What Is It Known For?
Arlington Independent School District’s Career and Technical Center opened in the 2017/2018 school year and has grown significantly since its launch. The center serves approximately 4,700 students on an A/B day cycle throughout the academic year. It is home to 68 junior and senior-level Career Technical Education (CTE) courses and 27 industry certifications, taught by 44 dedicated teachers across 15 career clusters.
Degrees & Certifications
The center offers a diverse range of programs to prepare students for various career paths.
Some programs include
- Culinary Arts and Hospitality Services
- Animal Science and Veterinary Assistant Training
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR)
- Travel, Tourism, and Attractions Program
- Instrumental Music and Music Theory
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses in Economics, Psychology, and History
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
All programs follow traditional high school schedules for grades 9–12 with daytime classes. The center does not offer online or evening classes, nor does it incorporate externships or clinical experience. For questions or concerns regarding attendance, students should contact the Attendance Clerks at the Career and Technical Center at 682-867-9500.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Career and Technical Center is fully accredited as a Texas public education institution by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). For more information about the school and its programs, visit the Arlington ISD Career and Technical Center.
Acceptance Rate
Arlington ISD Career and Technical Center does not operate with a traditional acceptance rate. Rather, it functions as a course-based program available to all high school students enrolled within the Arlington Independent School District.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
As a public school district, Arlington ISD does not charge tuition for students residing within the district. For more information regarding any additional out-of-pocket costs, interested students should contact the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business, Finance, and Marketing
- Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Criminal Justice & Law
- Law and Public Service
Healthcare
- Health Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
Skilled Trades
- Architecture and Construction
- Manufacturing
Technology
- Information Technology
Campus Locations
Arlington 2101 Browning Dr. Arlington, TX 76010
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Arlington Independent School District (AISD) receives high praise for the quality of its teachers and specialized programs like Career & Technical Education (CTC). However, the district faces significant and consistent criticism regarding underfunding, resource scarcity, and poor food quality in its general academic high schools.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Teachers and Staff Support: This is the most consistent positive theme. Teachers, counselors, and administrators are highly praised for being “absolutely wonderful,” “committed,” and genuinely supportive of student success, especially in college and career readiness centers.
Strong Specialized Programs: The Career and Technical Center (CTC) is singled out as “top notch” with “well funded” and “well taught” programs and modern facilities. Athletic programs are also noted for providing life-changing opportunities and support.
Diversity and Inclusivity: The district is appreciated for its diversity and commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Community Cohesion: The district is credited with keeping the community together and helping people inside and outside of the school system.
Common Criticisms
Underfunding and Resource Scarcity: A significant number of reviews complain that most general academic programs are “under funded” and that the district needs to invest more in academic facilities and technology.
Poor Food Quality and Portion Sizes: This is a major complaint. Students describe the food quality as “terrible,” and athletes specifically criticize the small portion sizes as being inadequate for their physical demands.
Teacher and Coach Inconsistency: While most teachers are highly praised, some reviewers cite negative experiences with instructors whose teaching wasn’t effective and coaches who were “vocally rude.”
Student Behavior: Some students report having witnessed many fights and express feeling “disgusted” by their peers and the overall student environment.
Momentum
The momentum for AISD is anchored by the strong performance and dedication of its educators, which consistently receives top marks. The district also has strong outward-facing programs like the CTC. However, this positive force is substantially countered by the perceived lack of investment in core campus resources and operations, specifically food and general technology. While the district is successful at providing opportunity (high graduation rate), it must address the fundamental quality-of-life complaints—food and fighting—to improve the daily student experience and secure positive momentum across all campuses.