diploma over a GED. Not all students are in a position to attend a traditional day high school, but MECHS can provide the opportunity to achieve both goals. A student seeking to enter the military will find that most branches will not accept a GED. Mountain Education Center High School offers these young people an opportunity to obtain a traditional high school diploma.

Is MECHS a disciplinary school?
No, it is not. While some of our students have encountered challenges at their previous high school, students are not sent to us because of discipline problems. Students with discipline problems are only accepted on a case by case basis with approval from an administrator.

What classes are offered at MECHS?
MECHS has many of the same classes offered at traditional day high schools. We offer all the classes that the state of Georgia requires for graduation. Please see our website for specifics.

Who are the administrators for the MECHS System?
There is a collaborative governing board made up of members from the counties that participate in MECHS: Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Towns, White, Lumpkin, and Stephens. This board meets once per month to make decisions about MECHS and approve personnel. Mr. Mitchel Barrett is the MECHS director and a community member at large.

I have a very busy schedule. Will I have time to attend MECHS?
The time spent at MECHS is up to the student. You may attend any time between 4:00 and 9:30, Mondays - Thursdays, and stay as long as you wish. To be considered full-time, you must attend 20 hours per week.

My child failed two classes at his high school. Can MECHS help?
Yes! For a reasonable fee, students can attend their day high school and come to MECHS at night to make up classes.

What happens if I keep failing a test at MECHS?
MECHS stresses subject mastery. If a student keeps failing a test, the course will be reviewed until the student can pass the test. A tutor can be provided to assist the student, and the classroom teacher is always available to review materials for the test. Courses cannot be failed at MECHS.

My child loves playing on her high school basketball team. Can she still play if she attends MECHS?
Only students who attend both their own high school and MECHS can continue to play sports for their high school. Students who only attend MECHS cannot.

Does MECHS have the same student services as other high schools?
We have many of the same student services as other high schools: special education, ESOL, counseling, graduation coaches, student clubs, career/college/tech workshops, dual enrollment, Georgia High School Graduation Test prep, and tutoring.

I know someone who needs a diploma, but doesn't speak English very well.
MECHS offers ESOL for students under the age of 21 with a different first language, which helps them along the path to graduation.

Do students have to take End-Of-Course-Tests (EOCT's) and the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT)?
Yes. These are state requirements for graduation.

Can I do dual enrollment at vocational school/college?
Yes. Students must have earned 15 or more credits and must meet the requirements of the college/tech school. Please talk to an MECHS career counselor for more information regarding these requirements.

What about graduation?
Students graduate from MECHS as soon as they complete their graduation requirements. MECHS holds a graduation ceremony once per year for all students who have graduated that year.

How may students graduated from MEC last year?
In 2007, 189 students graduated from our MECHS sites.

What do most students do after graduation?
The MECHS diploma opens the door to many opportunities. MECHS students find career success in a number of ways. May of them pursue higher education by attending college, while others volunteer for military service. Some students go immediately in the the work force. We frequently hear from our graduates and are proud of their accomplishments.

Where is MECHS?
MECHS has sites in Union, Gilmer, White, Lumpkin and Stephens Counties. MECHS does not offer bus service.

I want to enroll. What do I do next?
Stop by your nearest MECHS site to register. You must have an official withdrawal form from your previous high school and a transcript if you wish to enroll full time. Call (706) 745-9575 for directions to the MECHS site nearest you.