Admissions

Johnston County Early College Academy is a four- or five-year program (grades 9-13) located on the campus of Johnston Community College. Students are dual-enrolled in high school and college classes. Upon graduation from JCECA, students will have obtained their high school diploma and a two-year Associate's Degree. Students can choose from the following pathways: college transfer (earning an Associate of Arts, Science, or Engineering) or STEM (earning an Associate of Engineering or Associate of Science).

Early college academy poster

Learn More About Our School

Hear Directly From Current ECA Students

Student Spotlight

Each year as 8th graders and their families consider attending our school, we are asked, "What is it like to go to ECA?" In an attempt to answer the question and help applicants make their decision, we have asked a few of our current students to share why they decided to go to ECA, their favorite parts of our school, how they have grown while attending our school, and advice they would offer someone considering attending our school. We hope that by hearing directly from our ECA family you'll be better prepared to make your decision!

Learn More

Learn more about the pathways:

  • The College Transfer pathway is for students who know they want to attend a four-year university, but don't yet know what they want to major in or what career they want to pursue. As you progress and prepare for graduation, you will be able to choose between earning an Associate of Arts or Science.

  • The STEM pathway is for students who know they want a career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and/or math. The requirements for this pathway include more math and science classes, and the program sets students up to enter competitive STEM programs at four-year universities.

 

Learn more about the application:

  • Current 8th graders residing in Johnston County are invited to apply for the 2025-2026 school year. The application is scheduled to open on January 8, 2025. The submission deadline is February 15, 2025.

  • Applicants who currently attend a school in JCPS should complete the application using this link. Parents will need to create an account before adding students using their JCPS ID number.

  • Applicants from out of district/state, charter schools, private schools, or home schools should use this link to begin the application process.

  • Application Timeline:

    • January 8, 2025: Application window opens

    • February 15, 2025: Application window closes

    • Early March, 2025: Interview notifications sent

    • Week of March 17, 2025: Interviews

    • April 11, 2025: Decision notifications sent

    • April 25, 2025: Deadline for students to accept seats

School Contact: Principal Robert Daniels (robertdaniels@johnston.k12.nc.us)

Attend a Family Information Night:

  • JCPS will host a Family Information Night on January 16, 2025 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Smithfield-Selma High School. All choice programs will be on site to share information and answer questions.

  • ECA will host a Family Information Night specific to our school and located on our campus at JCC in the Tart Lobby on January 28, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The Tart building is noted on the map linked here as building D.

  • If you are unable to attend the JCPS District-Wide Family Information Night, watch the recorded presentation below: