Record Numbers of North Carolina Students Engage in College-Level Courses During High School
North Carolina public schools are witnessing an unprecedented rise in the number of students enrolling in and completing college-level courses while still in high school. This trend is highlighted in recent data shared with the State Board of Education, showcasing the state’s commitment to advanced education.
According to the report, 54% of the Class of 2025 graduates completed at least one college-level course or exam through programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), the Career and College Promise (CCP) program, and International Baccalaureate during high school. This figure marks the highest percentage ever recorded for North Carolina’s public schools.
The CCP program has been instrumental in this accomplishment, allowing eligible high school students to enroll in college classes across various North Carolina community colleges and universities. In the 2024-25 academic year, 38% of graduates took part in at least one college course via the CCP, an all-time high for the program.
Participation in the CCP program saw nearly 87,000 students in the 2024-25 period, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year. Students have the opportunity to choose from three pathways, including college transfer and career and technical education, while still attending high school.
These developments underscore the collaborative efforts between North Carolina public schools and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to equip students for future success. North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green stated, “Having 54% of North Carolina public high school graduates pass at least one college-level course/exam is outstanding and exemplifies our commitment to preparing each student for their next phase of life as outlined in our strategic plan, Achieving Educational Excellence.”
Another vital component of the CCP is the Cooperative Innovative High School (CIHS) pathway. CIHS offers a blend of high school and college experiences, with 138 such institutions located on college campuses throughout North Carolina. In the 2024-25 academic year, 6,560 students graduated from a CIHS, with 3,498 also earning an associate degree alongside their high school diploma.
CIHS students across all grades earned 7,259 industry-recognized credentials through Career and Technical Education courses during the same period, marking a significant increase from previous years. “Through high-quality instructional programming and close partnerships with institutions of higher education, Cooperative Innovative High Schools provide a unique opportunity for students to participate in college-level work while receiving robust support,” said Sneha Shah-Coltrane, senior director of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education at NCDPI.
More than half of North Carolina’s public high school graduates are now completing college-level courses during high school, setting a new state record and positioning North Carolina as a leader in providing advanced learning opportunities nationwide. These achievements are further complemented by other historic milestones, including record graduation rates, AP participation and performance, and industry-recognized credentials earned by Career and Technical Education students.
A press conference following the State Board of Education presentation featured students from both the CIHS and CCP programs sharing personal stories about the impact of these initiatives. Watch it here.
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