Earlier this week, administrators, staff, and students of Pender Early College High School visited the 8th grade students of Burgaw Middle School. Students at BMS received information on how to apply, the benefits of attending the high school, and got to speak with high school representatives that gave them firsthand perspectives on what it would be like to be a student at the Early College. Both the students and staff members of BMS enjoyed this wonderful information session.
According to the school's website, "PECHS opened its doors in the fall of 2006. Three principals have served as the leader of Pender Early College while the school counselor, one history teacher, and the college liaison have remained constant. We have seen a tremendous increase in the number of students earning an associate degree. In the spring of 2016, we anticipate 63% (up from 32%) to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree from our partner, Cape Fear Community College. Since the grading of schools, PECHS has received two As and was recently recognized at the national level through Newsweek Magazine. In 2014, 100% of the students at PECHS earned a high school diploma and we are anticipating another 100% graduation rate in the spring of 2016. Recruitment efforts have been a focus in the last three years, and interest continues to spread for our unique program (Pender County Schools, 2023)."
Interested eighth grade students at Burgaw Middle School must complete an application by early January and should speak to their school counselor for specific dates and information.