Teachers, staff welcome Durham early college students back to start the new school year

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- More than 1,000 students returned to Durham Public Schools' comprehensive innovative high schools on Thursday, marking the first day of the new school year.

At Durham Early College of Health Sciences, 188 students were welcomed by faculty members and partners from Duke Health as they arrived on campus, passing through a spirit tunnel to begin the school year.

Durham's early college programs allow students to begin taking college courses while still in high school, allowing them to earn college credits as they work toward their diplomas.

School leaders said one of the unique aspects of the program is its ability to help students prepare for careers while completing their education.

"Because that is a part of what makes us special and unique, is that our students can earn a high school diploma and an associate's in their respective area of whichever health care pathway that they decide to pursue," a school leader said.

Administrators said they want students to understand from the first day that they are part of something larger and that their educational journey can serve as the beginning of their future careers.

Durham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis said the programs help students move beyond the traditional goal of earning only a high school diploma.

"These students are beginning their first day of their career exploration. The career journey. There once was a time when the high school diploma was it. That was the goal. But we're super excited that all of our scholars, over a thousand scholars that are taking advantage of our comprehensive, innovative high school offerings, where they are leaving with some college credits and some credentials that they can go into the world of work and make a decent amount of money," Lewis said.

Other comprehensive innovative high schools beginning the school year Thursday included City of Medicine Academy, J.D. Clement Early College, Durham School of Technology and Middle College High School at Durham Tech.

SEE ALSO | Teachers, staff, bus drivers welcome DPS year-round students back to class

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news and weather alerts