High Schools and Specialty Programs

Specialty Program Quick Reference Guide

The Marine Academy at Eugene Ashley High School

Marine Science Academy Details

The goal of the Marine Science Academy is to provide students with an enriching and rigorous education in a coastal setting while equipping them with 21st century skills designed to meet the challenges facing our global ocean. Instilling a lifelong love of learning and sense of stewardship about the dynamic NC coast will also be a major focus of the program.

Students who are interested in marine science can transfer to Eugene Ashley High School as a freshman and take part in science classes that highlight their special interest. Sophomores and juniors can apply to the Marine Science Academy where they will complete one year college level Oceanography and Biology coursework. In addition students would participate in internships and marine technology opportunities at UNCW and CFCC.

Student internships in the program allow Academy students access to mentors and ocean research that they can apply to their Graduation Research Project. In addition to dual college credit, each student would receive a special Marine Science Academy seal on their high school diploma attesting to their successful completion of the program.  Students will also participate in science-related clubs and enrichment activities outside of school hours.

UNCW will provide waivers, in lieu of college credit, for Academy students who attend UNCW for Oceanography 150 and Biology of the Sea 170 to fulfill University Studies requirements and to allow for the opportunity to advance to the next level courses. Waivers will not reduce the number of credit hours required for graduation. Oceanography 150 and Biology of the Sea 170 will be recorded on the high school transcript as evidence of completion in order to receive the waiver.

For more information on the Marine Science Academy, including recommended course prerequisites, please visit the following link:   https://www.nchs.net/schools/specialty-schools-programs/marine-science-academy.
 

AP Capstone Diploma Program

AP Capstone™ is a national diploma program based on two AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These yearlong courses focus on developing critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills for college-level work.  At AHS those classes are offered in an A/B day AP format to better schedule with other AP courses and promote success.  AP Seminar is offered beginning 10th grade for particularly motivated students with AP Research becoming an option in 11th  or 12th grade.  AP Research is only available to students who have completed AP Seminar. 

Students are able to strive for two different achievements administered through the College Board (the organization that develops AP courses and exams):  The AP Capstone Diploma and the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

AP Capstone Diploma:  If a student earns scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on 4 additional AP Exams of their choice, they’ll receive the AP Capstone Diploma.  College applications can include a notation if a student is an AP Capstone Diploma candidate.

AP Seminar and Research Certificate: If a student earns scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research, they’ll receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

AP Capstone contact at AHS:  kelli.kidwell@nhcs.net and/or joseph.skladanowski@nhcs.net
 

Specialty Program Quick Reference Guide

Career Readiness Academy at Mosley

CAREER READINESS ACADEMY AT MOSLEY
The Career Readiness Academy at Mosley offers a small, supportive traditional academic setting for students in grades 9 -12.  CRA strives to help students identify and pursue future career goals.  Our school provides in-house career-oriented courses and we are structured to support students who want to pursue career and college course work through dual enrollment at Cape Fear Community College.

R.E.A.C.H Your WHY
Our small campus and supportive staff strive to help students R.E.A.C.H. for their “why” in education.  Our school is focused on Responsibility within ourselves, Education through our Teacher Cadet Program, rigorous Academics via traditional high school Core development, engaging with our Community partners and Helping our students gain valuable career skills in hospitality and counseling services.

CAREER EXPLORATION
Students engage in career exploration and preparation to navigate their future.  During their high school experience, students can participate in workplace tours, job shadowing and college field trips as well as attend on-campus forums with speakers from diverse career pathways.

We offer CTE labs in Hospitality and Tourism as well as Counseling and Mental Health where students actively participate in labs for various careers in these areas.  Courses may include Hospitality and Tourism Management I & II, Career Management as well as Counseling and Mental Health I & II.

All students at the Career Readiness Academy participate in the Advisory course.  This course emphasizes future ready skills such as critical thinking, communication, personal responsibility, and adaptability. Students enrolled at Mosley have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and sports at their districted high school while attending Mosley.

Students applying for the Career Readiness Academy must meet admission criteria and their families must meet with the school. See a school counselor or contact the school directly for details
 

Specialty Program Quick Reference Guide

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at John T. Hoggard High School

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Coursework

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an organization that originated in Europe during the 1960s with the aim of equipping college-bound students with high-standard academics and global-mindedness. Ultimately, “The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.” (IB Learner Profile)

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is open to juniors and seniors in New Hanover County, and interested students are encouraged to apply through NHC Signature Programs as Pre-IB freshman or sophomore where they will fulfill prerequisites to take IB courses and interact with students in the IB DP Programme.

The IB Diploma Programme is a 2-year course of study beginning in 11th grade. All IB DP students study 6 subjects from different academic groups of which 3 (or 4) are studied at higher level and 3(or 2) at standard level. IB subjects are graded on a 1- 7 scale with 7 being the highest score. To qualify for the award of the IB Diploma a student must receive a combined score of at least 24 points across 6 subjects with at least 12 points from higher level subjects and a minimum of 9 points from standard level subjects. 

In addition to the 6 subjects, IB Diploma students are required to complete three Core elements and the Group 4 project – Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), and the Group 4 Project

Hoggard DP Courses Offered

• Group 1 - Language A = Language and Literature (HL)
• Group 2 - Language B = French (SL), Latin (SL), Spanish (SL/HL)
• Group 3 - Individuals and Societies =
• History of the Americas Route 2 & Twentieth Century World Topics (HL)
• Group 4 - Natural Science 
  • Biology (HL)
  • Chemistry (SL/HL)
  • Sports, Exercise, and Health Science (SL)
• Group 5 - Mathematics 
  • Math: Applications & Interpretation (SL)
  • Math: Analysis & Approaches (SL/HL)
• Group 6 - Arts 
  • Visual Arts (SL)
  • Dance (SL)
  • Theatre (SL)

Please refer to the Digital Course Catalog for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Course Options
For more information, please contact the IB Programme Coordinator, Mary Lillge (mary.lillge@nhcs.net).
 

Specialty Program Quick Reference Guide

UNCW Partnership/Future Teachers Career Academy at IBECHS

UNCW Partnership / Future Teachers Career Academy

Located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Isaac Bear Early College High School is a Cooperative Innovative High School that integrates Honors coursework in English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Spanish, and Career and Technical Education in an exploration of real-world applications. Isaac Bear Early College provides students an opportunity to accelerate their high school experience and to earn up two years of college credit that can be used to satisfy general college curriculum requirements.

In a unique partnership with UNC-Wilmington’s Watson College of Education, Isaac Bear students are also given the opportunity to participate in the Future Teachers Career Academy, which aims to attract and prepare high school students wishing to explore teaching and instruction as a career. Academy students volunteer, teach, and experience education from many points of view, and become leaders in their schools. 

Admission to Isaac Bear Early College is conducted via an application process in mid-December to mid-January of each year. For more information, please visit the school website at http://www.nhcs.net/isaacbear/.
 

Specialty Program Quick Reference Guide

STEM Academy at Emsley A. Laney High School

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Academy

“STEM is the infusion of two or more of the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM empowers students to understand complex problems and prepares our next generation of innovators.” (NC DPI. (nd) STEM Education and Leadership.)  The STEM Academy is a two-year immersive academic, leadership, field, and research experience that begins in the 11th grade.  Students choose one of two pathways, Engineering or Biochemical Sciences, and complete upper-level honors, advanced placement, and advanced engineering courses. 

The experience begins with the Pre-STEM program in grades 9 and 10.  The Pre-STEM program is designed to help the students complete all of the prerequisites for the STEM Academy.  

1. Course prerequisites: Honors English I, II, Honors Math I, II, III, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Earth and Environmental or AP Environmental Science, Honors World History or Honors Civics, Health/PE, 1 STEM Elective.  Minimum weighted GPA is a 3.5
2. Skills: computational thinking and science and engineering 
3. Participate in STEM clubs and STEM activities and service projects 
    

The STEM Academy offers two pathways: engineering or biochemical sciences.   Through Project Lead the Way, students can choose Aerospace Engineering or Civil Engineering and Architecture culminating with a Capstone Project completed in the Engineering Design and Development course.  Biochemical Sciences offers two routes:  chemical sciences or biomedical science.  Culminating with authentic experience, STEM competitions and research opportunities.
Interested students are encouraged to apply through the New Hanover Signature Program application.     For more information about the Pre-STEM and STEM Academy, please visit https://www.nhcs.net/schools/specialty-schools-programs/stem-program

Specialty Program Quick Reference Guide

The Lyceum Academy at New Hanover High School

The Lyceum Academy

The Lyceum Academy of New Hanover High School is open to all juniors and seniors in New Hanover County. This two-year program offers an uninterrupted time block incorporating alternative educational experiences where
connections are made between traditional subjects to demonstrate real-world relevance. A team of 4 teachers instructs and guides students through the academy, which consists of approximately 100 students (50 in each grade level).Classes in Lyceum are from 8:30 AM until 11:40 AM on traditional school days; afterwards students are released to take electives, including AP Seminar.

Real-world relevance is reinforced through local and national field experiences. These hands-on experiences enhance the curriculum by engaging students in their academics outside the traditional classroom setting. Field experiences also help develop group skills through team building activities such as retreats, seminars, and social interactions. No students are excluded due to financial issues.
 
Students elect to participate and are accepted through an application and interview process which begins in January during their sophomore year. The application, a list of required course prerequisites, and additional information is available at https://www.nhcs.net/schools/specialty-schools-programs/lyceum-academy.

Pre-Lyceum

Pre-Lyceum courses for freshmen and sophomores offer students the experience of some of the hallmarks of the Lyceum program such as challenging coursework,  interdisciplinary learning opportunities/team teaching across subjects, flexible scheduling, and year long classes. The classes are taught in a single year long block in which teachers have the opportunity to utilize each day as needed to incorporate a variety of instructional methods and lessons. Students are still eligible to apply for Lyceum if they did not participate in Pre-Lyceum classes.

Specialty Program Quick Reference Guide

Cooperative Innovative High School, partnered with Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)

Cape Fear Community College Partnership

Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA-Tech) is located in Castle Hayne, NC.  SEA-Tech services both New Hanover and Pender Counties as a Career & Technical Education high school.  Through hands-on and project based learning, students are introduced to academic and technical subjects through both traditional high school options and through dual enrollment with Cape Fear Community College.  This blending allows students to be prepared to enter the workforce directly or to continue on to other post-secondary opportunities.

There are over 60 programs of study and four career focused academies (Construction Trades Academy, Health & Fitness Academy, Culinary & Hospitality Management Academy, Public Safety Academy), making Southeast Area Technical High School one of the most sought after educational opportunities in the region.  Students are introduced to career exploration through a multitude of work based learning activities such as job shadowing, mentorships, service learning and internships. 

Industry recognized credentials are part of the experience at SEA-Tech and in addition to a high school diploma, students are eligible for college credit, multiple certificates, diplomas and/or a degree from CFCC. As a school of choice, students may apply in December.  Students can apply as Freshmen or as transfer students as a rising sophomore or junior.

Interested students should apply through the New Hanover County Signature Programs. 
Application:  https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/highschoolspecialtyprograms/common-application?authuser=0  

SparkNC

SparkNC is a new way to do school. Each learner is in a lead role, following their interests, building the skills they want to learn, and charting their own path toward high-tech careers of their choice, all while earning high-school credit. Through SparkNC, every learner has access to an inter-district network of teachers and tech industry partners to guide and shape their learning. To earn credit, learners will first complete the SparkNC Orientation Unit, then choose and complete eight high-tech Units, and pull it all together with a final capstone project. Learners have the opportunity to complete SparkNC Units in three different ways: live, on-demand, and experiential. 

Specialty Program Quick Reference Guide

Wilmington Early College High School

Wilmington Early College High School Details

Wilmington Early College High School (WECHS) is one of two early colleges in New Hanover County. Students at WECHS have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree from Cape Fear Community College. Most of the high school classes are completed during the first two years of high school and some students begin taking their transferrable college classes in their sophomore year. Students are enrolled for either four or five years and upon completing graduation requirements participate in both their high school and college commencements.

Students follow a rigorous schedule of Honors Coursework for the first two years. Students have a set curriculum during their ninth and tenth grade years. Below is a sample of ninth and tenth grade courses.

Students at WECHS take the following high school required courses on the college level:  MAT 171 (the fourth high school math), they also have the option of taking English 4 on the college level which includes the following college classes:  ENG 111, ENG 112, and ENG 241 or ENG 242.

As students begin taking classes at Cape Fear Community College, they work closely not only with their high school counselor, but also the college liaison to make certain that their college experience is individualized.  They are advised regarding their degree option choices and their post-secondary interests and goals. Students can complete one transferable degree option at Cape Fear Community College and during their ninth and tenth grade years, they work closely with the Career Development Coordinator to explore career options and complete interest inventories.

Our Mission: 
Wilmington Early College High School was established through a partnership between New Hanover County Schools and Cape Fear Community College to provide students with an opportunity to earn an Associate's Degree along with their high school diploma. WECHS is a four to five-year program where students engage in a rigorous academic curriculum of honors and college-level coursework. Our expectation is that all of our students will graduate with both their Associate's and their diploma, making our program truly "A Degree Above."

Interested students should apply through the New Hanover County Signature Programs. 
Application: https://www.nhcs.net/schools/specialty-schools-programs