About Our School

J.P. Knapp Early College High School 

J.P. Knapp Early College High School was founded in 2008 as part of an initiative with the North Carolina New Schools Project and the Gates Foundation. Considered a Cooperative Innovative High School (CIHS) in North Carolina, J.P. Knapp Early College High School expands students' opportunities for educational success through high-quality instructional programming. 

Our goal as an early college is to serve students who are at risk of dropping out of high school, first-generation college students, and/or students who would benefit from accelerated learning opportunities, including students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.  

Students at J.P. Knapp Early College High School simultaneously work toward completion of both the high school diploma and an associate's degree, certificate, or transferrable credit. This opportunity is made possible through Career & College Promise (CCP), North Carolina’s dual enrollment program for high school students. 

Career & College Promise offers North Carolina high school students options to pursue educational and career goals of their choice using a rigorous yet supportive structure designed to help them become successful. At J.P. Knapp Early College High School, students can enroll in college classes through our program and earn transferable college credit upon successful completion. In many cases, students can also earn dual credit, meeting high school graduation requirements with college courses. 

As our primary higher education partner, The College of the Albemarle (COA) provides learning opportunities for our students both face-to-face at their Currituck and Elizabeth City campuses and online.