To Whom It May Concern:

We take pleasure in having an opportunity to introduce the Lee County community and the Lee County School System to interested prospective residents.  U.S. 58 connects Lee County to Kentucky and Tennessee along a panoramic valley corridor framed by white rock mountains and rolling hill in the western entrance.  The eastern section of the county is characterized by majestic mountain ranges dotted with idyllic hamlets and villages.  The landscape and topography lend themselves to agricultural endeavors, mining and logging activities that support small community living and independent working ethic.  Major highway improvements are ongoing and bring the promise of expanded industry and services.

The agrarian influence of Lee County, as well as coal mining and timber harvesting, has promoted a strong work ethic among its inhabitants for several generations.  Although many of the citizens hold commercial jobs, they continue with farming to supplement the family income and to promote family unity.  The Lee County community, which has hardworking, proud, and independent people, epitomizes qualities of integrity and determination.

The Lee County School System with just under 3,800 students has fourteen schools, including three pre-school centers, nine primary and elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and a vocational technical school.  The diverse high school curriculum offers college preparatory, honors, dual placement, advanced placement fine arts, vocational, and special education classes.  The Virginia Standards of Learning require students to complete a rigorous, challenging and comprehensive curriculum.   Student Standards Of Learning (SOL) assessment takes place in the third, fifth, and eighth grades, as well as the end-of-course at the high school level.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is touted as having the most stringent level of student assessment in the nation.

As a result of an exemplary educational system, Lee County has 77% of its graduating students pursuing higher education.  In the last reporting period, 65% of the students were enrolled in two- or four- year collegiate programs and 12% were in technical or vocational training.  For the year 1999-2000, the senior class at Lee High School earned a composite exceeding $100,000 in academic scholarships.  Thomas Walker High School students earned $70,000 in academic scholarships and $380,000 in JROTC scholarships for a total of $450,000 in scholarship awards.  A Navy JROTC program at Lee High School and an Army JROTC program at Thomas Walker High School directs many graduating cadets toward generous scholarship funds and rewarding military careers.  Lee County students meet or exceed the standards required in the competitive education and career markets.

 A strong community partner with Lee County School System is Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.  A comprehensive Tech Prep program coordinated from the college offers articulated coursed to high school students in electricity, business, computer programs, CAD drafting, LPN/RN nursing program, and welding.  Students may earn as many as 10 credits at the high school level that will transfer into the respective college programs.  Monies from the Tech Prep program support the educational system with mentoring, internship, and apprenticeship programs.  Mountain Empire Community College has worked with business teachers to certify them in Microsoft.  Lee County Vocational Technical School offers the Wheels of Learning curriculum that certifies students on a national level.  Renovations are being made to the auto mechanics lab so that students will be eligible for ASE certification.

Ingenuity, responsibility, loyalty, and hard work are attributes applied to the Lee County citizen.  The resourcefulness of the population is exhibited by character, intellect, and integrity.

It is with pride that we present the Lee County School System and its high standards to the prospective resident.  It is our vision to raise the benchmarks for achievement each year; thereby, improving the quality of life for everyone.  Please be advised that our personnel are available for further information at 540-346-2107.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and cooperation.

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