PLYMOUTH – Students and parents thinking about high school this fall have an exciting option to consider: the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience, a new school that opened last August at the Vernon G. James Agricultural and Research Center.
The innovative new school offers students from five area counties the opportunity for hands-on learning in small classes and a program that can lead to a tuition-free associate degree along with a high school diploma. Students get the opportunity to work with research scientists engaged in real-world projects at the Vernon James center.
The school has been designed to give students a solid foundation in science, math, engineering and technology – all fields where well trained workers are in high demand in the job market. The school focuses on teaching students strong skills in problem solving, critical thinking and effective communication.
“We want to challenge students to move beyond their comfort zone,” said Hal Davis, principal of the Northeast Regional School. “We emphasize a lot of leadership development, a lot of group-oriented activities, and helps students take more responsibility for their own learning. We believe that this approach will really make a difference for our students when they graduate and have to compete in a world where the bar’s been raised for everyone.”
The first students to attend the pioneering school say it’s already made a difference for them.
“It has changed me for the better,” said Gunnar Price, a member of the inaugural class. “I have become more mature and more focused on my education.  The hands-on learning and difficult courses have given me a new outlook on education.”
“The Northeast Regional School has changed me by holding me more responsible for my actions,” said Elizabeth Harris, another freshman this year.  “It has helped me become an independent thinker and helped me develop better time-management skills.”
Students entering 9th grade from Beaufort, Martin, Pitt, Tyrrell, and Washington counties are invited to apply. The application deadline is March 21, and an orientation session for interested students and their parents will be March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Vernon James Center.
The school seeks a diverse enrollment, with an emphasis on students who are the first in their families to attend college. The school holds students to high expectations, but also provides them with strong support and a high degree of personalization with the faculty.
For more information or to apply, visit the school’s website at www.neregionalschool.org or call 252-791-0056.