The Early College at Guilford

The Early College at Guilford is a high school with approximately 200 students located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The school was started in 2002 as a partnership between Guilford College and Guilford County Schools as the first early college high school in North Carolina, allowing students to graduate with a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit from Guilford College.The school practices a rigorous selection method for admissions. Prospective students must submit a written application and participate in an on-campus examination created by the school's admissions team, currently involving an essay and multiple-choice mathematics and reading portion.In 2010, Newsweek magazine listed ECG as one of "The Nation's Most Elite Public High Schools". Newsweek also ranked ECG at 5th on its annual list of America's Best High Schools in 2016, making it the top high school in North Carolina in 2016.HistoryIn the first few months of ECG's existence, Principal Tony Burks II surveyed the students to choose a mascot and school colors. The students took into account other mascots already in use around the county, and the colors of Guilford College—-maroon and white. Based on the student body's response, the phoenix was selected as the school's mascot, and burgundy and pewter were chosen as the school's colors.Late in the spring of 2008, the administration of ECG began to implement new changes in the structure and function of ECG, including advanced physical education, as well as changes in expulsion policies and altering the function of the student court. These choices were made in response to the academic stress of sophomore students who often took upwards of four or five AP Classes courses. More non-Advanced Placement courses were added to encourage a more relaxed environment. The application process was also overhauled and no longer includes an interview with prospective students.