Students at Johnston County Early College Academy (JCECA) and Johnston County Career & Technical Leadership Academy (JCCTLA) returned to classrooms on the Johnston Community College campus on August 11 and 12, marking the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. Staff and administrators welcomed students back as they began their studies.
Both academies are part of Johnston County Public Schools’ specialty programs, offering rigorous curricula that allow students to continue in their chosen fields or begin careers after graduation. The academies have a graduation rate of 95%, which is higher than the state average, and students perform well in academic testing.
Candace Westbrook, recently appointed assistant principal for JCECA and JCCTLA, commented on her new role: “I am excited for the opportunity to work with these students and mold them as they go out into life.”
JCECA is a partnership between a public school system and a community college. Students take college-level classes alongside high school courses. Graduates earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Johnston Community College, preparing them to continue at four-year institutions.
JCCTLA provides an alternative to traditional high schools by focusing on both academic achievement and career readiness. Students graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in areas such as Early Childhood Education, Mechanical Engineering, or Paralegal studies.
Principal Robert Daniels addressed JCECA students at the start of the year: “We are going to grow you. Your parents will see growth in you, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. I challenge you to learn new things every day. Make every day count, and make it meaningful,” he said.
Abdul Stewart, a CTLA senior planning to study computer science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, reflected on his experience: he feels prepared for college due to CTLA’s collegiate environment.
Both academies also encourage students to build connections with peers as part of their development. More information about these programs can be found on the choice programs webpage.
