ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. -- As of this week, classes are back in session at the Onslow County Early College High School.

  • The school is based out of Coastal Carolina Community College
  • A total of 111 students are attending
  • School officials say two years of college courses and textbooks are free

The school is based out of Coastal Carolina Community College and it officially opened its doors to the first group of freshmen just last year.

Now, with a new set of freshmen, a total of 111 students are attending.

Students start out taking AP and honors courses. Then, move on to college courses as juniors and seniors.

In the end, they'll graduate with a high school diploma and possibly an Associate’s degree.

"We're working with them the entire four years, even when they're full time college students, to make sure they're on track for their career, that they’re going to land at a program in a four year school that will lead to that career that they want down the road," said Principal James Strope.

School officials say two years of college courses and textbooks are free, saving early college students more than $7,000 each.

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