Washington County provides students with a solid educational foundation that prepares them for the next stage in their lives, whether it’s entering the workforce, a vocational training program, or enrolling at one of the region’s excellent community colleges, colleges or universities.
Washington County’s public school system educates over 7,000 students at its 7 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools.
High school students also have the opportunity to earn certifications and credentials through course and program completions provided at the Washington County Career and Technical Educational Center. Example subject/courses include: CAD, Cybersecurity, Health Informatics, and Advertising Design.
Washington County and the surrounding VA/TN border region offers several options for postsecondary education and training. 5 colleges/universities (4+years), and 5 community colleges (2 years) are located within an hour drive-time of the community. Research universities, Virginia Tech and the University of Tennessee are located within a 90-minute drive-time or less. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, located in Abingdon, partners with 10 public and private colleges and universities to offer degree and certification program.
Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, VA offers programs in a number of specializations, including:
– Electrical Technology
– Mechatronics
– Precision Machining
– Welding
– Information Systems Technology
– Cybersecurity
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA offers a variety of learning options and schedules, including day, evening, and online classes. Established in 1992 as the first multi-college and university institution of higher education in the Commonwealth, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center partners with public and private colleges and universities to provide degree programs, certificates, and professional development courses. Partners include: Radford University, The University of Virginia, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, East Tennessee State University, King University, Emory & Henry College, Bluefield College, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Tech.
Established in 1836, Emory and Henry College, is a private liberal arts institution located in Washington County. Emory and Henry College is widely recognized by several national ranking programs, including a Top National Liberal Arts College (U.S. News and World Report, Best Colleges). The college offers over 30 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA (2 hours away) has an enrollment of over 30,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a number of fields, including:
– Aerospace Engineering
– Business Administration
– Business Information Technology
– Chemical Engineering
– Electrical Engineering
– Industrial and Systems Engineering
– Materials Science and Engineering