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Information about Challenger Early College

Established in 2005-2006, CHALLENGER Early College High School is a public high school and joint oversight project of the Catawba Valley Education Consortium, including Catawba County Schools, Hickory City Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, and Catawba Valley Community College. We are not a comprehensive high school; we are an early college. The school vision is for every student to be ready for college, careers, and life in the 21st Century. In order to attain the vision, entering freshmen students are enrolled in a four year program of study in which they can earn a high school diploma and college credit up to an Associate degree at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC). All academic work reflects the high level of rigor required by the national early college high school model in mostly honors classes. Our graduates are exposed to life skills, 21st Century Skills, Habits of Mind, an ePortfolio requirement, student-led conferences, a university prep curriculum requirement, and a junior-year internship requirement.

Students apply to Challenger at the end of 8th grade. One hundred freshmen are accepted to enter Challenger each year. The student body is widely diverse, selected according to an acceptance formula and suitability factor which gives priority consideration to the level of education attained by their parents, family socio-economic status, ethnicity population at national universities, single-parent home status, and teacher recommendations.

CHS Presentation 2025 (official)

Distinctions

100% Graduation Rate for 10 years in a row
95% Associate Degree Rate - Class 2024
97% of students pass college classes with a C or better
95% of our students leave us with a clear future plan
The average class size is 18 students
Top Ten ranking by Newsweek

Why Challenger...From our Students

I came to Challenger because I planned on making something of myself. I will be the first one in my family to graduate from high school and I wanted to make not only myself proud but also my parents. I have a standard to hold as I am also the oldest out of 4, I have to set an example for my siblings because I know that they look up to me.

I went to Challenger to get access to better quality education while earning expensive college credits with like-minded peers. I stayed at Challenger because it was a way for me to maintain a quality education, cutting years off of university time, and maintaining my precious connections with friends. I am glad I stayed here even with the academic struggles because, in this high school, I won't stray off of my path to university.

Initially, I did not plan on coming to Challenger because I heard it was too stressful and difficult. However, I decided to come because I wanted to challenge myself while being able to experience a unique high school experience. Plus, as a first-gen student, I aspire to make my parents proud and let them relax once I establish myself in the future.

I wanted to Challenge myself and see if I could amount to something greater than myself. I've always wanted to prove to myself that I'm capable of more than I think and this schools has helped me see that. I stay at Challenger because even though it is difficult at times, I could not see myself going back to regular high school because of the difference in class sizes and sense of community.

I want to stay because I want to serve an example to my younger siblings that sacrifices made, will give you more opportunities and advance you in life.

I stayed because Challenger worked for me. I found friends who I adored, teachers who helped me, and a ton of new opportunities. Even though the work was tough, it pushed me to work harder and develop good study habits. I also love the amount of freedom we have, especially as juniors.

I came to Challenger because I wanted to get ahead of the game and knock out some of the college courses I will need to take at a 4-year university. I also was interested in the smaller class sizes and more interactive community. I stayed for the people, not only my friends but my instructors and teachers as well. The people I have met at Challenger truly seem to care about each other and be there in times of need.

I was able to be myself at this school and grow as a person in a positive way. I choose to stay because I enjoy being here and because there are many things that have impacted me in a positive way at CECHS.

Since the first time I heard about Challenger, I was captivated by the idea of being able to receive both a High School degree and an associate's degree because of the amount of time I would save. From that moment on, I made sure to apply to CECHS once I was able to and fight for my way in, which "fun fact" I did have to do because initially I was waitlisted.

Deciding whether to go to Hickory High School or Challenger Early College was a hard choice. If I went to Challenger, I would have the amazing opportunity to get an associate's degree at the same time as I get my high school diploma. However, if I go to Hickory High I would get the chance to be with my friends all the time, furthering my bond with them. Ultimately, I chose Challenger because I felt the potential opportunities it could bring would outweigh being with friends.

I honestly came to CHS because I knew a couple of classmate friends who were coming who then backed out and didn't tell me. Although this happened after I applied, something in me told me to hit the submit button on the application a few days before the due date. I didn't really know what to expect but I definitely have not regretted meeting the people I now call my friends.

The Associate's degree was a good draw but the real reason I stay is because I figure I'm exactly where I need to be. I'm maturing well, I'm learning how to be self-accountable and reliant, and I have created an environment for myself at Challenger that really helps me become the best me I can be.

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