The High School Options timeline has been put in place for Goose Creek CISD eighth graders when considering their high school plans, and the deadline to make their selections is November 28th. Students have the option of choosing one of ten career academies; a dual credit cosmetology program and a new maritime program housed at Robert E. Lee High School, IMPACT Early College High School or Stuart Career Tech High School.
Bus transportation is available for all students accepted to any of these options for high school. A help session for students and parents needing assistance in completing the application, which is available online on the district’s web page, will be held during the GCCISD College & Career Night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at E.F. Green Junior School on October 26th. The application must be submitted online by November 28th, at 11:59 p.m. Students will be notified if they are accepted on December 2, 2022.
NEW MARITIME PROGRAM: GCCISD is implementing a new Maritime Program at Lee High School beginning with the 2023-2024 school year. Students in the Maritime Program will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in courses specific to the maritime industry. The Maritime Program introduces students to the occupations and education opportunities related to operating water vessels, maintenance procedures, maritime navigational aids, maritime traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with federal safety regulations. Students will learn to use state-of-the-art simulation equipment, gain professional certifications, and develop skills to obtain a high paying career in the maritime industry. Students will engage in project-based learning, working with teachers, community partners and industry experts in hands-on experiences. Baytown’s close location to the Port of Houston will allow opportunities for students to experience field trips and internships within the maritime industry.
Students in the Digital Communications Academy will learn about different audio, video and digital media formats that will prepare them for a career in Digital Communications. This Academy may also include exploration into operating machines and equipment to record sound and images, such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment. By the time these students graduate from high school with a Business & Industry Endorsement, they will have also earned Performance Acknowledgments for having completed their certificate through Houston Community College dual credit classes and having earned industry certifications.
The Information Technology Career Academy is currently in its third year at Stuart Career Tech High School where students 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 also participate in internships.
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 that span across academy classes. Internship opportunities are available through business partners such as GCCISD elementary, junior, and high school campuses, Fueling Brains, 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 have the opportunity to earn an associate degree in teaching as well as a Public Service Endorsement with Performance Acknowledgments by earning CPR or Education Aide certifications (upon graduation).
The Health Science Academy follows the rigorous Project Lead The Way- Biomedical Science curriculum where students step into the roles of several medical professionals and learn hands-on-skills throughout the 4 years. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree and/or several certifications including medical assistant, EKG technician, nurse aide, pharmacy tech and EMT. As part of their classes, students will have opportunities to network with healthcare professionals and experience a variety of high demand occupations in healthcare. Additional junior and senior level courses offer student job shadowing and internships.
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 continue towards a business degree. This academy also partners with Lee College to provide students with the opportunity to complete an Associates of Business Degree. The Global Business Academy will offer a new pathway for students interested in Agribusiness. In addition, students can graduate with Microsoft Office certifications and internship experience. The Global Business Academy was awarded Model Academy Designation by the National Career Academy Coalition in 2021.
The STEM Academy, which helps students learn the many different facets of engineering, 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.
The Cosmetology program provides students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit for their cosmetology classes. Through the program, students receive 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 will earn a Lee College Cosmetology Certificate of Completion.
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 the Titan Table, 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 industry 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 or an Associate of Applied Science in Pipefitting while in high school.
Another exciting option that eighth grade students have is to apply to the Agriculture Science Academy. A new Plant Science pathway will be available to students in the fall of 2023 for students interested in horticulture and floral design. Students in the Animal Science pathway 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 in the 2020-2021 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 three programs of study: Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology and Collision Repair. Partnering with Lee College and Lamar Institute of Technology, students can earn both high school and college credit for many of their academic and technical courses. Advanced Automotive students earn industry certifications that prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation. 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. It is a unique school that serves students who are ready and eager to do serious college work. It enables highly motivated students to move, in four years, from the ninth grade through the first two years of college. At this nationally recognized school, students focus on academics with the goal of graduating with a high school diploma, earning their associate degree from Lee College, and/or earning 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 and college course support.
Altogether, Goose Creek CISD eighth graders may choose among over 40 programs of study in all five 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, Maritime Program, Stuart Career Tech High School, and IMPACT Early College High School will be available on the Goose Creek CISD website at http://www.gccisd.net on October 24th.
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