What is an Early College?

An early college high school is a specialized public high school that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and up to two years of transferable college credit or an associate degree at the same time, completely tuition-free. All tuition, fees, and required supplied and books are provided free of charge. 

How is CPEC different from a traditional high school?

Central Piedmont Early College High School (CPEC) is a full magnet program, so our students come from all over Mecklenburg County. Each grade level in our the Early College program is capped at 100 students, so our school is much smaller than a traditional high school. CPEC students have a blended schedule of CPCC college courses and high school honors courses. Beginning in 10th grade, our students have the opportunity to personalize their college coursework to meet their post-secondary interests. 

What is the difference between dual enrollment (CCP) and the Early College?

All CMS high schools offer dual enrollment (also called Career & College Promise (CCP) beginning in 11th grade. This allows eligible students to enroll in college classes through CPCC while enrolled in their home high school. Many take classes virtually.

CPEC is a CMS Cooperative Innovative High Schools. Our high school is located on Central Piedmont's Central Campus. Our students report to our school daily for their high school coursework, and are also fully enrolled CPCC students. While CCP students select pathways to enroll in, Early College students can take any class at CPCC and participate in ANY of the certificate, diploma, and degree programs at CPCC offers. 

How are students scheduled?

Students are scheduled on an accelerated schedule in 9th and 10th grade so that they have more flexibility in 11th and 12th to complete college coursework. Please see a sample course plan here:  CPEC Sample Course Plan

Are you on the CMS Calendar?

No, our calendar lines up with the CPCC calendar because our students are taking college classes at the same time as their high school classes. We begin earlier in August and end earlier in May than other CMS schools. The 27-28 CPEC Calendar is linked here for reference.

Is bus transportation provided?

CMS transportation is provided in the form of Magnet Express Stops. These stops pickup and drop off at shuttle stops, usually located at school near your home. Families are responsible for getting students to and from the Express Stops. For more information on Express Stops, visit the CMS Transportation Page.

Do you have sports/clubs/student life?

While CPEC does not have jv/varsity sports teams, our students are eligible to play at their home high school., and many of our current students do! We have intramural sports (basketball, volleyball, pickleball) throughout the year. We have many student led clubs, a very active Student Government association, and student events throughout the school year. Our students are also able to participate in any student organizations at CPCC. 

How are students with accommodations handled?

We have students with 504 plans and IEPs, and those classroom accommodations and testing accommodations are implemented in our high school classes. ELL plans are also followed, but we do not have a full time ELL teacher. We not not have Language Lab or Learning Lab classes; if these classes are written in to you IEP or EL plan, please reach out to us to see what that might look like at CPEC. Please note: accommodation plans do not automatically transfer to college courses, but can be applied for as needed. 

What is Grade 13? Is it required?

Early College students are allowed to stay for an optional year 13 if they need additional time to complete their college courses toward their degree. All high school graduation requirements MUST be met by the end of grade 12. Many of our students are able to complete their associate degree by the end of 12th grade, but the option for grade 13 is there!