Academics
One Diploma. Multiple Pathways.
Every CBA student completes the coursework required for admission to a University of North Carolina institution and other four-year colleges and universities, while completing industry-leading cosmetology training. Students never have to choose between academic excellence and career preparation.
Academic Model
How the four years fit together
Unlike traditional high schools where career pathways are electives, CBA integrates college-preparatory academics and professional cosmetology education into one intentional four-year program.
Four-Year Pathway
Grade by grade, from foundation to graduation
Grade 9
🏗️ Build the Foundation
- Core academics
- Career exploration
- Begin cosmetology instruction
- Student success planning
Grade 10
✂️ Develop Skills
- Continue college-prep coursework
- Increase cosmetology training hours
- Hands-on learning
- Leadership development
Grade 11
📈 Professional Growth
- Advanced cosmetology
- Dual enrollment opportunities
- Work-based learning
- Business and entrepreneurship
Grade 12
🎓 Graduate Ready
- Complete graduation requirements
- Prepare for NC licensure
- College applications
- Career placement
- Entrepreneurship capstone
Graduate Outcomes
What every CBA graduate leaves with
College Ready
Prepared for NC Cosmetology Licensure
Entrepreneurial Skills
Professional Experience
Leadership Development
Curriculum Overview
A Curriculum Designed for College, Career, and Life
English Language Arts
Develop confident readers, writers, speakers, and communicators prepared for college and professional success.
Mathematics
Build critical thinking and problem-solving skills through a rigorous mathematics sequence aligned with North Carolina graduation and university admission requirements.
Science
Hands-on science courses develop analytical thinking, laboratory skills, and scientific literacy.
Social Studies
Students explore history, government, economics, and civic responsibility to become informed leaders and engaged citizens.
World Language
Students gain language proficiency and cultural awareness while meeting University of North Carolina System admission requirements.
Health & Physical Education
Promotes lifelong wellness through health education, fitness, and personal responsibility.
✂️ Cosmetology Pathway
Complete 1,500 hours of professional cosmetology training while earning a high school diploma, preparing students for North Carolina licensure and rewarding careers in the beauty industry — see the Cosmetology Program.
Electives
Expand learning through business, entrepreneurship, leadership, arts, and enrichment opportunities tailored to student interests.
Every graduate completes both a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and professional cosmetology education—because students shouldn't have to choose between college and career.
College, Career & Life Readiness
Your Future Starts Here
Dual Enrollment Opportunities
Eligible juniors and seniors can earn tuition-free college credit through North Carolina's Career & College Promise program, helping them graduate with a head start on college or career training.
College & Career Advising
Personalized advising, test preparation, college application support, scholarship guidance, and future planning beginning early in high school.
Real-World Experiences
Students explore colleges, universities, beauty schools, businesses, and employers through campus visits, guest speakers, job shadowing, and career exploration experiences.
Entrepreneurship & Business
Students learn financial literacy, branding, customer service, and business ownership skills to prepare for entrepreneurship in the beauty industry and beyond.
Every student graduates with a personalized future plan—whether their next step is college, cosmetology licensure, entrepreneurship, military service, or entering the workforce.
Student Showcase
Students building real brands
In our entrepreneurship sessions, students develop complete brand concepts — from name and logo to target customers and mission. These aren't classroom exercises; they're the foundation for real futures.
Student Support Services
Support built into the school day
Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. At CBA, academic support isn't a separate program—it's intentionally woven into every school day through personalized instruction, targeted interventions, and caring relationships.
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We regularly monitor every student's progress and provide additional support early—before small challenges become bigger ones.
- School counseling. Dedicated counselors help students with academic planning, college and career readiness, social-emotional wellness, and future goal setting.
- Exceptional Children (EC) & 504 services. Students receive individualized services and accommodations in inclusive learning environments that support their success.
- English Language (EL) support. Multilingual learners receive individualized language instruction and classroom support to help them succeed in every subject.
- Family Partnerships. Families are essential partners. We believe consistent communication between home and school helps every student succeed.
Support isn't an extra at CBA—it's how we ensure every student graduates ready for college, career, and life.
Next Step
Discover Your Future at CBA
At CBA, career and college preparation happen together. Students graduate with a rigorous academic foundation and meaningful progress toward a professional cosmetology credential.
One Diploma. Multiple Pathways. Endless Possibilities.