Duplin Early College High

Duplin Early College High School (DECHS), located on the campus of James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, North Carolina, is a specialized educational institution designed to provide students with a rigorous, accelerated path toward higher education. By integrating high school curriculum with college-level coursework, the school enables motivated students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree—or up to two years of transferable college credit—at no cost to their families. The program is specifically structured to support first-generation college students and those who thrive in smaller, personalized learning environments that prioritize academic success and professional preparation.

The school is characterized by a strong emphasis on student support, small class sizes, and a seamless transition into the workforce or a four-year university. Because DECHS operates in partnership with James Sprunt Community College, students benefit from a mature learning environment and access to collegiate resources, which fosters early development of time management and self-advocacy skills. Through this "Early College" model, Duplin Early College High School effectively bridges the gap between secondary education and post-secondary attainment, aiming to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also uniquely prepared for the demands of 21st-century careers.