Early College

Students apply to Hawthorne Academy through the CMS lottery, with 100 students selected to enter the early college program.

Students participate in onsite work-based learning experiences with Atrium Health. In their second semester, 9^th graders apply to Carolinas College to become official college students.

Students are introduced to introductory college courses. At the end of the year, students select one of the four specialized pathways along with either the 4- or 5-year sequence. Over the summer, they can also take part in HYPE, a four-week paid summer exploration program.

Students become mentors and continue to gain hands-on experience through a paid summer internship with Atrium Health.

Students earn their Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate and all high school graduation requirements. They will also complete a capstone project which will connect them with healthcare industry leaders.

If students choose the 5-year sequence, they will finish their college course requirements. At this point, students are ready to enter the workforce or may continue at Carolinas College in their chosen clinical program.

• Charlotte Mecklenburg School high school - Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences
• Secondary education institution - Carolinas College of Health Sciences
• Healthcare system - Atrium Health

The school dress models the expectations for student dress as outlined in the CMS Code of Student Conduct. Students are expected to follow these guidelines as well as the Hawthorne Way. For special events or field trips, additional dress code guidelines will be provided.

Scrubs are required during CNA clinical rotations. They are otherwise optional for regular school days.

After 9^th grade entry, students undergo a transcript review to identify if they meet the coursework to enter the program based on open seats.

We have a maximum allowance of 100 students per year.

Yes. Once the lottery is completed, there is a transfer window in which waitlisted students may receive a spot.

No, we take students from all CMS schools throughout the district.

All students must be enrolled/registered as a CMS student to participate in the Choice Lottery. Therefore, non-CMS students would need to complete the enrollment process before applying to Hawthorne.

You must apply through the CMS Choice Lottery during the application window.

• We offer several ways for students to get involved. Our HOSA club is very popular with students. We also have a Student Government Association.
• On most Fridays students dress based on the designated theme.
• Junior/Senior Prom is a combined effort, hosted by the CMS Early Colleges.
• Those interested in playing sports are able to participate at their CMS home school. Because Hawthorne’s bell schedule is slightly ahead, students will be able to get to practice/events on time.

Yes, all college courses will be included on your high school transcript. If you need a copy of your college transcript, you will be able to request one through the Carolinas College’s registrar’s office.

During the 2024-25 year, we had a 100% graduation rate.

The proposed new high school building in the second ward area is expected to open Fall 2028.

Absolutely, simply call 980-343-6011 to schedule a tour.

• Alicia D’joi - Student Success Coordinator
• Kenya L. Ingram - Counselor (Last names A-J)
• Shannon Clark - Counselor (Last names K-Z-)
• Elizabeth Baker - Next Step Advisor

Students use their homeschool as a pick-up and drop-off location. Transportation to and from the homeschool location is the responsibility of the student.

• Academic support
• College counseling
• Mental health support

Work-Based Learning is an educational approach that connects classroom instruction with real-world work experiences. It allows students to apply academic and technical skills in authentic workplace settings while exploring careers and developing employability skills. Examples include simulations, internships, clinical rotations, and capstone projects.

No. Summer internships are optional but strongly encouraged for students seeking additional hands-on experience.

Work-Based Learning experiences are scheduled throughout the school year and are often integrated into the regular school day. These may include classroom-based activities, on-campus events, and structured rotations with healthcare partners.

Depending on your grade level, Atrium Health offers paid summer experiences for students:

• 10^th Grade: HYPE (Healthcare Youth Pathways to Employment) — a hands-on, paid learning experience at The Pearl that includes tours, workshops, and healthcare simulations.
• 11^th Grade: Paid internships that allow students to apply skills in real hospital or clinical settings.
• 12^th Grade: Part-Time/PRN paid positions begin if enrolled in Pathways to Healthcare. Senior internships will take place during the spring semester.

No. Summer opportunities are encouraged but optional. You can still fully participate in the school year WBL sequence.

Yes, for approved WBL activities during the CMS school day.

Note: Transportation is not provided for internships or summer programs.

Students visit The Pearl for tours, simulations, design challenges, panels; along with professional networking and HYPE program activities. Occasionally, there may be study hours and after-hours events held at The Pearl.

All high school classes will remain at Hawthorne, but once the new high school building opens in the second ward, some Carolinas College classes may be held at The Pearl.

Although WBL aligns with your core classes, it does not affect your GPA. There is no grade associated with WBL, but your participation can strengthen your resume and help you build professional skills that colleges and employers value.

Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences is an NC Cooperative Innovative High School that provides ongoing state funding for college tuition courses taken at Carolinas College of Health Sciences while students are enrolled in the early college. Additional sustainability plans will be pursued leading up to the end of the 5-year grant term in 2031.

No. While WBL highlights Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Neurodiagnostic Technology, and Healthcare Simulation because they are high-demand and offered at Carolinas College, it also exposes students to many other roles across clinical, technical, research, rehab, operations, and public health fields. Carolinas College is finalizing a merger with its sister school, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. While details are still being worked out, we are optimistic that this collaboration will create new opportunities and potentially offer students more pathway options in the future.

Healthcare fundamentals overlap across many fields (anatomy, sterile technique, imaging, lab skills, teamwork, communication, ethics, and safety). WBL helps you build these transferable skills and practice professional behaviors that matter in veterinary medicine and other STEM careers. Together, the program offers three paid internship opportunities, a strong professional network, and a rigorous curriculum with healthcare specific classes.

Atrium Health and Carolinas College provide workshops aligned with Atrium Health’s Commitments and Behaviors and 2025 Marzano Employability Skills.

You’ll develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, empathy, and reflection skills. Activities include simulations, case studies, mentor Q&As, and presentations with feedback. We also offer soft skills courses during NEST Block and embed these skills throughout WBL experiences.

Internships are coordinated through Atrium Health. Students will be offered a paid healthcare immersion program the summer of their 10th grade year and then progress to internships in their Junior and Senior year. Opportunities are shared through our WBL coordinator and Atrium Team.

Internship placements usually require:

• Eligibility: Completion of certain coursework and good academic standing.
• Professional Readiness: Attendance, Resume, cover letter, and participation in soft skills workshops.
• Application: Students submit an application and may interview with the employer.
• Compliance: Some healthcare internships require background checks, immunizations, or confidentiality agreements.

Advance notice and guidance will be provided for all requirements and deadlines.

Students can share their interests and preferred career pathways, and we do our best to match internships accordingly. However, placements depend on availability, employer requirements, and readiness criteria. While you may not always get your first choice, every internship is designed to provide valuable experience and align with your long-term goals.

Yes! Upon completing your high school credits, students in the Early College program have the opportunity to be placed in a job within Atrium Health through our Pathways to Healthcare program. This pathway allows graduates to:

• Start working part-time in a healthcare role immediately after high school.
• Continue their education while gaining hands-on experience.
• Access mentorship and career development resources to grow within the healthcare field.

Students will learn to create a portfolio and resume entries highlighting their WBL experiences.

Yes. Shadowing is a key part of WBL. Students will have the opportunity to observe professionals in various healthcare and related fields, gaining real-world insights into different careers.

Students will be asked to complete a reflection and feedback form after each WBL activity.

• Academic support
• Mental health support
• Continuing education assistance

All students take the same courses in the Early College program at Hawthorne Academy and will earn an associate degree in general studies. The following are application requirements to continue with Carolinas College in the clinical program. The GPA requirement is based only on the four required courses for guaranteed admissions (below), not the student’s overall GPA.

• Nursing (ADN): 40 Seats, 3.0 GPA
• Courses required for guaranteed admissions: BIO 168/169 - Anatomy & Physiology I/II, COM 120 - Interpersonal Communications, and MAT 143 - Quantitative Reasoning
• Radiologic technology (RAD): 5 Seats, 3.21 GPA
• Courses required for guaranteed admissions: BIO 168/169 - Anatomy & Physiology I/II, COM 120 - Interpersonal Communications, and MAT 143 - Quantitative Reasoning
• Neurodiagnostic technology (NDT): 5 Seats, 2.5 GPA
• Courses required for guaranteed admissions: BIO 168 - Anatomy & Physiology I, PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology, COM 120 - Interpersonal Communications, and MAT 143 - Quantitative Reasoning
• Healthcare simulation (SIM): 50 Seats, 3.0 GPA
• Courses required for guaranteed admissions: BIO 168/169 - Anatomy & Physiology I/II, COM 120 - Interpersonal Communications, and MAT 143 - Quantitative Reasoning

With the upcoming merger with Cabarrus College of Health Science, there may be additional pathways and certifications available in the future. However, at this time we are only offering the four published pathways.

Students will declare a pathway before the start of 11^th grade during an advising session. Declaring a pathway will allow students to be tracked to earn guaranteed admissions into that Carolinas College clinical program. Most pathways will take an additional 2 years to complete.

We typically recommend that our “normal” incoming college students have as many general education courses completed before starting our clinical programs. This is due to the number of clinical hours required. Early College students will have all general education courses completed, so they would be able to solely focus on those program-specific courses. This could also free up time to work with Atrium and receive additional tuition assistance.

The four pathways offered to Early College students are the starting point for all other Carolinas College degree programs. For example, we offer a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), but a student would first need to complete the associate degree in nursing (ADN).

Each program requires in-person clinical rotations in an Atrium facility. The number of students accepted into a program is based on the space and facilities available and our mandated teacher-student ratios.

A GPA is part of a traditional college application process. Because of the competitiveness of each program, the GPA requirements vary.

Students must receive a “B” or higher in the guaranteed admissions courses (above) to earn admissions into their chosen pathway. If a “C” or lower is earned, students will need to apply as any other college prospective.

Students must successfully complete all courses with a “C” or higher to earn the associate degree. A grade of “D” will earn high school credit but not college credit; therefore, the course must be retaken in order to earn the associate degree.

If an “F” is earned, the student will be required to repeat the course. This may alter the course sequence and the student’s ability to complete the associate degree. If a student's GPA falls below the minimum requirement, they will be notified of academic probation and will have two semesters to recover their college GPA.

A GPA, or grade point average, converts those letters or percentages into numbers and then averages these numbers together. Because it's made up of all your grades, your GPA is one of the most important factors for college admission. It's a good indicator of your intelligence, work ethics, perseverance, and willingness to push yourself.

Students must first attend Hawthorne to enter the Early College program. Students should select Hawthorne Academy as their number one choice in the CMS lottery application.

The college will reach out to parents and students during the second semester of their freshman year to start discussing the early college application. Students will need to submit an online application along with the required forms. We will host application events to make this process easier.

Once admitted to the College, students will receive more information about their student accounts, onboarding requirements, and student resources.

All courses currently take place on the Hawthorne Academy campus.

With the opening of the new 2nd ward high school in 2028, there will be more opportunities for flexibility and movement between The Pearl and high school campuses.

In this program, you will earn a 2-year associate degree at no cost. These courses would be transferable to most 4-year universities where you could start a pre-med program as a junior.

The enrollment of high school math will be handled by Hawthorne Academy. However, the college offers MAT 143 - Quantitative Reasoning, MAT 152 - Statistics, and MAT 171 - Pre-Calculus (you will be required to take 2 of these courses to meet the associate degree graduation requirement). After completing MAT 143, you will either continue in MAT 152 or MAT 171 based on a placement test.

No, after graduation students have the choice of continuing with Carolinas College, attending another educational institution, or working with Atrium.

When you declare a pathway, the college starts tracking your courses for guaranteed admissions. If you change your mind along the way, you will need to apply to your preferred program and will lose the guaranteed seat.

To meet the graduation requirements of an associate degree, you must earn a "C" or higher in all courses. If you earn a "D", you will need to retake the course or forego the earning degree at graduation. While a "D" is still passing at the high school level, you will not be able to transfer the course at the college level.

Remediation is available for students receiving a "D" or lower in a course. This will be determined by your college advisor.

Yes, the student will have direct contact with their advisor and can email to request an appointment at any time.

Once a student officially enrolls at Carolinas College, the student owns their educational record; therefore, the college cannot discuss any information with anyone other than the individual student without consent. Students are encouraged to complete a FERPA release form if they wish for the college to communicate with parents or Hawthorne staff regarding academic progress, interventions, or support. The completion of the form is optional and cannot be mandated by the college. If the student would like to complete or update the form, they are able to access it on Canvas (FERPA Release Form for Academic Records).

College courses do not accept late work. Students must submit assignments at the instructor’s designated date/time. Any work submitted after the due date/time will earn a zero (0) in the grade book.

The biggest challenge will be time management. College courses require more time outside of class than typical high school courses.

Classroom management methods, teaching practices, and general policies may differ between courses. These are determined by the instructor, so students must pay careful attention to the course syllabus.

Madison Donald - Madison.Donald@CarolinasCollege.edu

• Academic support
• Mental health support