Page 2 - Signature Academy & CTE Program Guide 21-22 ( English)
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Signature Academy
A stylized curricular approach, unique to each high school, which represents the school’s identity, culture
and intent; reflects local and national industry demand; integrates academic concepts with technical skill
acquisition; and prepares students for college and career success.
What are Signature Academies?
Signature Academies are four-year themed high school programs that help students jump start their future. These
courses of study provide a rigorous, applied curriculum that includes opportunities to earn college credit and industry
certifications, gain 21 century skills, and develop connections between school and the real world. Themed programs
st
are offered in the following focus areas:
Agricultural Science & Natural Resources Business & Marketing
Areas of focus include animal science, horticulture, wildlife Areas of focus include project management, entrepreneurial
management, environmental management, and engineering. development, marketing, and public relations.
Schools: AACT HS*, North Valleys HS Schools: AACT HS
Engineering & Manufacturing Information Technology, Media & Communications
Areas of focus include civil, environmental, mechanical, Areas of focus include technical and computer sciences, graphic
agricultural, manufacturing, energy technologies and pre- communication, game development, web design, networking,
engineering preparation with a focus on science, technology & journalism/public relations, and video production.
math.
Schools: AACT HS*, Galena HS, North Valleys HS, Reed HS, Schools: AACT HS, Reno HS, Spanish Springs HS, Sparks HS
Sparks HS
Health Sciences Human Services
Areas of focus include pre-medicine, biomedical research, Areas of focus include education, culinary/baking & nutrition,
sports injuries, kinesiology, and emergency medicine. and human development.
Schools: AACT HS, Hug HS, Reed HS, Spanish Springs HS
Schools: AACT HS, Hug HS, McQueen HS, Reed HS
Performing Arts International Baccalaureate
Areas of focus include the development of creativity and Areas of focus include critical thinking, intercultural
excellence through dance, instrumental music, choir, and understanding, and global engagement through a broad range of
theater. academics and experiences.
Schools: Damonte Ranch HS Schools: Wooster HS
For more information about these programs, please visit:
www.washoeschools.net/signatures
or email:
SignaturePrograms@washoeschools.net
*Students will start at AACT HS in School Year 2022-23 and transition over to Debbie Smith Career Technical Academy in School Year 2023-24
Who Can Participate in Signature Academies?
Signature Academies are for HS students who have an interest in Career Technical Education and the Academy theme.
Students enter the program in 9th grade and complete a four-year program of study, which may include industry tours,
job shadows, and internship opportunities. In each school, 75% of the available openings are dedicated to students who
live in that school zone. Up to 25% of the available openings are reserved for students who live in other school zones.
The exception to this rule is AACT, which has no school zone and accepts students from all over the school district.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: The Washoe County School District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or
discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, political affiliation, or the presence of any sensory, physical or
mental disability in any of its educational programs/activities, employment or employment opportunities, or in any program or activity conducted or
funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The District prohibits discrimination against any youth group listed in Title 36, as a patriotic society, (i.e.
Boy Scouts of America) from access to public school facilities use. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.