Charlotte Teacher Early College

Charlotte Teacher Early College (CTEC) opened in August 2017 on the campus of UNC Charlotte to serve students interested in a career in education.  The early college model is designed to provide opportunities for high school students to earn college credit, free of charge, during the five years in the program.  CTEC has open admission and seek to provide opportunities for first-generation college students, underrepresented minority groups and students in search of acceleration. CTEC admits 55 students in the ninth grade each year and tenth grade students based on availability.  Students are admitted during the CMS School Options Lottery, which opens November 27th.

Students typically spend the first two years in the program completing their high school coursework. Most students begin taking a combination of high school and college courses at the beginning of their 11th-grade year.  The number of college courses increases during the 12th and 13th grade years.  CTEC students can choose to graduate after the 12th grade or stay to earn additional free college credit in the 13th grade.  

Why CTEC? Here are some of the advantages we offer:

  • High school graduation-24 credits
  • Students can earn up to 60 hours of transferable college credit
  • All tuition, fees, and textbooks are included.
  • Small, personalized learning environment
  • Access to the UNC Charlotte campus and coursework
  • Highly qualified, committed staff
  • Diverse student population

CTEC accepts rising ninth-grade or tenth grade students who live in Mecklenburg County. We look for students who have a strong interest in the educational field of study, who have a strong work ethic, can handle an honors-level curriculum and want to go to college. CTEC also looks for students with strong academic potential who are able to work independently to meet academic goals.

CTEC students take all honors level courses during the first two years of the program, which also allows students to begin taking college courses in their junior year. The college coursework is focused on teaching and offers the opportunity to complete UNC Charlotte general education requirements and benefit from a fast-paced, all honors level program.

Enrollment & lottery

Learn more about the Charlotte Teacher Early College
ctec@cms.k12.nc.us
980-343-9898