Page 2 - Career & Technical Education in WCSD
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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 21st century skills, and develop connections between school and the real world.
Themed programs 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 communication, game development, web design, networking,
pre- engineering preparation with a focus on science, journalism/public relations, and video production.
technology & math.
Schools: AACT HS, Galena HS, North Valleys HS, Reed HS, Schools: AACT HS, Reno HS, Spanish Springs HS, Sparks HS
Sparks HS
Global Studies Human Services
Areas of focus include economics, world politics, foreign Areas of focus include education, culinary/baking & nutrition,
language, international diplomacy and fine arts. and human development.
Schools: McQueen HS Schools: AACT HS, Hug HS, Reed HS
Health Sciences International Baccalaureate
Areas of focus include pre-medicine, biomedical research, sports Areas of focus include critical thinking, intercultural
injuries, kinesiology and emergency medicine. understanding and global engagement through a broad range of
academics and experiences.
Schools: AACT HS, Hug HS, Reed HS, Spanish Springs HS Schools: Wooster HS
Performing Arts For more information about these programs, please visit:
Areas of focus include the development of creativity and www.washoeschools.net/SignatureAcademies
excellence through dance, instrumental music, choir and theater. or email:
Schools: Damonte Ranch HS SignaturePrograms@washoeschools.net
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.