LaFayette High School sophomore Jesse Campbell is only 16 years old but already preparing to head off to college this summer.
He was accepted to The Advanced Academy of Georgia at the University of West Georgia. In two years, while his peers are graduating high school, he will have an associate degree in biochemistry along with a high school diploma.
“It’s going to be fun and challenging, but I take comfort in the fact there will be other students my age there,” Campbell said.
The Advanced Academy is a residential early-entrance-to-college program at UWG for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors. The academy accepts up to 100 exceptional students each year from Georgia high schools as well as schools outside of the state and country.
Campbell was required to meet a high grade point average, SAT/ACT score requirements, submit a résumé, essay and teacher recommendations, as well as complete a competitive interview process.
“This program will help me gain experience earlier in life and make me more desirable to employers and other institutions in which I might further my education,” he said.
Advanced Academy students remain enrolled in their high schools as dual-enrolled students to earn their high school diplomas. Students live on the UWG campus in a residence hall specifically for academy students and take full-time UWG classes as a college student, earning both high school and college credit.
Campbell will begin classes at UWG this August.
His honors include membership in the Beta Club, president of the German Club and several Accelerated Reading awards. In addition, he is enrolled in honors and AP courses.
Outside of academics, Campbell said he is still a kid at heart who enjoys reading, playing video games, spending time with family and climbing trees and rocks on Pigeon Mountain behind his home.
A LaFayette resident, he is the son of Kenneth and Ales Campbell.
“I have mixed emotions with Jesse’s leaving home so early,” said his mother. “He hasn’t even started driving yet! I’m so proud of him and have great confidence that he’s been prepared as well as his father and I can prepare him to make this bold step. West Georgia University seems a perfect place for him to be at this time in his life.”
For more information visit www.advancedacademy.org.