School Choice Programs

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide courses in a diverse set of career concentrations to prepare students for further education and careers in current or emerging professions. All CTE programs prepare students to receive industry certifications before or after they graduate. Some CTE programs also offer dual-credit courses, which enable students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Houston ISD students have open access to any high school CTE program within the district, provided space is available. Students and parents can submit their interest in another program not offered at their zoned campus within the Houston ISD school choice application.

HISD offers a few early college programs to prepare students for higher education. 

College credit opportunities include: 

• Single-Gender College Preparatory
• Academic Early College High Schools
• P-TECH Early College High School
• Dual Enrollment with University of Texas
• Dual Credit Postsecondary 

For more information regarding these college credit programs, click here

Fine arts programs encourage students to explore their creative nature through music, visual arts, theatre, dance, writing and more. Students create and produce high-quality performances, publications and exhibitions that help them develop their individual talent, improve their critical-thinking skills and build their confidence as an artist.

The Houston ISD Fine Arts Department envisions an arts education that cultivates creative leaders, lifelong patrons of the arts and conscious innovators who design the future. Through rigorous instruction and hands-on artistic experiences, all students will become college and career-ready professionals who champion creativity, embrace cultural literacy and drive artistic transformation in their chosen fields.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized, nonprofit education program known for its rigorous, student-centered curriculum. IB programs help students grow academically, emotionally, and socially while preparing them for success in a global world. IB programs focus on critical thinking, academic challenge, cultural understanding, and multilingualism.

Admission to IB high schools often requires students to meet specific academic eligibility criteria.

For more information regarding this program, click here

International studies programs allow students to learn about a variety of cultures, speak different languages and learn to use technology across the global society. 

Dual language programs help students become bilingual, biliterate, and academically strong in two languages — English and a partner language (such as Spanish).

We offer two program models:

One-Way Dual Language - In this model, students share the same home language (Spanish). Students learn academic content in both English and the partner language, strengthening skills in both. This program supports students in maintaining and developing their home language while also becoming proficient in English.

Two-Way Dual Language - In this model, the classroom includes a balanced mix of English speakers and partner-language speakers. Students learn together in both languages and support one another’s language growth. This program helps all students become bilingual and biliterate while building a global understanding.

Visit the Multilingual Department's website for more information click here

A literature-focused magnet program where students engage deeply with reading, writing, and storytelling across subjects, supported by IB learning experiences.

Designed for students interested in healthcare, offering engaging coursework in health science and exposure to medical career pathways while building the knowledge and skills needed for future college and career success.

Montessori is a system of education that is both a philosophy of child development and a methodology of guiding each child’s development to its full potential. Children grow in an environment of mutual respect to become responsible world citizens. Every classroom is beautifully equipped with Montessori materials that stimulate a child’s curiosity and love of learning, drawing each one to develop his/her potential. Children experience learning as a joyous journey through self-directed work and thought. Children experience a spiraling, connected curriculum founded on Montessori principles. 

Available at: 

• Baker Montessori (Magnet)
• Blackshear Montessori (Magnet)
• Garden Oaks Montessori (Magnet)
• Waltrip High (Non-Magnet)

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

STEM Programs create opportunities for students to develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through real world application of science, technology, engineering and mathematical exploration. These educational experiences can create career opportunities in the medical, energy, science, technology, engineering and math professions. High School STEM programs may have an academic matrix score requirement for entry.

STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)

These programs are similar to STEM except they integrate the arts into the curriculum. STEAM programs help students take an engineering or design approach to real-world problem solving, building on a strong math and science foundation. High School STEAM programs have an academic matrix score requirement for entry.

The state of Texas defines a Gifted and Talented student as a student who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who: (1) exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area; (2) possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or (3) excels in a specific academic field.

What is a Gifted and Talented Program?

The Gifted and Talented Program is for HISD students in grades K-12 who show exceptional intelligence, creativity, or leadership skills. This program provides challenging and structured support tailored to the needs of these students.

HISD differentiates the curriculum by incorporating depth and complexity. The district also offers accelerated courses beyond standard school programs. The focus is on developing higher-level thinking skills, encouraging students to conduct independent research, and create advanced-level projects.

HISD offers two G/T program options:

• Neighborhood G/T Programs – Available at all HISD campuses, grades K–12
• Vanguard Magnet Programs – Available at select magnet campuses, grades K–12

Visit the Gifted and Talented website by clicking here.