CTE
CTE & Signature Academy Programs
Important Update: Transition from “Signature Academies” to “CTE for All”
Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, Washoe County School District will sunset the Signature Academy model and transition to a “CTE for All” approach. This shift will make more high-quality Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs accessible to all students across our traditional high schools, without the need for a Signature designation and application.
What’s Changing?
- The terms “Signature Academy" and/or "Signature Programs" will no longer be used.
- Our two Career Academies—Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT) and Debbie Smith Career & Technical Academy—will continue to have an application process for incoming 9th graders.
- All other CTE programs will follow each school’s standard course registration process in the spring.
Application Windows for 2025–26
- AACT & Debbie Smith Career & Technical Academy
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Applications Open: August 25, 2025
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Applications Close: October 10, 2025
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- School of Choice (for non-CTE transfers)
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Applications Open: October 13, 2025
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Applications Close: October 24, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is changing for the 2025–26 school year?
Starting in 2025–26, Washoe County School District will no longer have “Signature Academies.” Instead, all high schools will offer Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs as part of a “CTE for All” model.
2. Which schools will still have applications?
Only our two Career Academies—the Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT) and the Debbie Smith Career & Technical Academy—will have an application process for incoming 9th graders.
3. How will students get into CTE programs at other high schools?
At all other high schools, students can join CTE programs by signing up for them during their school’s regular course registration in the spring.
4. Will programs like the "Reno Red House," "North Valleys CASE Center" "Spanish Springs Sports Medicine Academy," and "Reed Enterprise Project" still exist?
Yes, the “CTE for All” transition does not remove or eliminate CTE programs. Programs like these will continue to be offered at their schools. What’s changing is how students get into these programs. Instead of applying through the old “Signature Academy” process, students will simply select these programs during their school’s regular course registration period in the spring, whether they are in 8th grade preparing to transition to high school, or oftentimes if they are in high school as a freshman or sophomore depending on where they attend.
5. What if my student wants to enroll in a CTE program at another traditional high school outside of our attendance zone?
You and your student would apply for a School of Choice variance between October 13 and October 24, 2025. If accepted, your student would enroll in their high school of choice for the following school year. In the spring, they would register for the CTE program they wish to take, just as they would sign up for any other course. This same process will apply to the "Performing Arts Center" at Damonte Ranch High School, which houses a mix of a CTE program and non-CTE courses.
5. What if my student wants to enroll in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Wooster?
Interested families should contact Wooster High School directly via IB Coordinator Jennifer Lienau, at jlieanau@washoeschools.net or at 775-321-3160.
CTE Programs of Study in WCSD
Career & Technical Education Programs 2024 Video Highlights
Signature Academy and CTE Program Information Flyer
Signature Academy and CTE Program Information Flyer - Spanish
Washoe County School District offers more than 35 Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs of study across all of its comprehensive high schools. CTE programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on work, leadership development, and career exploration. These 2 to 4-year programs are certified by the Nevada Department of Education, and maintain rigorous standards in quality curriculum, staff expertise, industry-standard equipment, and alignment with the workforce development needs of our local and regional economy. Students have opportunities to earn industry certifications and college credit while developing workplace readiness skills and connections with local businesses and organizations. Programs are offered in the following focus areas:
CTE Program Clusters
Signature Academy Program Applications for School Year 2025-2026
Signature Academies
Signature Academies are spotlighted comprehensive CTE high school programs. Students enrolled in Signature Academies receive priority CTE elective course registration each year and are expected to complete a four-year focused career pathway program. 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. Programs are offered in Agricultural Science & Natural Resources, Business & Marketing, Engineering & Manufacturing, Information Technology, Media & Communications, Health Sciences & Human Services, International Baccalaureate, and Performing Arts.