Our Principal

Dear Charlotte Community,

It is my honor to share with you the powerful and transformative work taking place at Central Piedmont Early College (CPEC), a collaborative partnership between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Central Piedmont Community College. Every day, our students demonstrate what becomes possible when young people are surrounded by a learning environment that believes in them, challenges them, and provides clear pathways to their future goals.

At CPEC, students engage in a rigorous high school curriculum while simultaneously taking college courses on Central Piedmont’s campus. This unique model allows students to earn up to two years of transferable college credit or an associate degree by the time they graduate high school. More importantly, it gives students early and equitable access to the academic, social, and professional opportunities that shape confident, capable, and career-ready young adults.

Our learning community is built on four pillars:

1. High-Quality Instruction & Personalized Learning

CPEC’s instructional program centers on relevant, standards-aligned teaching supported by strong academic monitoring, small-group instruction, and real-time feedback. Students receive individualized support based on their needs, strengths, and aspirations. Teachers collaborate daily to refine instruction, study student work, and ensure all learners are progressing toward mastery.

2. College Exposure & Readiness

Because our students learn every day on a college campus, they gain early access to college expectations, resources, and supports. Through academic advising, college success courses, tutoring services, and structured goal-setting, our students graduate not only with credits—but with the confidence, habits, and mindsets required for long-term success.

3. Career Exploration & Real-World Opportunities

Our partnerships with local industries and organizations—including Wells Fargo, Opportunity College, and a variety of regional employers—provide students with hands-on learning, professional mentorship, internships, and exposure to in-demand career pathways. Whether students are interested in STEM, healthcare, business, public service, or the arts, CPEC ensures they understand what is possible and how to get there.

4. A Supportive, Inclusive, and Relationship-Centered Culture

At CPEC, we pride ourselves on creating a school community where every student is known, valued, and supported. Through Capturing Kids’ Hearts, intentional mentoring, advisory structures, and family partnerships, we foster an environment where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and grow academically and personally. Our diversity is our strength, and our students enrich one another’s learning through their varied perspectives and experiences.

We are proud that our work is reflected not only in our culture, but also in our outcomes. CPEC has earned an A School Performance Grade, exceeded academic growth expectations, and continues to be recognized for innovative practices that prepare students for a rapidly changing world. These results are a testament to our exceptional teachers, staff, families, partners, and—above all—our students who work with purpose, resilience, and pride.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to strengthening our academic programs, deepening our community partnerships, and expanding opportunities that empower students to thrive in college, career, and life. The Charlotte community has played an essential role in our success, and we look forward to continued collaboration in service of young people across our region.

Thank you for your ongoing support of CPEC and the students we serve. Together, we are preparing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.

With gratitude,
Erik M. Turner
Principal
Central Piedmont Early College
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools