CTE & Workforce Development

The Business & Information Technology program prepares students for careers in business, finance, accounting, information technology, digital communications, entrepreneurship, and management by combining rigorous academics with hands-on, project-based learning. Students develop technical, analytical, and leadership skills while exploring business operations, financial literacy, computer applications, graphic design, and emerging technologies. Through authentic learning experiences, students build the knowledge, workplace readiness skills, and professional competencies needed for college, careers, and success in today's global economy.

Courses

Middle School

• Make It Your Business (6th Grade)
• Computer Solutions (7th Grade)
• Digital Input Technologies (8th Grade)

High School

• Computer Information Systems I
• Advanced Computer Information Systems II
• Graphic Design & Multimedia I
• Advanced Graphic Design & Multimedia II
• Accounting I
• Advanced Accounting II
• Economics & Personal Finance
• Business Law
• Business Management

Students have opportunities to:

• Develop business, financial, and technology skills through hands-on projects.
• Explore careers in business, accounting, finance, management, graphic design, and information technology.
• Strengthen leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through authentic learning experiences.
• Apply business concepts using current technology and industry-standard software.
• Participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations and build leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in regional, state, and national competitions to showcase their skills.
• Prepare for industry-recognized credentials, postsecondary education, and high-demand careers.

The Family & Consumer Sciences program prepares students for careers in education, early childhood development, culinary arts, hospitality, and human services while developing the life and workplace skills needed for personal and professional success. Through hands-on learning, students explore child development, teaching, nutrition, culinary arts, leadership, financial responsibility, workplace ethics, and healthy living. Students gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and build the knowledge needed for postsecondary education, industry credentials, and careers that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Courses

Middle School

• Family & Consumer Sciences I (6th Grade)

• Family & Consumer Sciences II (7th Grade)

• Family & Consumer Sciences III (8th Grade)

High School

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education I

• Advanced Early Childhood Education II (Dual Enrollment)

• Introduction to Culinary Arts I

• Culinary Arts II

• Teachers for Tomorrow I

• Teachers for Tomorrow II

Students have opportunities to:

• Develop leadership and workplace readiness skills through authentic, hands-on learning.

• Explore careers in education, culinary arts, hospitality, and human services.

• Apply classroom learning through real-world experiences and project-based instruction.

• Earn college credit through dual enrollment opportunities.

• Prepare for industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary education.

• Develop the communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills essential for careers that serve others.

• Participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations and build leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in regional, state, and national competitions to showcase their skills.

• Prepare for industry-recognized credentials, postsecondary education, and high-demand careers.

Health and Medical Sciences prepares students for careers in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries by combining rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experiences and industry-aligned instruction. Students explore careers in nursing, surgical technology, emergency medical services, pharmacy, sports medicine, biomedical sciences, health informatics, and other healthcare professions while developing the technical knowledge, workplace readiness skills, and professional behaviors expected in healthcare settings. Through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, clinical observations, and work-based learning opportunities, students gain authentic experiences that prepare them for postsecondary education, industry credentials, and careers in healthcare. 

Courses

• Governor's Health Sciences Academy
• Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences
• Nurse Aide
• Patient Care Technician
• Surgical Technology
• Sports Medicine
• Medical Terminology

Students have opportunities to:

• Earn industry-recognized healthcare credentials
• Participate in clinical and work-based learning experiences
• Explore careers through healthcare partnerships
• Prepare for postsecondary healthcare programs
• Develop workplace readiness and patient care skills
• Participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations and build leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in regional, state, and national competitions to showcase their skills.
• Prepare for industry-recognized credentials, postsecondary education, and high-demand careers.

The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) develops confident, responsible, and service-oriented leaders through a comprehensive program focused on leadership, citizenship, character development, and personal responsibility. Students build communication, teamwork, decision-making, and leadership skills while developing an understanding of civic responsibility, American history, and military traditions. Whether students choose military service, college, or the workforce, JROTC prepares them with the discipline, confidence, and leadership skills needed for lifelong success.

The JROTC program prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. The Leadership Education and Training (LET) program consists of four years of instruction with a maximum of 108 core hours and 72 optional hours per year. One (1) credit is awarded for each academic year. Core courses include Techniques of Communications, Leadership Lab, Map Reading, History, Citizenship, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention, and Cadet Challenge (Physical Training). 

Courses

• JROTC I
• JROTC II
• JROTC III
• JROTC IV

Students have opportunities to:

• Develop leadership and teamwork skills.
• Participate in community service projects.
• Build confidence through public speaking and leadership experiences.
• Strengthen physical fitness and personal wellness.
• Compete in drill, leadership, and academic events.
• Explore careers in military service, public safety, government, and community leadership.

The Marketing program prepares students for careers in marketing, business, entrepreneurship, hospitality, fashion, sports, and tourism by combining creativity, business strategy, and real-world application. Students develop skills in branding, advertising, digital marketing, customer engagement, sales, market research, communications, and business management while learning how organizations connect with consumers in an ever-changing global marketplace.

Through hands-on projects, business partnerships, work-based learning experiences, and dual enrollment opportunities, students apply classroom learning to authentic business challenges while developing leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills that prepare them for college, careers, and business ownership.

Courses

• Marketing I
• Advanced Marketing II
• Education for Employment
• Fashion Marketing I
• Advanced Fashion Marketing II
• Hospitality and Tourism Marketing
• Entrepreneurship (Dual Enrollment)
• Advanced Entrepreneurship (Dual Enrollment)
• Sports & Recreation Marketing

Students have opportunities to:

• Develop marketing, advertising, and branding strategies.
• Explore entrepreneurship and small business ownership.
• Create digital marketing and social media campaigns.
• Gain work-based learning experiences with local businesses.
• Earn college credit through dual enrollment opportunities.
• Participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations and build leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in regional, state, and national competitions to showcase their skills.
• Prepare for industry-recognized credentials, postsecondary education, and high-demand careers.

The Technology Education program prepares students to become innovative problem-solvers, designers, engineers, and technology leaders by combining hands-on learning with real-world applications. Students develop technical knowledge and engineering design skills while exploring emerging technologies in aerospace, engineering, robotics, electronics, architecture, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Through project-based learning, students apply scientific and mathematical principles to solve authentic challenges, develop creative solutions, and prepare for college, careers, and industry-recognized credentials in today's rapidly evolving technological workforce.

Courses

Middle School

• Introduction to Technology (6th Grade)
• Inventions and Innovations (7th Grade)
• Technological Systems (8th Grade)

High School

• Aerospace Technology I
• Aerospace Technology II
• Engineering Explorations I
• Engineering Analysis & Applications II (Robotics)
• Electronics Systems I
• Electronics Systems II
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Technical Drawing & Design I
• Advanced Architectural Drawing & Design II
• Advanced Engineering Drawing & Design II

Students have opportunities to:

• Design, build, test, and improve innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
• Explore careers in engineering, aerospace, robotics, cybersecurity, architecture, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
• Develop engineering design, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through hands-on projects.
• Participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations and build leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in regional, state, and national competitions to showcase their skills.
• Prepare for industry-recognized credentials, postsecondary education, and high-demand careers.

Trade & Industrial Education prepares students for careers in skilled trades, public safety, transportation, media production, visual communications, and technical services through hands-on, competency-based learning. Students develop technical expertise, workplace readiness skills, and industry knowledge while working with industry-standard equipment and technology in authentic learning environments.

Through project-based instruction, business and industry partnerships, work-based learning experiences, and opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, students gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed for postsecondary education, apprenticeships, military service, and high-demand careers.

Courses

Automotive

• Automotive Technology I
• Automotive Technology II (Dual Enrollment)
• Automotive Technology III (Dual Enrollment)

Carpentry

• Carpentry I
• Carpentry II

Cosmetology

• Cosmetology I
• Cosmetology II

Criminal Justice

• Criminal Justice I
• Criminal Justice II

Information Technology

• Computer and Cyber Security Solutions
• Computer Networking Operations I
• Computer Networking Operations II

Media Arts

• Commercial Photography I
• Commercial Photography II
• TV and Media Production I
• TV and Media Production II (Dual Enrollment)
• TV Production and Screenwriting III (Dual Enrollment)

Students have opportunities to:

• Develop technical and workplace readiness skills through authentic, hands-on learning.
• Work with industry-standard equipment, technology, and software.
• Explore careers in transportation, construction, public safety, cosmetology, media production, information technology, and visual communications.
• Participate in work-based learning experiences, internships, and business partnerships.
• Participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations and build leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in regional, state, and national competitions to showcase their skills.
• Prepare for industry-recognized credentials, postsecondary education, and high-demand careers.

The Governor's Health Sciences Academy at Alexandria City High School is a school-within-a-school. The academy has been designed through a collaborative effort between ACPS and George Washington University. Through this collaboration, students will have the ability to receive up to 18 college credits from The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.  In addition to earning college credits, students have the opportunity to earn an entry level industry certification in one of six different pathways. They are: Biotechnology/Health Informatics, Emergency Medical Technician,  Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nursing (Nurse Aide), Sports Medicine, and Surgical Sciences (Sterile Processing).

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The Academy of Finance (AOF) is part of the Business & Information Technology program. It is organized as a school within a school that prepares students for post-secondary education and careers through academic learning within a theme-based curriculum centered around the financial services industry. Upon completion students will receive a National Academy Foundation Certificate of Financial Studies. Academy of Finance courses include:

• AOF Introduction to Financial Services
• AOF Economics and Personal Finance
• AOF Introduction to Business & International Finance (dual enrollment)

The STEM Academy starts with a team of students and teachers who create a learning community that is a collaborative, caring environment. Both students and teachers are learners in a real-world, problem-solving, project-based environment. Ninth grade students in the Academy will participate in a STEM Explorations course in which they will be immersed in the investigation of real-world engineering and technology problems and decisions affecting their local, state, national and global problems related to human sustainability.

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AC STEM offers an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, industry credentials, work-based learning experiences, and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in just 5 years. Through a partnership with Northern Virginia Community College and Washington Gas, ACPS students can choose to prepare for exciting in-demand careers in either Architecture Technology (architecture, energy, construction, and skilled trades) or Engineering Technology (engineering, energy, manufacturing, and technology). AC Tech offers an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, industry credentials, work-based learning experiences, and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in just 5 years. Through a partnership with Northern Virginia Community College and Washington Gas, ACPS students can choose to prepare for exciting in-demand careers in either Architecture Technology (architecture, energy, construction, and skilled trades) or Engineering Technology (engineering, energy, manufacturing, and technology). During the 5-year program, the first four years will be at the high school, followed by the fifth year at the community college.  Students will have the opportunity to earn half of the college credits needed for the A.A.S. degree while in high school.