April 29, 2026
"What's Happening Wednesday!"
🍽️ Eat local. Give back. Repeat!May 4–10, dine out for Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, or just because—every bite supports our Education Foundation and the students and teachers we serve! Check out al...
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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.
Latest News
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April 22, 2026
MORE "What's Happening Wednesday!"
Support Mechanical Minds Robotics – Easy Ways to Give Back This Week Our Mechanical Minds Robotics Team is continuing to raise funds for their trip to the 2026 FIRST World Championship in Houston—a...
April 22, 2026
"What's Happening Wednesday!"
🎨 CCS Art Show – You’re Invited!Join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of our students at the Catawba County Schools Art Show!📍 Location: Valley Hills Mall (1960 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory – a...
April 21, 2026
Important Update for CCS Families
Dear CCS Families, Last night, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted to move ahead with the merger of the three public school districts. At this time, there are no immediate changes for s...
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