In partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), CMS offers accelerated learning opportunities that allow students the opportunity to take college courses while completing their high school graduation requirements. In addition to earning a high school diploma, students can earn up to two years of transferable college credit, tuition free. All college courses and books are provided at no charge to Early College students. All early college high school courses are Honors, Advanced Placement or college level courses. Given the rigor of completing both the high school diploma and two years of college credit, students have an additional year (i.e., grade 13) to graduate. Students can participate in co-curricular activities and sports at their home high school (transportation not provided).

Please note that due to space limitations, the sibling guarantee does not apply to Early College admission through the magnet lottery.


Special Features

  • All courses are Honors, Advanced Placement and/or college level courses
  • All college courses and books are provided at no charge to early college students
  • Students can earn up to 60 transferable UNC Charlotte credits at CEEC and CTEC. Students at CPEC can earn a full associates degree or up to 60 hours of transferable college credit.
  • There are two distinct early college schools at UNC Charlotte — one focused on developing future engineers and the other on training future teachers. At CPEC, each student chooses an associates degree or pathway that aligns with their individual post secondary plans.
  • Students have access to internships and work-based learning opportunities
  • Students can participate in co-curricular activities and sports at their home high school (transportation not provided)
  • Students have the option of remaining an additional year to earn two years of transferable college credit

Schools

  • Charlotte Engineering Early College (CEEC) is a high school located on the UNC Charlotte campus with a focus on engineering, energy and sustainability.  Students attending CEEC will have access to the state-of-the-art facility, EPIC-The Energy Production and Infrastructure Center, which is part of The William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte. EPIC was formed in response to the need for highly trained engineers, qualified to meet the demands of the energy industry through traditional and continuing education. EPIC seeks to provide sustainable support to the energy industry by increasing the capacity and support​ for applied research. More than 250 regional energy corporations (including Duke Energy, Siemens, AREVA, Westinghouse and many others) cooperate with EPIC to lead the expansion of energy engineering studies in EPIC classrooms. EPIC is committed to developing and implementing energy concentrations based on industry needs.​
  • ​​Charlotte Teacher Early College (CTEC) operates on a five-year program model, placing future teachers in an immersive, college-oriented environment throughout high school. Students enter in the ninth grade and can earn more than 60 college credits along with their high school diploma at no cost to the student. CTEC students benefit from an engaging small school environment with a rigorous curriculum that includes Teaching as a Profession (TAAP). The TAAP curriculum provides CTEC students with a comprehensive exploration of the field of teaching to help students develop a strong foundation for pursuing careers in education. TAAP Field experience during the 12th grade will offer students a unique work-based learning opportunity to actively engage in the daily operations of a school environment under the direct supervision of a teacher mentor.
  • CTEC students are eligible to receive Barnhill Foundation Scholarships to pursue their teaching careers at Cato College of Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The Barnhill Foundation Scholarships are designed to help increase enrollment at CTEC and build a teacher pipeline for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. CTEC Barnhill scholars may receive up to $30,000 to cover tuition and fees at Cato College of Education. The scholarship is renewable for two additional years, and winners also commit to working for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for three years following their graduation from UNC Charlotte.
  • Central Piedmont Early College is a high school located on Central Piedmont Community College Central Campus. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities to complete an associate degree in arts, engineering, science, or fine arts. Students can also earn an associate degree in applied science in areas such as information technology, STEM programs, health care, culinary & hospitality, and others. Because of the school’s close proximity to uptown, students will have many opportunities to learn about the current employment trends and begin building a network with employers that will transcend beyond graduation

Magnet Expectations & Entry Requirements

Charlotte Teacher Early College Expectations Agreement (revised 8/10/2023): English version

  • Students in 9th and 10th grades can apply through the School Choice Lottery. There are no entry requirements for entering 9th graders, but entering 10th graders must have an unweighted 2.8 grade point average (GPA) to enter due to requirements for UNCC classes.

Charlotte Engineering Early College Expectations Agreement (revised 8/10/2023): English version

  • Students in 9th and 10th grades can apply through the School Choice Lottery. There are no entry requirements for entering 9th graders, but entering 10th graders must have an unweighted 2.8 grade point average (GPA) to enter due to requirements for UNCC classes.

Central Piedmont Early College Expectations Agreement (revised 7/31/2023): English version

  • Students in 9th through 11th grades can apply through the School Choice Lottery. There are no entry requirements for entering 9th graders, but entering 10th and 11th graders must undergo a transcript analysis to qualify for the program due to requirements for CPCC classes.

Learners Who Thrive in Early Colleges…

  • Can handle Honors, Advanced Placement and/or college level courses
  • Want access to internships and work-based learning opportunities
  • Care about their personal and educational success

Video Highlights from CEEC/CTEC