Dear 8th Grade Students and Parents,

Thank you for your interest in Caldwell Early College High School. Before you begin the application process, we would like to share several important facts regarding our school. Our expectation is for CECHS graduates to attend a college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree. This means we are looking for students who are committed to completing a college degree. You may not know how to be a successful college student right now, but if you are willing to work hard, we know how to support you every step of the way! CECHS graduates earn an average of two years of transferable college credit and have attended over 50 universities in 20 different states.  

While attending CECHS, you will be enrolled in CCC&TI college transfer courses beginning the first semester of your 9th grade year to help you complete your associate degree. CECHS integrates college readiness experiences into our curriculum throughout the program. Examples include:

• honors level coursework
• preparing for college placement tests such as ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, and WorkKeys
• multiple university visits
• academic supports for high school and college courses
• college and career research and planning
• completing college and financial aid applications
• planning for completion of a bachelor’s degree 

At CECHS, we value positive relationships, excellent communication skills, and community service. Our staff is committed to creating a caring and supportive environment in which students work together in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. CECHS students become skilled at working and learning in groups and presenting their work in non-traditional and innovative ways. We often travel off campus to broaden and deepen our knowledge as well as serve our community through volunteer activities. Students have the opportunity to participate in community service during their time at CECHS. 

If your goals include completing your bachelor’s degree at a college or university and you are ready for the challenge to become the best student and the best person you can be, we hope you will consider applying to Caldwell Early College High School. 

For more information, please see the enclosed FAQ sheet and visit our website. If you have any further questions, contact your school counselor or call us at 759-4636.

Sincerely,
CECHS Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an honor student to attend CECHS?

No. CECHS accepts students from all academic levels; however, students must be committed to completing honors level coursework.

Can I take any college course that I choose?

No. Students must enroll in classes (according to the academic plan) that count toward a college transfer associate degree with the commitment to complete a bachelor's degree.

Can I participate in athletics?

Yes. Students are eligible to participate in athletics at their district high school in grades 9-12. 

Can I participate in district band, chorus, or ROTC?

No. However, a college chorus and a college community band opportunity are offered after school.

Can I take Driver’s Education?

Yes. Students are eligible to take Driver’s Education through Caldwell County Schools.

Can I try CECHS out for a few weeks and then transfer if I don't like it?

No. There is no trial period. Students must follow the Caldwell County Schools transfer policy and timeline.

Do I have to be a car rider if I attend CECHS?

No. Bus transportation is provided by Caldwell County Schools. On days that Caldwell County Schools are in session, transportation is provided from his/her home to the district high school and then to CECHS. Due to the calendar differences, some days require limited transportation. On limited transportation days, parents are expected to provide transportation to and from their home to the district school,      or to CECHS. When traditional schools are not in session, shuttle buses are available from each district high school to CECHS. 

Does it matter in which part of Caldwell County I live?

No. CECHS represents the geographic diversity of Caldwell County.

Does CECHS follow the traditional school calendar?

No. We have a hybrid calendar that matches the CCC&TI instructional calendar and is aligned with the Caldwell County Schools calendar.   You may view our current calendar on the CCS or CECHS website.

What time does the CECHS school day begin and end?

For grades 9-11, the school day currently begins at 8:05 am and ends at 2:30 pm. For the 4th and 5th year students, the start and end times depend on their individual high school and college schedules. With careful planning, 4th and 5th year students may be able to schedule most   or all classes between 8:05 am and 2:30 pm if needed. 

Are CECHS Friday schedules different? 

Yes. Friday schedules are non-traditional and vary depending on grade level activities, off-campus learning, and college schedules. Students are expected to attend and participate in all activities for the entire day.

The goal of the Caldwell Early College High School (CECHS) admissions process is to select a diverse group of students who have a genuine interest in this unique and rigorous program. The selected student population will closely reflect the diversity of Caldwell County, including academic, ethnic, and geographic diversity. Before completing the application, review the following information. If you have any questions, see your school counselor.

Is CECHS the right place for you?

• Students commit to completing a high school diploma and a college transfer associate degree.
• Students commit to attending a university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Students understand all high school classes are taught as honors level courses.
• Students are committed to maintaining a 2.8 unweighted high school GPA and a 2.0 college GPA.
• Students understand homework is expected and must be completed at home.
• Students commit to attending after-school academic support when needed or as assigned.
• Students begin college transfer courses in the ninth grade.  
• Students often work in teams on projects and presentations.
• Students understand learning is assessed non-traditionally as well as by standardized grading methods.
• Students participate in many off-campus learning activities; participation is required.
• Students commit to excellent attendance and arrive at school on time.
• Students understand college courses require the same expectations, content, and levels of rigor for CECHS students as for traditional college students.
• Students understand college courses have no excused absences. Once absences exceed the specified number set by the instructor, students are dropped from the college course and do not receive credit for the course.
• Students understand the cost of college textbooks is covered by CECHS. If students have to repeat or withdraw from a course for any reason, they may be responsible for paying for the college textbook.
• Students are eligible to participate in their district high school athletic programs. 
• Students are not eligible to participate in their district high school band, chorus, or ROTC programs. However, college chorus and college community band are offered after school.
• On limited transportation days, parents will be expected to provide transportation to and from their home to the district school, or to CECHS (any day CECHS is in school but traditional schools are not in school).

Commitment Statement:  We understand and accept the above information as it may apply to our son or daughter. We understand that Caldwell Early College High School requires a substantial commitment and that signing this document is an agreement of commitment to this program. We also understand that if our son/daughter decides that he/she does not want to continue in the program, we must follow the Caldwell County School Board Policy transfer application process and timeline for CECHS through the district office. 

We understand that CECHS students are subject to all applicable policies set forth by Caldwell County Schools and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this application.

Caldwell Early College High School will receive middle school data including grades, EOG scores, attendance records, and disciplinary information.

Completed application must be submitted online no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19th, 2025.

To finish the online application please click "Submit".