Our Mission
We provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration to middle and early colleges high schools, allowing educators to develop and maintain successful college and career programs.
Our Vision
We strive to broaden the future opportunities of more students by expanding access to college classes through robust Early Colleges, Middle Colleges, and Dual Enrollment Programs.
The Educational Models
MCNC schools bridge the high school and college experience for underserved youth.
Middle College
Middle College High Schools (MCHS) are secondary schools located on college campuses and authorized to grant diplomas in their own name. MCHSs typically have 100 or fewer students per grade level, and provide a rigorous academic curriculum within a supportive environment to a student population that has been historically underserved and underrepresented in colleges. While at a Middle College High School, students have the opportunity to take some college classes at no cost to themselves or their families.
Early College
Early College High Schools share the main characteristics of Middle College High Schools: strong academic program, supportive environment, located on a college campus—and are designed to serve the same target population at no cost to the students. However, Early College High Schools also have a defined and structured program that enables the high school students to earn both their high school diploma and their associate degree in four to five years at no cost to the student.
Dual Enrollment
In Dual Enrollment Programs, high school students are able to take college courses, usually at nearby postsecondary institutions. Successful completion of college-level courses enables students to obtain credit toward both their high school diploma and toward a college degree. An Enhanced Dual Enrollment Program provides additional academic, social, and emotional support to students and professional development opportunities for all staff so they can facilitate the transition from high school to college.