Is the Mountain Education Center (MEC) 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 another option than traditional day high schools. The main difference is MEC holds classes at night rather than during the day. We are open from 3:30 to 10:00 PM Mondays through Thursdays. There are no classes on Fridays.

What are some reasons students attend MEC?
Students enroll at MEC 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 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 MEC students are aged 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, any time they'd like. 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 students may have.

Who are the teachers at MEC?
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 MEC 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 offers these young people an opportunity to obtain a traditional high school diploma.

Is MEC 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 MEC?
MEC has many of the same classes day high schools have. 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 MEC System?
There is a collaborative governing board made up of members from the counties that participate in MEC: Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Towns, White, Lumpkin, and Stephens. This board meets once per month to make decisions about MEC and approve personnel. Mr. Mitchel Barrett is the MEC director and a community member at large. The site director for the Union County site is Rebecca Wilkie.

I have a very busy schedule. Will I have time to attend MEC?
The time spent at MEC is up to the student. You may attend any time between 3:30 and 10:00, 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 MEC help?
Yes! For a reasonable fee, students can attend their day high school and come to MEC at night to make up classes.

What happens if I keep failing a test at MEC?
MEC 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 MEC.

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

Does MEC 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.
MEC 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 MEC career counselor for more information regarding these requirements.

What about graduation?
Students graduate from MEC year-round, as soon as they complete their graduation requirements. MEC 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 MEC sites.

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

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

I want to enroll. What do I do next?
Stop by your nearest MEC 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 MEC site nearest you.