Students currently enrolled and completing the 8th grade are eligible to apply. Enrollment is open to any Moore County resident in any public, charter, private or homeschool setting. Students may not apply after the spring semester of the 8th grade year.

Student applications are reviewed using a rubric that includes student demographic information, an interview process, attendance and discipline data.

Grades are not a consideration for admission to this program.

MCS seeks to identify those students who meet the targeted populations for Cooperative Innovative High Schools and who are interested in a unique program opportunity leading to a successful career. These include, but are not limited to, first-generation college students, those at risk of dropping out, and those who seek an accelerated learning experience.

Students served with IEPs, 504 plans or who have AIG identification are also eligible. Appropriate services will be provided at MIHS. 

No, the MIHS is not an environment for only high-achieving students. As grades are not part of the application process, students will not be selected for being high-achieving students. This program is designed to enhance education for those who meet the targeted demographics.

Students may elect to return to their homeschool at the end of the school year. Mid-year transfers will not be considered. 

No. MIHS is its own school. As such, those students choosing to attend MIHS will have access to extracurricular options provided there. Athletics will not be available at MIHS.

Yes, Moore County Schools will provide transportation from community-located bus stops in each attendance area to Sandhills Community College each day.

Traditional high school activities like sports and a wide range of clubs are not available at a small high school. Traditional elective courses like band, orchestra, and chorus will not be available. 

However, student-driven clubs and activities will be available as the school design develops. Additionally, students have access to the wide range of elective courses available at Sandhills Community College to enhance their innovative high school experience. 

Prior to the application period, MIHS staff will meet with 8th grade students during the school day and families during the evenings in all public middle schools. The application window will be advertised and open to all rising 9th grade students regardless of their current attendance location. Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis and invitations sent to prospective students prior to spring break.

Sandhills Community College (SCC) offers numerous career certifications for students interested in pursuing a trade - not just an associate degree or to jump start on their college career. SCC offers many of the job certifications that are in demand locally including: welding, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and advanced manufacturing. 

All of our traditional high schools also offer specific job related programs and certifications through career and technical education (CTE) courses including but not limited to:

• Drone at Union Pines High School to earn the official FAA certification to be a licensed drone operator.

• Pharmacy Technician at North Moore to become a certified pharmacy technician with opportunities at Moore Regional First Health Hospital.

• Automotive at Pinecrest High School with the opportunity to complete on-the-job training at Pinehurst Toyota. 

Visit Moore County Schools CTE page to learn more about vocational course options for students. 

Please contact Ashlee Ciccone, Principal of Moore Innovative High School, at aciccone@ncmcs.org or 910.947.2342. She is available to meet with students and families to support decision-making or answer questions.