Magnet Program 

(for prospective families)

About Us

How is Central Piedmont Early College (CPEC) High School different from a traditional high school?
Since CPEC HS is a full magnet, our students come from all over Mecklenburg County. Each grade level in the early college program is capped at 100 students, so our school is much smaller than a traditional high school. In addition, our students have a blended schedule of CPCC college courses and CMS Honors or AP courses (we do NOT offer standard level courses). Each student’s schedule is unique to the student. In addition, we follow a different CMS academic calendar from traditional CMS schools.

Does CPEC provide accommodations ex. Exceptional Children, Multi Language Learners, Occupational Course of Study, or Self-Contained programs? We have an EC, ML staff member part time that writes plans and provides services to the students. We do not offer Learning Lab courses (ex. No OCS & NC Extend 1 classes).

However, we do NOT  have the Occupational Course of Study & Self-Contained programs. 

Is transportation provided? Transportation is "shuttle" stops from a particular school near you. It will be the parents' responsibility to drop off/pick up from that shuttle stop.

Does CPEC have sports? No, we do not have sports. However, your student is eligible to play sports at their local high school. We do offer intermural sports.

What is the difference between dual enrollment (Career and College Promise) and the Early College program?
Career & College Promise (CCP) is North Carolina's dual enrollment program for high school students. This program allows eligible NC high school students to enroll in college classes at North Carolina community colleges and universities through their high school. Dual enrollment students remain enrolled in their home high school.

Early College High Schools (ECHS) are CMS Cooperative Innovative High Schools available on Central Piedmont's Central Campus. Our students are enrolled in Central Piedmont Early College High School and report to our school daily for their CMS classes.

CCP students select pathways to enroll in, while Early College students can enroll in certificate, diploma, and degree programs. Early College students have more classes available to them. Also, Early College students have all books and required materials paid for, whereas CCP students receive a gift card for a set amount.

Open House & Tour

The Open Houses are for "prospective" families.  

We are accepting rising 9th graders and a small number of rising 10th graders.

It is HIGHLY encouraged that every family attend one of the open houses to ensure you have a better understanding of our program.

Info Session - Accepted Students Only

The Info Sessions are ONLY for students who were accepted via the lottery

Parking Info

Note the 3 Red Circles on the Map below

Contact Info

Dr. Pendergrass

• Instructional Accountability Facilitator (Test Coordinator)

• College, Career, & Life Readiness Coordinator (college, careers, & internships)

• Magnet Coordinator (open houses for prospective families) 

Email:  nd.pendergrass@cms.k12.nc.us

Phone:  980.343.0098