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 CEEC students
- Students can earn up to 60 transferable UNC Charlotte credits at CEEC and CTEC.
- There are two distinct early college schools — one focused on developing future engineers and the other on training future teachers
- 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) is a high school located on the UNC Charlotte campus with a focus on a career in the field of Education. CTEC began with 55 ninth grade students and will add a grade level each year until reaching grade 13.
- Central Piedmont Early College is a high school located on Central Piedmont Community College Central Campus. Students will have access to state of the art facilities to complete an associates in engineering, science, fine arts. Students can also explore a variety of applied sciences including information technology, STEM programs, health care, culinary & hospitality as well as many other programs. 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. The school accepts students in grades 9, 10, and 11.
Entry Requirements
- Students in 9th and 10th grades can apply through the School Choice Lottery. There are no entry requirements.
Magnet Expectations Agreement
Charlotte Teacher Early College Expectations Agreement (revised 8/10/2023): English version
Charlotte Engineering Early College Expectations Agreement (revised 8/10/2023): English version
Central Piedmont Early College Expectations Agreement (revised 7/31/2023): English version
Learners Who Thrive in Early Colleges…
- Can handle Honors, Advanced Placement and/or college level courses
- Have an interest in being future engineers or future teachers
- Want access to internships and work-based learning opportunities
- Care about their personal and educational success