We inspire talented young North Carolinians to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and math.
One School, Many Options
Residential
Public, residential high school for 11th and 12th grade NC students with an interest in STEM, offered in Durham and Morganton, NC
Online
Supplemental, sequenced honors program for 11th and 12th grade NC students who remain enrolled at their local schools
Explore Our Programs
Residential Programs
Some 980 students live and learn in our Residential program on our Durham and Morganton campuses
Durham Residential
Each year, 680 students live and learn in the two-year Residential program as high school juniors and seniors taking rigorous math, science, and humanities courses at NCSSM-Durham, situated among historic in-town neighborhoods within walking distance of Duke University in this mid-size city. The campus was founded in 1980 to create the nation’s first public, residential high school featuring STEM education.
Learn MorePrograms At A Glance
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11th- and 12th-graders
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Durham, NC
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Free
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All faculty have master’s/doctorate
Morganton Residential
NCSSM’s two-year Residential high school experience with rigorous math, science, and humanities courses is now offered at our newest campus composed of new and newly renovated historic buildings on a ridge-top setting. In this picturesque western North Carolina town surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreation, each year we serve 300 juniors and seniors from across NC in a life-changing living-learning community.
Learn MorePrograms At A Glance
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11th- and 12th-graders
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Morganton, NC
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Free
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All faculty have master’s/doctorate
Virtual
A growing number of North Carolina high school students are finding that staying enrolled in their current school while also taking challenging courses virtually at NCSSM is a great option — and one that catches the eyes of college admissions officers. NCSSM offers virtual learning options that could be the perfect way to design your future.
NCSSM Connect
Semester-long distance education courses offered virtually via videoconference during the school day at a student’s home school which is an NCSSM Connect partner school. These tuition-free, honors-level and AP courses in STEM and humanities expand the curriculum offered at North Carolina schools.
Learn MorePrograms At A Glance
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Ninth- through 12th-graders
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Virtual from home high school
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Free
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Contact a school counselor
NCSSM Online
A supplemental, sequenced two-year honors program that provides the NCSSM experience virtually through evening webinars and asynchronous assignments to students across the state who remain in their home community. Students completing the program receive a certificate of completion, with the option to dual enroll for local school course credit.
Learn MorePrograms At A Glance
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11th- and 12th-graders
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Virtual
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Free
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Application required
Summer Programs
For rising 5th through 12th graders who seek academic challenge, growth, and like-minded peers
Accelerator
Tuition-based courses available to students from anywhere in the world that offer students academic growth through engaging, challenging STEM courses on topics they can relate to. Students learn with like-minded peers and are taught by scientists, university professors, engineers, and others who bring real-world experience and activities to the Accelerator learning experience.
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Rising seventh- through 12th-graders
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Residential programs in Durham and Morganton; online courses
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Various week sessions, June-July
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Cost: $495 – $695 (virtual); $1,495 – $1,925 (residential)
Early Accelerator
Summer academic programs that offer younger students exciting and innovative ways to explore STEM concepts. Through interactive and hands-on activities, students will embark on a series of STEM adventures. These non-residential, day programs are held on NCSSM’s Durham and Morganton campuses.
Learn MorePrograms At A Glance
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Rising fifth- and sixth-graders
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Day programs in Durham and Morganton
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Various week sessions, June-July
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Cost: $350
INSPIRE
INtroducing STEM Pathways through Inquiry and Research Experiences is a free, one-week residential summer program for rising 11th graders who live in NC designed for, but not limited to, students from underrepresented groups. The weeklong residential program at NCSSM-Morganton pairs students with mentors to work on project offering experiences in STEM research and in solving complex, real-world problems.
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Rising 11th-graders who live in NC
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NCSSM-Morganton
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One-week session in June
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No cost
Step Up to STEM
An innovative interdisciplinary academic program that uses exciting real-world subjects to challenge rising 9th and 10th graders across North Carolina and build their skills in science, math, technology, and communications.
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Rising ninth- and 10th-graders who live in NC
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Residential program at NCSSM-Durham and ECSU
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Various week sessions, June-July
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No cost
Summer Ventures
A a no-cost, state-funded program for academically talented North Carolina students who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You will have the opportunity to engage in research with faculty and get hands-on experience at a university.
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Rising 11th- and 12th-graders who live in NC
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Residential program, hosted at various UNC System universities
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Four-week session
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No cost
Teamship
NC Teamship Showcase welcomes students who have participated in a Teamship Experience at schools or organizations hosting the Teamship program. This includes the many districts participating in the Spark Teamship Program.
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Rising 9th- through 12th-grade NC students who have completed a local District C Teamship experience
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Residential program at NCSSM-Durham
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8-day session (with 2 days virtual)
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No cost; includes a small stipend
I’m Not Sure
The Latest
Meet Our Students
With invigorating opportunities, NCSSM instilled a passion in me that turned my simple curiosities into things I want to pursue for the rest of my life.
Class of 2026 applications due Jan. 5
Students interested in our Residential, Online, and Summer Ventures programs should begin working with our Office of Admissions and be sure to complete their application by Jan. 5, 2024 — earlier than in past years.
- Global leader in STEM
- No cost to Residential and Online students for tuition, room, and board
- Single application for Residential, Online, and Summer Ventures
