DUPLIN EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Duplin Early College High is a Title I public high school that is part of the Duplin County Schools school district, located in Kenansville, NC with about 203 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 13th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 7 teachers, Duplin Early College High has a student/teacher ratio of about 29:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

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.

For more information, contact Duplin Early College High at (910) 296-1136 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.