MS courses and HS programs

For information about campus CTE offerings and CTE course descriptions, refer to the  CTE Program Guide

To hear more about the CTE programs directly from students check out these videos:

CTE Programs Overview

Career and P-TECH Academies Overview

Middle School

Pathways to Careers* (year-long, grade 8, automatic enrollment, 1 high school credit, satisfies a local high school graduation course requirement)

This course covers various topics related to exploring careers, building skills for employment, and graduation and post-secondary planning. These topics aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects involved in exploring careers and building the necessary skills for success in the workforce. The specific topics covered include: 

1. 1. Exploring in-demand industries and careers including career outlook, educational requirements, wages, skillsets, etc.
   2. Developing and enhancing employability and career readiness skills through activities such as field trips, guest speakers, hands-on learning activities, resume writing, mock interviews, and more
   3. Discovering postsecondary education options and financial assistance programs
   4. Learning about high school programs such as advanced academics, enrichment (athletics, fine arts, CTE), extracurricular activities and student organizations
   5. Building a Personalized Graduation Plan and 4-year high school Course Plan using the SchooLinks online platform
   6. Setting individualized career, college, and military readiness (CCMR) goals

Learn more by viewing this short presentation, which includes a video highlight of the course.

Professional Communications* (semester elective, grade 8, 0.5 high school credit, satisfies a local graduation course requirement)

These topics provide a comprehensive foundation for effective communication in various professional settings:

1. Written Communication: This includes developing the ability to write effectively and efficiently, focusing on clarity, organization, and proper grammar.

2. Oral Communication: Students will learn how to effectively communicate their ideas through speaking. This includes public speaking, presentation skills, and active listening.

3. Graphic Communication: This topic covers the use of visuals and graphics to enhance communication. Students will learn how to create and manipulate graphics, charts, and diagrams to effectively convey information.

4. Computer and Technology Applications: The course emphasizes the use of computer software and technology tools to enhance communication. Students will learn how to use word processing software, presentation software, and other digital tools. 

Fundamentals of Computer Science* (year-long elective, grades 7-8, 1 high school credit, may count toward CTE program completion for endorsement)

This course covers various topics to provide a comprehensive foundation for computational thinking, computer science, and information technology-related programs of study.

1. building web pages
2. creating interactive stories, games, and animations using coding
3. understanding digital citizenship and computer components

Introduction to Engineering and Robotics (year-long elective, grades 7-8, 1 high school credit, may count toward CTE program completion for endorsement)

This course covers various topics related to engineering and manufacturing. These topics aim to provide students with a comprehensive exploration of careers in engineering, robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing through hands-on activities and group projects.  The specific topics covered include: 

1. 1. Developing basic skills in computer-aided design (CAD), including modeling prototypes
   2. Understanding the engineering design process
   3. Exploring mechanical, electrical, and computer aspects of robotics, including coding robots to perform tasks

Science in Action (semester elective, grade 8)

This course covers a variety of topics related to science and technology. These topics aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects involved in exploring careers and building the necessary skills for success in the workforce. The specific topics covered include: 

1. 1. Investigating energy
   2. Exploring nanotechnology
   3. Conducting lab activities like building a roller coaster, cleaning up a mock oil spill, and bridge-building

High School

Students select a program of study, in alignment with their career goals, as they develop their HS Course Plan and Personal Graduation Plan during the spring semester of 8th grade. PfISD offers mre than 20 CTE programs of study, a P-TECH academy, and 6 career academies. Most programs include opportunities for college credit and industry certification (at little to no cost), and many provide work-based learning experiences which may include paid internships.

• Accounting Career Academy (college credential available)
• Advanced Manufacturing Career Academy (college credential available)
• Animal Science (veterinary medicine specialization available)
• Animation and Multimedia Arts (game design specialization available)
• Applied Agricultural Engineering (welding specialization available)
• Automotive Career Academy (college credential available)
• Business Management
• CIT Cybersecurity Academy (P-TECH: Associate's degree available)
• Construction Technology Career Academy (electrical or plumbing apprenticeship and college credential available)
• Culinary Arts Career Academy (credit toward college credential available)
• Digital Communications
• Engineering
• Family and Community Services
• Fire Science Career Academy
• Graphic Design
• Health and Wellness
• Healthcare Therapeutics (Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, or Sterile Processing specialization)
• Marketing and Sales
• Plant Science
• Programming and Software Development (networking or programming language specialization)
• Teaching and Training