Special Program Schools
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UCPS offers six lottery-based special program schools:
- Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts
- AgTech at Forest Hills High
- Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA)
- Health Sciences at Monroe High
- Sustainable Energy at Parkwood High
- Union County Early College (UCEC)
All applications are submitted through Scribbles and will only be considered if submitted during the published application window.
Requirements, Timelines, and Resources
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Resources to learn more about each program
8th grade students have had several opportunities to learn about the special program schools offered in Union County. Resources are linked below.
Videos about each program: (Coming soon!)
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Timeline for students entering 9th grade in the 2025-2026 school year
- Application open: February 12- March 9, 2025
- Families notified: March 26, 2025
- Deadline to accept seats: April 2, 2025
CATA and UCEC accept a small number of rising 10th grade students. The timeline for this application period will be published soon.
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Open House Dates and Times
Ag Tech Academy at Forest Hills High
- Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Central Academy of Technology & Arts
- Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. for Sun Valley, Marvin Ridge, East Union, Parkwood, Monroe.
- Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. for Piedmont, Weddington, Porter Ridge, Cuthbertson.
Health Sciences Academy at Monroe High
- Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Sustainable Energy Academy at Parkwood High
- Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Union County Early College
- Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the SPCC Main Building, Building A in Salon
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Entrance Requirements (CATA and UCEC only)
Rising 9th grade students
Central Academy of Technology & Arts
- 75% average across core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) looking at final grades for 7th grade and S1 for 8th grade
- Pre-Engineering: Math grades must be no less than 80% at end of 7th grade and S1 of 8th grade
- IPP: 80% average across core classes looking at final grades for 7th grade and S1 for 8th grade
- Students must not fail any core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) in 7th grade or S1 of 8th grade.
- No long-term suspensions in 7th grade or S1 of 8th grade.
Union County Early College
- 75% average across core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) looking at final grades for 7th grade and S1 for 8th grade
- Students must not fail any core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) in 7th grade or S1 of 8th grade.
- No long-term suspensions in 7th grade or S1 of 8th grade.
- Preference given to first-generation college students.
Rising 10th grade students
Central Academy of Technology & Arts
- 75% average across core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) looking at final grades for 8th grade and S1 for 9th grade
- Pre-Engineering: Math grades must be no less than 80% at end of 8th grade and S1 of 9th grade
- IPP: 80% average across core classes looking at final grades for 8th grade and S1 for 9th grade
- Students must not fail any core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) in 8th grade or S1 of 9th grade.
- No long-term suspensions in 8th grade or S1 of 9th grade.
Union County Early College
- 75% average across core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) looking at final grades for 8th grade and S1 for 9th grade
- Students must not fail any core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) in 8th grade or S1 of 9th grade.
- No long term suspensions in 8th grade or S1 of 9th grade.
- Preference given to first generation college students.
