Duncanville
Independent School District
Choice Programs
In This Section
Choice Programs
Elementary Programs
Charles Acton Leadership Academy
The Charles Acton Leadership program employs the Leader In Me framework to cultivate a culture of leadership among students and staff. By integrating leadership principles into the academic curriculum, the program aims to empower individuals and foster a positive learning environment.
Alexander: Collegiate Exploratory
The Collegiate Exploratory program provides scholars with a comprehensive range of opportunities to experience collegiate life both inside and outside the classroom. Scholars have the chance to explore various colleges, collaborate with the DHS Collegiate Academy, and participate in the Leader In Me program.
Central: Fine Arts Academy (Reopening Fall 2026)
The digital media and performing arts program infuses music, movement, and dance into the core curriculum across campus. Scholars have the opportunity to participate in various digital media and performing arts activities, including choir and piano classes, dance clubs, and broadcasting.
Hastings: STEM
The STEM program provides hands-on teaching and learning opportunities where scholars learn to apply academic content by creatively solving real-world problems with design-based thinking to prepare scholars for future career opportunities.
Middle School Programs
Byrd: Health Science Program
The Health Science program is designed to provide scholars with experiences in applied science with a focus on human physical and behavioral wellbeing. This program also has a public service endorsement focus and provides varied opportunities for scholars to showcase their learning.
Kennemer: STEAM
The STEAM program allows scholars to connect their learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics with arts practices, elements, design principles, and standards as an access point for guiding scholar inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Reed: Business and Technology
The Business and Technology program is designed to help scholars learn skills in problem solving, business, project management, and technology through varied experiences in and outside of the classroom.
High School Program
DHS: Collegiate Academy
Duncanville High School Collegiate Academy aims to embrace a diverse group of scholars and change their futures one mind at a time. Collegiate Academy scholars will have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and simultaneously take dual credit courses earning up to 60 college credit hours or an Associate Degree within four years.
Duncanville High School Fine Arts Program
Duncanville High School Fine Arts is designed to inspire creativity, discipline, and confidence through music education. Students have the opportunity to participate in band, choir, and other music-focused programs while developing strong performance, collaboration, and leadership skills. Through concerts, competitions, and authentic performance experiences, students grow as musicians and scholars, preparing them for college music programs, scholarships, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
PACE High School
Mary E. Smithey PACE High School is an alternative campus within the Duncanville ISD focused on providing a supportive environment for students needing a different path to graduation, emphasizing individualized attention, strong staff relationships (C.A.R.E.S. framework), and innovative programs like Newcomers, while serving a diverse population, many considered at-risk, to build futures through blended learning and targeted support for college/career readiness.
DHS CTE Programs of Study
Programs of Study Descriptions
Animation
The Animation program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities in creating dynamic visual content for various industries. This includes designing and producing animations, special effects, and other visual elements using film, video, computers, or electronic tools. Students will explore creating animated content for computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials, emphasizing storytelling, technical skills, and industry-standard software.
Architecture
The Architecture program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with developing, engineering, and designing building structures and facilities. This program of study includes reading, interpreting, and drawing blueprints for interior and exterior construction projects.
Automotive
The Automotive program of study centers on the occupational and educational opportunities related to servicing, repairing, and restoring various types of vehicles. This program emphasizes diagnosing and servicing vehicles while exploring the processes, technologies, and materials involved in vehicle reconstruction and maintenance.
Business Management
The Business Management program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with planning, directing, and coordinating the administrative services and operations of an organization. It includes formulating policies, managing daily operations, and allocating the use of materials and human resources. This program of study also introduces students to mathematical modeling tools and organizational evaluation methods.
Collision Repair
The Collision Repair program of study focuses on the occupational and educational opportunities associated with repairing, refinishing, and reconstructing damaged vehicles. This program includes diagnosing structural and cosmetic damage, repairing and refinishing vehicle surfaces, and learning about the processes, technologies, and materials used in collision repair and vehicle restoration.
Construction
The Construction program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities related to constructing, installing, and repairing structures and fixtures made of wood (including frameworks, partitions, joists, studding, rafters, and stairways). The program of study includes installing, dismantling, or moving machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Cosmetology
The Cosmetology program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities within the beauty and personal care industry. This program emphasizes skills in providing beauty services, managing personal care establishments, and supervising or coordinating teams of personal care professionals.
Culinary
The Culinary program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with the planning, directing, or coordinating activities of a food and beverage organization or department. This program of study includes opportunities involved in directing and participating in the preparation of food.
Early Learning
The Early Learning program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with instructing and supporting preschool and early elementary school students. This program of study addresses social, physical, and intellectual growth and skills necessary for planning, directing, and coordinating activities for young children.
Education
The Education program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with careers related to teaching, instructing, and creating instructional and enrichment materials. The program of study includes recognizing a variety of student groups and their corresponding needs, identifying processes for developing curriculum and coordinating educational content, and coaching groups and individuals.
Engineering
The Engineering program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with a wide range of skills applied in the Engineering industry. Students will design, test, and evaluate projects related to engines, machines, and structures. This program of study includes applying scientific, mathematical, and empirical evidence to solve problems through innovation, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of different engineering systems.
Fashion Design
The Fashion Design program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities related to designing and creating clothing, accessories, and textiles to meet specific commercial or artistic needs. This program includes learning about garment construction, pattern-making, and the use of design software to develop unique styles. Students explore creating visual presentations and multimedia content for fashion marketing, such as lookbooks, runway visuals, and promotional materials for fashion shows, retail displays, and online platforms.
Firefighter
The Firefighter program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with fire protection, emergency response, and public safety services. This program of study includes fire suppression techniques, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and fire prevention practices. Students will develop physical, technical, and leadership skills necessary to respond to emergency situations, preparing them for postsecondary training and careers in firefighting, emergency services, and public safety.
Floral Design
The Floral Design program of study emphasizes occupational and educational opportunities within the science, research, and business of plants and floral artistry. This program integrates biology and life science with real-world applications, focusing on the processes and aesthetics of plants and vegetation in both laboratory and field settings. Students will explore the principles of floral design while gaining a deeper understanding of plant science and its role in the floral industry.
Graphic Design
The Graphic Design program of study emphasizes occupational and educational opportunities in the field of visual design, focusing on creating graphics and visual content to meet commercial or promotional objectives. This program encompasses designing elements such as packaging, branding, logos, and promotional displays. Additionally, it includes crafting visual effects, animations, and other digital imagery using software, computers, and electronic tools for applications in video games, films, music videos, and advertising campaigns.
Greenhouse Operations
The Greenhouse Operations program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with plant production, greenhouse management, and agricultural systems. This program of study includes cultivating, propagating, and maintaining plants in controlled environments while applying principles of biology, environmental science, and sustainable agriculture. Students will gain hands-on experience in greenhouse operations, preparing them for postsecondary education and careers in horticulture, agriculture, and plant science industries.
Information Technology
The Information Technology program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with computer systems, networks, and digital technologies. This program of study includes installing, configuring, and maintaining hardware and software systems, managing networks, and supporting cybersecurity practices. Students will develop technical skills in troubleshooting, system operations, and digital problem-solving, preparing them for postsecondary education and careers in information technology and related fields.
Marketing
The Marketing program focuses on career and educational pathways in marketing, emphasizing skills needed to research and analyze customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits. Students learn to create innovative strategies and campaigns to effectively promote and distribute products and services, preparing them for dynamic roles in the marketing industry.
Media
The Media program of study emphasizes career and educational opportunities in creating audio and visual content for purposes such as te levision, advertising, video production, and motion pictures. Students learn to operate equipment like microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, monitors, and soundboards to produce and record high-quality sound and visuals.
Nursing
The Nursing program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with patient care. This program of study includes the practice of caring for patients, performing routine procedures such as monitoring vital signs, developing, and implementing care plans, maintaining medical records, and managing disease or pain.
Photography
The Photography program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with capturing and creating photographic images to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as product photography, advertising campaigns, or event documentation. The program of study includes techniques for photographing people, products, and environments and utilizing digital tools for editing, enhancing, and producing high-quality visual content for use in marketing materials, advertisements, magazines, and social media.
Robotics
The Robotics program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with the assembly, operation, maintenance, and repair of electromechanical equipment or devices. This program of study includes exploration of a variety of mechanical fields, including robotics, refinery and pipeline systems, deep ocean exploration, and hazardous waste removal.
Veterinary
The Veterinary program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with the science, research, and business of animals and other living organisms. This program of study includes applying biology and life science to real-world life processes of animals and wildlife, either in laboratories or in the field, which could include a veterinary office, a farm or ranch, or any outdoor area harboring animal life. Students will research and analyze the growth and destruction of species and research or diagnose diseases and injuries of animals.
Welding
The Welding program of study focuses on the development and use of automatic and computer-controlled machines, tools, and robots that perform work on metal or plastic. CTE learners will learn how to modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain individual machines and how to use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment.
Signature Programs
Elementary Programs
Bilhartz: Career Explorations
The Career Exploration program is designed to help scholars discover their interests through relevant hands-on projects across career pathways in and outside of the classroom.
Daniel Elementary: Environmental Science
The Environmental Science Program exposes scholars to the foundation of scientific inquiry and discovery as it relates to protecting and sustaining our environment globally for future generations.
Fairmeadows: Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship program develops real-world skills helping scholars understand the product development cycle, design business proposals, and deliver effective pitch presentations, resulting in beneficial behaviors regardless of their career paths.
Hyman: Mass Communications
The Mass Communications program develops the verbal and written communication skills of scholars to be self directed leaders in the 21st- century global society through rigorous academic and extracurricular experiences.
Merrifield: Civic Duty & Service Leadership
The Civic Duty and Service Leadership program inspires scholars to become Civic Minded Leaders by developing leadership through varied academic and extracurricular experiences inside and outside of the classroom.