April 15, 2026
"What's Happening Wednesday!"
Our Mechanical Minds students are headed to an international competition—what an amazing accomplishment! 💡🤖Let’s come together as a school community to help get them therePlease consider supporting...
_1747407147.png)
Welcome —
About Us
Experience education like never before. Your journey starts here.
We pride ourselves on providing a dynamic and innovative learning environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential. Our holistic approach to education blends rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on character development, creativity, and critical thinking. We offer a diverse range of programs, including advanced coursework, extracurricular activities, and personalized support, ensuring every student receives a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. Join us, and inspire and prepare future leaders for a lifetime of success.

Inclusivity
We prioritize inclusivity by actively promoting a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered.
Stay up to date on exciting news, events and more with the ParentSquare app!
April 15, 2026
Our Mechanical Minds students are headed to an international competition—what an amazing accomplishment! 💡🤖Let’s come together as a school community to help get them therePlease consider supporting...
March 24, 2026
Dear CCS Families, Catawba County Schools is aware that the Catawba County Board of Commissioners will consider a potential school district merger, with a vote scheduled for April 20.While this dec...
March 18, 2026
Seeking Restaurant Partners for the Education Foundation Restaurant Week!The Education Foundation of Catawba County Schools is excited to announce the return of one of our largest fundraisers—Dinin...
March 11, 2026
📅 Reminder for Thursday, March 12There will be no school for elementary students only due to an Elementary Teacher Workday. (No school for Challenger Early College due to Spring Break). Middle and ...
School Profile

Mission Statement:
Building life-ready citizens
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 390 students
Principal: Dr. Rene Spry
Assistant Principal: Grace Ann Sevier (AP, Athletic Director)
School Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Principal’s Message

Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
Welcome to Challenger Early College High School, where we believe every student has the power to grow, lead, and thrive.
As the principal of this incredible school, I am honored to be part of a community that values academic excellence, strong relationships, and meaningful opportunities for every learner. At Challenger, we are committed to developing students who embody integrity, stewardship, and citizenship—both inside and outside the classroom.
Our unique partnership with Catawba Valley Community College allows students to earn both high school and college credits with the goal of graduating in 4 years with both their high school diploma and their associates degree, setting them on a path toward future success. But what makes Challenger truly special is our people—our students, our staff, and our families—who work together to build a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Whether you’re a prospective family, current student, or community member, I encourage you to explore our site, get to know our programs, and feel the energy of what makes Challenger shine.
We are proud to be Firebirds—and together, We RISE.
Warmly,
Dr. Spry
Phone: 828-485-2980 Email