The Need
Public education in North Carolina continues to make remarkable strides. However, we still have a long way to go. Our children are not completing high school in four years and for too many, not at all. Out of those who gain their diploma, few finish college.
Columbus County Schools, in conjunction with Southeastern Community College, Robeson Community College, Cape Fear Community College, NC New Schools Project, and The Golden Leaf Foundation, seeks innovative and engaging solutions to this problem.
At CCCA, students complete coursework towards completing a high school diploma, trade certificate, Associate’s degree or other college transfer program leading to a university Bachelor’s Degree. Students will have access to clusters of courses in Broadcasting & Communications, Culinary Arts, Metals Machining, and Masonry.
CCCA is located on the beautiful campus of Southeastern Community College with classes taking place in the M-Building, B-Building, and T-Building.
A Different Kind of School
The new 3 R’s of education are Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships, and CCCA is majoring in all three! Our students are involved in service learning, field trips, project-based learning, and job shadowing co-ops. Parents are Partners at CCCA, serving as volunteers and helping to make decisions regarding their child’s future. In addition, each year we take our students to visit universities around NC so they can become familiar with transfer options.
Extracurricular Activities
We have many clubs and school activities such as dances and field trips. Students are also able to participate in various activities and events sponsored by SCC.
At CCCA We Believe:
- All of our students must be college and career-ready critical thinkers to compete in a global economy.
- All of our curriculum and instruction must be purposeful, researched based, and of the highest quality.
- Each student has individual needs and can make unique contributions.
- High expectations of respect, honesty, and responsibility promote student achievement.
- A safe, supportive, and orderly school environment supports learning.
- Character education is paramount to student development.
- Diversity is recognized and respected.
- Well-rounded students participate in academic and extracurricular activities.
- Schools are interdependent with parents and the community.
- Educators are valued professionals.
How do I Enroll?
CCCA is a joint venture of Columbus County Schools and Southeastern Community College. Applications for admission are available on the school website under “Become a Student”.
Any student who will be in the ninth grade in the fall of 2023 may apply. The student body will be representative of the diversity of Columbus County, but special attention is paid to recruiting first generation college students.
Applications must be completed and returned by April 2, 2023. Then each potential candidate will be expected to visit the SCC campus along with his or her parents in order to determine if CCCA would be the best educational environment to reach his goals. Students can expect to receive notification of their acceptance by the middle of May and will then need to be prepared to attend freshman “boot camp” at the end of July.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is busing provided for CCCA students? Free transportation is available as long as the student is enrolled.
2. Is school lunch provided? School lunch is provided for students at CCCA and is representative of the lunch provided in other high schools.
3. Do students who attend CCCA wear uniforms? CCCA is a school within the Columbus County Schools system and, therefore, follows the same dress requirements as other Columbus County High Schools, therefore, there is not a uniform requirement. Students are required to wear student ID’s at all times.
4. Is the calendar and daily schedule the same as the other high schools in the county? No, CCCA runs on a different calendar and schedule than the other public schools in order to allow students to take college courses. We begin the first week in August and end towards the end of May. Our days typically run from 8:20 – 2:25.
5. Can I still do sports, JROTC or band at the “big high school?” When a student comes to CCCA, he or she is no longer a student at the other high school and cannot participate in their extracurricular activities. Of course, you can still go to their games and public events.
6. Is it challenging? Yes, it is challenging! Students report that it takes a lot of organization and dedication to do well at CCCA, however, you do not have to be super smart. Our school is great at reaching students at their current level and helping them move forward, but they have to want it!
7. How do I enroll to become a student at CCCA? Eighth grade students will visit the campus of CCCA and be able talk to current CCCA students and teachers. During this time, they can ask questions and learn more about what it is like to be a student at CCCA. Students that are interested in becoming a CCCA student will receive applications during this time or they can download an application from our website here.
8. Can someone who is already in high school transfer to CCCA? No. We are sorry, but the only time to enroll is prior to the 9th grade.