Catawba County Schools

Our five traditional high schools offer a well-rounded experience for students across Catawba County. While students are assigned to their home schools based on their residence, students are welcome to attend any of our traditional high schools with their own transportation at no additional cost. All of our schools offer a multitude of regular, honors, and AP courses, as well as a variety of electives, CTE opportunities, and athletics. For a detailed listing, please visit our website.

All students can take advantage of the many programs we offer, including:
 

• Career & College Promise - Earn college credit while in high school at no cost
• Online Catawba - Take FREE online courses for flexibility, advancement, and added class options taught by local teachers
• Scholars Academy at Lenoir-Rhyne University - Earn college credit through LR during your junior and senior year 
• Largest Work-Based Learning Program in NC - Get a jump start on your career by learning hands-on with major employers in the area 
• Apprenticeship Catawba - Receive scholarships, a Journeyman’s certificate, plus a 2-year associate degree with no college debt 
• JROTC in all High Schools - Get a head start on your military career 
• Advanced Placement Courses - Strengthen your transcript while challenging yourself with college-paced classes 

Learn about our Traditional High Schools
 

Bandys High School

Bandys’ rigorous academic courses include a tremendous agriculture program with one of the state’s largest working farms teaching students biology, nutrition, and more. 27 sports teams, 17 clubs, a variety of extracurricular activities, and a JROTC program that is ranked #7 nationally, all provide a well-rounded experience for students in the Bandys family.

Bunker Hill High School

Bunker Hill has a close-knit community environment with diverse ethnic, native, and socioeconomic populations. It offers a wide variety of academic courses, workforce, and industry opportunities, as well as a multitude of clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities including a large horticultural science program.

Fred T. Foard High School

In addition to rigorous academic programs that warranted over $5MM in scholarships in 2018, Foard has an outstanding reputation for its visual and performing arts programs as well as having an award-winning athletics program and a multitude of extracurricular activities and clubs. 

 

Maiden High School

Situated in the close-knit community of Maiden, “the biggest little football town in the World”, Maiden offers 17 different sports, over 20 clubs and activities, and multiple opportunities for community involvement in addition to the academic rigor needed to graduate a well-rounded student.

St. Stephens High School

In addition to a history of strong academic achievements, St. Stephens offers a variety of activities to help students become more involved in the school and community. With 20+ sport teams from which to choose, as well as 20+ clubs, students get the opportunity for complete education in CCS’ largest high school.

 

Challenger Early College High School

In addition to the pathways outlined at our traditional high schools, qualifying students can apply for acceptance into one of our non-traditional high school options. Catawba County residents may attend any of the non-traditional schools at no extra charge but may be required to provide their own transportation.

Catawba County Schools' Challenger Early College High School provides an innovative way for high school students to earn both a high school degree and a two-year associate degree (or up to two years’ credit toward a bachelor’s degree) in the same four years it takes to go to high school – saving the student both time and money. 

Is an early college high school right for my child?

Early college high schools require — more than any other single thing — motivation from students. If your child doesn’t have it, it’s probably not the right choice.  The pace is rapid and requires good time management skills and independence. 

Online Catawba Virtual Learning Academy

Online Catawba enables students the flexibility to complete both core and elective courses using a convenient, online format virtually anytime, anywhere - at no extra charge. This program is ideal for families who need flexibility due to extensive travel or as a free alternative to home school. It is also a fantastic way students can supplement their traditional high school education with additional courses that are not currently offered at their high school. 

Unlike other online programs, classes are taught entirely by local teachers allowing opportunities for students to get extra help in person if needed or to even participate in labs. 

Students with good time-management skills and who enjoy working at their own pace will be ideal participants in Online Catawba’s classes.

Learn More!

Advanced Placement Courses
Strengthen your transcript while challenging yourself with college-paced classes 

Apprenticeship Catawba
Receive scholarships, a Journeyman’s certificate, plus a 2-year associate degree with no college debt 

Learn More on CVCC's Website

Career & College Promise
The Career and College Promise (CCP) Program allows qualified students to be enrolled in high school and earn tuition-free college credits at the same time.

Students can earn college credit through one of seven college transfer pathways with NC Career and College Promise that can then transfer to all public universities in North Carolina, as well as many private colleges or universities.

Students can also choose to earn tuition-free credits toward many of the career technical programs offered at CVCC.

Career and College Promise is available to eligible high school students through a partnership among the Department of Public Instruction, the NC Community College System, the University of North Carolina System, and many independent colleges and universities. Please review official CCP documents and resources that have been published by the NC Community College System.

Learn more information on CVCC's Website

Career & Technical Education
Career and Technical Education gives students opportunities to figure out what they are passionate about and want to do - and not do - after high school.

Students explore a range of career options based on what they love to do and do well. CTE courses are provided through seven pathway sectors. Learn more in the CTE Curriculum Guide and on the District's separate CTE website.

While Career & College Promise allows high school students to take college-level courses, tuition-free and accumulate credits that seamlessly transfer to public and private colleges and universities, students who want to pursue a technical career through our Career & Technical Education Program can earn tuition-free credits toward a certificate, job credential, or technical diploma at a North Carolina Community College.

Dual Enrollment
Get a jump start on your college education by taking college courses while still in high school! 

• Career & College Promise through CVCC
• Scholars Academy at Lenoir-Rhyne University