Isaac M Bear Early College High School

Isaac M. Bear Early College High School (IMB), located on the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), is a unique partnership between the New Hanover County School System and the university. Designed for students who are ready for an accelerated academic environment, the school focuses on a "dual-enrollment" model. This approach allows students to complete their high school graduation requirements while simultaneously earning up to two years of transferable college credit, often leading to an Associate degree or significant progress toward a Bachelor’s degree by the time they graduate high school.

The school is characterized by a small, rigorous learning community that emphasizes academic independence, critical thinking, and college readiness. Because IMB is integrated into the UNCW campus, students have the opportunity to engage in a college-level atmosphere, utilizing university resources and interacting with a broader collegiate environment. The program is specifically intended for students who are motivated to pursue higher education early and who thrive in an environment that bridges the gap between traditional secondary education and the independence of a university setting.