High School

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NHCS Special Programs Information

NHCS Specialty High Schools and Programs website

11/10/2025 Parent Presentation at Minnie Evans Center 6-7:30 pm

11/12/2025 Parent Presentation at Roland Grise 6-7:30 pm

11/13/2025 Parent Presentation at Holly Shelter Middle School 6-7:30

Individual School Presentation Nights (all start at 6pm)

12/1/2025 Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA-Tech) (auditorium)

12/2/2025 Wilmington Early College High School (BB&T Auditorium - North Campus)

12/32025 Laney STEM (media center)

12/4/2025  Hoggard International Baccalaureate (cafeteria)

12/8/2025 New Hanover Lyceum (cafeteria)

12/9/2025 Ashley Marine Science Academy (MSA classroom)

12/10/2025 Isaac Bear Early College High School (UNCW - Morton Auditorium)

12/11/2025 Career Readiness Academy at Mosley (media center)

12/14/2025 Virtual Information Session 6-7pm

1/11/2026 Programs post prompts

1/18/2026-2/8/2026 APPLICATION WINDOW OPEN 

3/13/2026 Initial decision letters emailed - confirmation from students/families due by 3/19

3/20/2026 Second round letters emailed - confirmation from students/families due by 3/26

Open Choice Window - TBD

High School Graduation Requirements

22 Credits Total Required (most of you will receive more-NHCS recommends at least 28.)

English 4 units:

• English I 

• English II

• English III or AP Language Arts 

• English IV or AP Literature

Mathematics 4 units:

• NC Math 1

• NC Math 2

• NC Math 3 

• a 4th math (Discrete Math, Honors Math 4, AP Pre-Cal)

Science 3 units:

• Earth and Environmental Science or AP Environmental Science

• Biology

• A Physical Science: Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics

Social Studies 4 units:

• World History

• Civic Lit OR AP Government

• American History OR AP US History

• Economics & Personal Finance

Physical Ed/Health 1 unit 

Electives 6 units 

• 2 of the 6 electives must be from either a CTE class, World Language, or Art

CPR

• Most students completed this in 8th grade PE

How is an Honors class different than an on-level one?

•          Stricter deadlines for homework and classwork assignments

• ·        Possibly additional and more rigorous homework, reading, studying

• ·        More independent analysis and synthesis of topics

• ·        Pace of learning and instruction is faster

• ·        Less time in class to study, complete homework, and do make up work

• ·        Requires increased level of engagement, interest, and participation in class and with content

• ·        Better college preparation

• ·        Additional 0.5 quality point towards GPA

How is an Advanced Placement (AP) class different than an Honors one?

• ·        College-level curriculum; potential for college credit depending on AP exam score

• ·        Pace of learning and instruction is faster

• ·        More homework and projects outside of class

• ·        Much deeper analysis of content and more independent thought

• ·        Best college preparation we offer

• ·        Additional 1.0 quality point towards GPA

How do I know if I’m ready to take an Honors or AP course?

• ·        Do you quickly and easily grasp the concepts presented by your instructor?

• ·        Do you ask questions or want to ask questions that go further or deeper than the presented material?

• ·        Are you interested in the subject?

• ·        Do you find you have extra time because you finish the homework quickly?

• ·        Even if you have to work hard in the subject, do you enjoy it?

• ·        Do you generally get high marks in your current class?

If most of your answers are a YES!, you should talk with your parent/guardian and your counselor about taking an Honors or AP course!