Students in the Manufacturing and Industrial Maintenance Academy at Stuart Career Tech High School learn about pipefitting.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
Gavin Hughes, a freshman at Stuart Career Tech High School, shows off some of the work they are doing in the Advanced Automotive Academy, which includes Collision Repair and Automotive Technology, at Stuart Career Tech High School.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
Cassidy Rogers is pleased with the layout of the classroom lab in the new Career Academy for Future Educators at Ross S. Sterling High School.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
Tayler Edwards works with some equipment in the Instrumentation Lab at Robert E. Lee High School, one of the options for ninth-graders next year.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
High School Options for Eighth Graders
A new academy and a new school opportunity have been added to the options for Goose Creek CISD eighth graders when considering their high school plans, and the deadline to make their selections is January 31, 2021. Students now have the option of choosing one of ten career academies, a dual credit cosmetology program, IMPACT Early College High School, Stuart Career Tech High School or the Goose Creek Virtual School opening in the fall.
Bus transportation is available for all students accepted to any of these options for high school, excluding the virtual school. A help session in English and Spanish for students and parents needing assistance in completing the online application (www.gccisd.net) will be held January 26 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Stuart Career Tech High School. The application must be submitted online by January 31, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Students will be notified if they are accepted on February 12.
The Digital Communications Academy is the latest academy added to the offerings for GCCISD eighth graders to apply to this year. Our new state-of-the-art facility is under construction at Stuart Career Tech High School and is set to open for the Fall 2021 school year. Pathways include Design and Multi-Media Arts, and Digital Communications (Video Production). Courses in the pathways will prepare students for occupations and educational opportunities associated with the production of audio and visual media formats, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production or motion pictures. There will be opportunities to earn industry certifications.
In its first year, the Information Technology Academy allows students to learn the skills required to begin a successful career in the network and computer systems/support industry. Academic and technical classes combine information technology workplace knowledge and skills using industry-standard certifications and curriculum. Students can earn both high school credit and college credit through Lee College for many academic and technical courses. Four years with the Information Technology Academy will lead students to a Business and Industry endorsement, a college associate degree or certificate and a Performance Acknowledgment if they earn CompTIA A+, Network+ or CISCO certifications. Seniors may participate in internships, and scholarships are available to graduates.
Another option is the Career Academy for Future Educators (CAFÉ), which prepares students for a career in education. Students engage in education curriculum, job shadowing, internships, and college preparation activities. With a team of teachers at each grade level, students’ academic and technical classes integrate related education activities into their coursework and projects span across academy classes. Internship opportunities are available through business partners such as GCCISD elementary, junior, and high school campuses, Bay Area Rehab Center, and local daycare centers. Participation in Texas Association for Future Educators (TAFE) and Educators Rising (state and national organizations) allows student the opportunity to compete in education-related events. Academy students earn a Public Service Endorsement with Performance Acknowledgments by earning Microsoft Office Specialist, Google Suites, CPR and Education Aide certifications (after graduation).
In the Health Science Academy, students can choose from biomedical science, medical assistant, nurse assistant, pharmacy tech and EMT certification programs. As part of their classes, students will have opportunities to network with healthcare companies to experience a variety of high demand occupations in healthcare. Through activities in this national Model Academy, students connect learning to life in the roles of biomedical science professionals.
Students in the Global Business Academy complete a four-year pathway in a rigorous High School of Business curriculum to prepare them to develop their own business or to continue the university pathway. Students can graduate prepared for a rigorous college business administration major with college credit and Microsoft Office certifications. The Global Business Academy was recently awarded Model Academy Designation by the National Career Academy Coalition.
The STEM-Engineering Academy, a national Model Academy, helps students learn the many different facets of engineering, renewable energy, robotics, and instrumentation as they relate to the petrochemical, aerospace, and environmental industries on the Gulf Coast. Students can also choose to earn a Lee College Instrumentation Technology certificate. Mentors from local industry assist students in deciding which type of engineering they want to pursue before they apply for college.
Students in the Culinary Arts Academy earn dual credit through Lee College as well as industry certifications and an opportunity to earn an associate degree. Culinary Arts Academy students will have the opportunity to work in Stuart Café, the restaurant that will be opening at SCTHS. Additional real-world experience is gained by students through many catering opportunities and special events that the culinary students participate in throughout the school year.
The Manufacturing and Industrial Maintenance Academy offers both pipefitting and welding programs. Students in the academy learn about the many exciting careers in the petrochemical industries from entry-level craft occupations to careers requiring two- and four-year college degrees. Students may earn NCCER and AWS credentials as well as the opportunity to earn a Lee College Welding Technology Associate of Applied Science while in high school.
Another exciting option for eighth grade students is the Agriculture Sciences Academy. Ag Science students will work with local veterinarians to gain the experience to earn their Vet Assistant certification. The Agriculture Science Academy opened brand new facilities including a reception area, classroom, and lab as well as a pet wash station, exam room, kennels, outdoor area, and greenhouses this school year. Students have the option to take academic dual credit courses to graduate “core complete” to save time and money when transferring to four-year universities.
The Advanced Automotive Academy offers two programs of study: Automotive Technology and Collision Repair. Automotive Tech students complete the Lee College automotive Technician AAS and earn ASE certifications. Collision Repair students focus on earning I-CAR credentials that are in high demand locally. The Automotive Academy has a brand-new state-of-the art facility that gives students the opportunity to know what it is like to work in an actual automotive repair or collision shop.
IMPACT Early College High School provides another option for prospective freshmen. At this nationally recognized school, students focus on academics with the goal of graduating with a high school diploma as well as an associate degree from Lee College or college hours to apply to a degree. IMPACT ECHS prepares students to be successful, independent college students by providing college-ready academic behavior and skills, college placement exam preparation (TSIA) and college course support.
The Cosmetology program at REL provides students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit for their cosmetology classes. Through the program, students learn the technical background and experience necessary to develop the skills and theoretical knowledge required to pass the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Examination to become a licensed Cosmetology Operator and to gain employment in professional salons. Students also may earn a Lee College Cosmetology Certificate of Completion.
The current High School Options application also includes a survey for the new Goose Creek Virtual School. More information about the new Goose Creek Virtual School will be coming soon along with the full application to enroll.
Altogether, Goose Creek CISD eighth graders may choose among 42 programs of study in all five Texas endorsement areas. Very few districts offer these diverse and specialized educational opportunities, so Goose Creek CISD eighth grade students should carefully consider their options as they create their graduation plans and begin their high school experience. Applications to the academies, Cosmetology program, Stuart Career Tech High School, IMPACT Early College High School and the Goose Creek Virtual School are available on the Goose Creek CISD website at https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.highschooloptions.