Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.) district to open 2 "middle college high schools"

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.) school board has approved creating two new “middle college high schools” on Central Piedmont Community College campuses. The Charlotte Observer says the schools will offer a “grade 13” that lets students stay in the school district an extra year to receive diplomas and tuition-free associate’s degrees. If voters approve college bonds in November, permanent classrooms will be built for the high school students. The new programs are modeled on Cato Middle College High, which debuted in 2007 on the northeast Charlotte campus of Central Piedmont Community College. They’re designed to serve students who want an accelerated education, as well as those at risk of dropping out of traditional high schools.