BURGAW, N.C. — Pender Early College High School (PECHS) has officially begun recruitment for the 2026–2027 school year, marking a major milestone — its 20th incoming class. Located on Cape Fear Community College’s (CFCC) Burgaw Campus, PECHS first opened its doors in August 2006 as part of North Carolina’s Cooperative Innovative High Schools (CIHS) initiative.
Originally founded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s North Carolina New Schools Project, PECHS was built on the idea of providing motivated students with early access to college courses and a small, supportive learning environment. Nearly two decades later, the school continues to thrive.
PECHS has consistently earned top marks, maintaining an “A” rating on the North Carolina School Report Card for over ten years. In 2021, it was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education — one of the nation’s highest honors for academic excellence and student achievement.
“One of our biggest successes is our 95% college proficiency rate — meaning 95% of our students pass their college classes with a C or higher,” said Principal Daniel Sidor. “That’s the highest rate among all Career and College Promise programs at CFCC.”
Multiple College Pathways for Students
Pender County Schools offers three distinct programs that allow high school students to earn college credits:
Career and College Promise (CCP): Students take college courses beginning their junior year.
College Accelerated Program (CAP): A rigorous pathway that frontloads high school courses in the first two years, allowing students to begin a CCP college transfer pathway in associate in art or science in their junior year, with the goal of finishing the full degree.
Pender Early College High School (PECHS): A full-time high school where students begin taking college classes as early as freshman year and college classes are slowly integrated within their high school schedule. Students have the opportunity to pursue the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Applied Science degrees in fields such as welding, mechatronics, cosmetology, culinary arts, and aviation.
PECHS stands out as the only program in which the county covers the cost of college books and fees.
“What separates us is the amount of support we offer,” said Sidor. “Our students have options, and we work with them to find the right pathway.”
Beyond Academics: Building Community and Character
In addition to strong academics, PECHS emphasizes community involvement and career preparation. All students are required to complete 150 hours of community service, a 36-hour internship or job shadowing experience, and four academic camps before graduation.
“Community service is one of the strongest parts of our program,” said Sidor. “You’ll see our students volunteering all over Pender County — building relationships, learning about career paths, and giving back.”
These experiences help students stand out when applying for colleges and scholarships. According to Sidor, last year’s senior class of just 55 students collectively earned more than $2.7 million in scholarships and grants.
Recruitment Events and Application Information
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open:
Freshman Applications Due: January 28, 2026
Transfer Applications Due: April 22, 2026
Families interested in learning more about PECHS can attend one of two upcoming parent information nights:
Monday, November 3 – CFCC Surf City Campus (621 NC-210 E, Hampstead, NC) | 6:00–7:00 PM
Thursday, November 6 – CFCC Burgaw Campus (PECHS, 100 Industrial Dr., Burgaw, NC) | 6:00–7:00 PM
For more information or to apply, visit www.pender.k12.nc.us/o/pechs/page/admission.