How is Central Piedmont Early College 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. Each student’s schedule is unique to the student. In addition, we follow a different CMS academic calendar from traditional CMS schools.

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