Career Academy & Technical School

What Is It Known For?

Career Academy & Technical School (CATS) was established in 2009 when the county’s Automotive Technology program moved from South Iredell High School. Over time, the school expanded to include programs like Nursing Fundamentals and Culinary Arts, with course offerings continuing to grow.

Now located in Troutman, North Carolina, CATS serves students in grades 6-12 and currently enrolls 118 students. As part of the Iredell-Statesville Schools district, the school maintains a low student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1, allowing for personalized attention and support.

CATS is dedicated to creating a nurturing and innovative learning environment. The school focuses on equipping students with hands-on, real-world skills that lead to certifications or credentials, preparing them for both the workforce and higher education.

Degrees & Certifications

Career Academy & Technical School (CATS) offers hands-on programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand fields. Some of the programs available include:

  • Masonry
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Welding
  • Firefighting
  • Automotive Technology
  • Carpentry
  • Drone Technology
  • And Many More!

Class Schedules

Career Academy & Technical School (CATS) structures its classes into two daily blocks to accommodate students traveling from other schools. Morning sessions run from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by afternoon classes from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. For Nursing Fundamentals, state licensing requirements mean earlier start times: 8:00 AM for the 1st/2nd block and 12:15 PM for the 3rd/4th block. Evening classes are not currently available.

Some programs may offer externships, though details vary, so contacting the school directly is recommended. Additionally, CATS’ iAcademy program allows students to mix online courses with traditional or homeschool classes, providing flexibility to tailor their education to individual needs.

Is It Legit?

Yes. CATS is part of the Iredell-Statesville Schools district, ensuring it meets state educational standards.

Acceptance Rate

The school does not publicly share its acceptance rate. However, all CATS courses require students to complete specific prerequisites at their traditional schools before enrolling.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

Tuition rates for CATS are not publicly available. For detailed information about costs, it’s best to contact the school directly.

Programs & Courses

Criminal Justice & Law

  • Criminal Justice

Healthcare

  • EMT
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy Tech

Professional Services

  • Culinary Arts

Skilled Trades

  • Automotive Tech
  • Carpentry
  • Electronics
  • Firefighting
  • Manufacturing
  • Masonry
  • Welding

Campus Locations

Troutman 350 Old Murdock Road, Troutman, NC 28166

Reviews

Based on local Google reviews and other online sources, the Career Academy & Technical School in Troutman, North Carolina has an overwhelmingly positive reputation, with an excellent 4.8-star rating. The reviews highlight the school’s flexible and supportive environment, dedicated staff, and strong focus on career readiness.

Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars

Common Praises

Supportive Staff: Reviewers consistently praise the staff and teachers for being awesome, welcoming, and genuinely caring about students. The small student-to-teacher ratio is noted as a key factor in providing personalized attention.

Flexible and Adaptable Education: The school is highly valued for its flexible scheduling and hybrid learning options, which allow students to work at their own pace and balance their education with other responsibilities.

Positive Learning Environment: The school is described as a “wonderful place” with a positive and safe environment. Parents and students alike commend the dedicated and enthusiastic staff.

Hands-on Career Focus: The school is recognized for its ability to prepare students for the real world through its various vocational and technical courses.

Momentum

The reviews show a consistent positive trend over many years. Both recent and older reviews echo the same themes of a supportive, flexible, and hands-on learning environment, indicating a long-standing reputation for quality education.