Students have gradually edged away from the traditional path of a four year high school education exclusive to the brick and mortar of their home school and toward dual enrollment classes at community colleges or virtual extension options. COVID expedited the incorporation of virtual  and unconventional learning, but now many different programs offer unique opportunities and pathways for students to complete their high school degree. Three of the most popular programs CSD Spartans are pursuing are Central Piedmont Community College Dual Enrollment, North Carolina School of Science and Math, and North Carolina Virtual Public School. 

Central Piedmont Community College Dual Enrollment

by Ben Gallagher

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) was founded in 1963 with the mission to have its students learn and succeed while still being able to engage in a supportive environment. From their original location near the old Central High School, it has branched out across Mecklenburg County in the form of eight campuses. In its current state, CPCC hosts more than 800 for-credit programs of study, and 43,000 students are conjointly enrolled. Awarding three million dollars worth of scholarship money and contributing nearly 1.2 billion dollars every year to the Mecklenburg economy, it is a large benefactor of Mecklenburg County.

One of the main enticements for high school students is CPCC’s dual enrollment courses. A component appreciated by students is classes led by educators that give more freedom to the students. “I like a professor’s way of teaching rather than CSD’s…They [professors] trust you with a lot more. In my chemistry class here [CSD] you are definitely watched to a tee. Once you’re in the lab on a college setting you have that leeway…The money is also a big part.” CSD senior and four-semester enrollee of CPCC dual enrollment, Devin Wilson says.  CSD Junior Kate Shields also adds: “The curriculum is much more organized.” The classes allow students to gain college credit towards a two-year or four-year degree. “You get college credit for passing with a C,” CSD junior and first-semester CPCC student Mason Hamilton explains. With enough time and determination, it is possible to graduate high school with your associates degree and start college the next year as a sophomore. How this happens is the credits roll over into the college’s required classes. This can allow students to skip on textbooks and save money. CPCC also offers tuition-free classes as well as the aforementioned scholarship options.

Dual enrollment grants students this ability while still being able to stay involved in their community. Wilson says, “I’ve had to sacrifice some social events just in case there’s a unit test or a final…But my schedule is very forgiving.” Kids can still be kids while setting themselves apart by showing the drive to challenge themselves in arduous classes. “It looks really good on a college application and eliminates some of the courses I have to take my freshman year. And then it shows I vary from everyone else which colleges love to see,” Hamilton says.

CPPC offers fully online courses, hybrid (51-90% online), and blended (1-50% online) classes.  “The only con is I have to drive an hour and a half to get [in person] help,” Hamilton explains when talking about classes he otherwise enjoys online. These online programs have been offered by CPCC since 1997 and allow students to attend college-level courses anywhere with an internet connection. 

Both Hamilton and Wilson ended with, “Do it!”

North Carolina School of Science and Math

by Jacob Navarro

NCSSM, North Carolina School of Science and Math, is a public high school located in Durham, North Carolina. It is the number one school in North Carolina and 12th best in the nation. They focus on math, science, technology, and arts. They accept eleventh and twelfth grade students who want to transfer to their school for their academic studies and robotic programs. The school’s goal is to educate and nurture academically talented students to become state, national, and global leaders, increase access to high quality public education in North Carolina, and cultivate engaged citizens who will work for the betterment of the world.

NCSSM offers very hands-on learning and helps students have a deeper understanding of their interests. Julian Rizo, a senior at CSD, is currently enrolled in courses at NCSSM. He described the school as “enriching” and said, “NCSSM helped me narrow down what division of engineering I am interested in.” Rizo highly recommends taking courses at NCSSM and that “It looks good on college transcripts”

If NCSSM seems like a school for you, then you should absolutely apply. 

North Carolina Virtual Public School

by Charlie Bloom

North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) is an online program where North Carolina students can take courses outside of their school’s provided courses or limited schedules. The purpose of NCVPS is to provide e-learning opportunities to students.

Since NCVPS was created in 2017, over 175,000 high school students have enrolled. You can enroll in NCVPS through your local public school, and all grades are reported back to said school. NCVPS provides access to a wide variety of subjects, including: English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and more.

Celia Brown, sophomore, is a student who benefits from a course offered through NCVPS. Why did Brown choose to enroll in NCVPS? “French is not offered at CSD,” Brown shared, “and [I like that] I can do my assignments whenever I want.” 

While Brown enjoys the freedom of online classes, they aren’t without their shortcomings. “It’s hard to follow the class sometimes because it’s hard to hear pronunciations online,” Brown admitted. 

Considering enrolling in NCVPS? Brown shares some advice. “I would only recommend NCVPS if you can manage your time.” 

On the contrary, sophomore Ava Jordan says that she strongly recommends taking online courses because “I can do assignments on my own time [and] points aren’t taken off for late assignments.” Jordan commented on how she enjoys the privacy of taking online courses because “no one can hear me practicing French.” Why did Jordan choose to enroll in NCVPS? “I’ve been obsessed with French my entire life.” Jordan plans on studying abroad in the future, and is taking French because “taking French will help me prepare for studying abroad in Paris.”

NCVPS gives students the freedom to manage their time, while simultaneously offering the convenience and privacy of working from their own home.  Finally, NCVPS provides opportunities to enroll on courses that are not offered by their public school.

If you are interested in signing up for one of these programs, click here for more information.