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Special Program Schools

UCPS offers six lottery-based special program schools:

All applications are submitted through Scribbles and will only be considered if submitted during the published application window.

Requirements, Timelines, and Resources

Resources to learn more about each program

8th grade students have had several opportunities to learn about the special program schools offered in Union County. Resources are linked below.

2026-2027 Special Program Schools Presentation for 8^th Grade Students

Presentations about each program:

Timeline for students entering 9th grade in the 2026-2027 school year

Open House Dates and Times

Ag Tech Academy at Forest Hills High

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Central Academy of Technology & Arts

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. for Sun Valley, Marvin Ridge, East Union, Parkwood, Monroe.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. for Piedmont, Weddington, Porter Ridge, Cuthbertson.

Health Sciences Academy at Monroe High

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

Sustainable Energy Academy at Parkwood High

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Ag Tech Academy at Piedmont High

To be announced

Union County Early College

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2026 at 6 p.m. in SPCC Building A

Entrance Requirements (CATA and UCEC only)

Rising 9th grade students

Central Academy of Technology & Arts

75% average across core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) looking at final grades for 7th grade and S1 for 8th grade
Pre-Engineering: Math grades must be no less than 80% at end of 7th grade and S1 of 8th grade
IPP: 80% average across core classes looking at final grades for 7th grade and S1 for 8th grade
Students must not fail any core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) in 7th grade or S1 of 8th grade.
No long-term suspensions in 7th grade or S1 of 8th grade.

Union County Early College

75% average across core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) looking at final grades for 7th grade and S1 for 8th grade
Students must not fail any core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) in 7th grade or S1 of 8th grade.
No long-term suspensions in 7th grade or S1 of 8th grade.
Preference given to first-generation college students.

Rising 10th grade students

Central Academy of Technology & Arts

75% average across core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) looking at final grades for 8th grade and S1 for 9th grade
Pre-Engineering: Math grades must be no less than 80% at end of 8th grade and S1 of 9th grade
IPP: 80% average across core classes looking at final grades for 8th grade and S1 for 9th grade
Students must not fail any core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) in 8th grade or S1 of 9th grade.
No long-term suspensions in 8th grade or S1 of 9th grade.

Union County Early College

75% average across core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) looking at final grades for 8th grade and S1 for 9th grade
Students must not fail any core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) in 8th grade or S1 of 9th grade.
No long term suspensions in 8th grade or S1 of 9th grade.
Preference given to first generation college students.