Academies

Earn College Credit

HCISD partners with Texas Southmost College and Texas State Technical College to provide college credit courses to Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South students. By participating in our Dual Enrollment Program, students save money and prepare for collegelevel courses.

Community Service

Giving back to our Harlingen-area community is part of everyday student life in HCISD. Students earn service hours for assisting with local non-profits, beautification projects, and mentorship opportunities. In addition to community service being valuable for college applications, it’s an essential part of personal growth.

Character Education

Implemented at all middle school and high school campuses, Character Strong is building a positive school community in HCISD. The program helps educators infuse character and social-emotional learning into the daily fabric of every classroom and campus settings. HCISD has also adopted 2-Words, a program teaching students in athletics integrity, discipline, and humility.

AP Courses

The Advanced Placement program allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students are allowed to take AP exams in May of each school year. It has been shown that students master in-depth content at college-level courses more easily after completing AP courses in high school.

College Board Partnership

Through our partnership with College Board, we are able to provide additional resources aimed at improving college readiness for students. After Cano Freshman Academy completed a pilot program, in which they were selected from over 1,000 participating schools world-wide, we’ve been able to expanded opportunities to all middle school and high school campuses.

Business Academy

The Business Academy educates and prepares students for business management professions. As students learn about responsibilities, roles, and business-related career paths, they are exposed to authentic learning experiences through competitions and practicum courses. EAccounting/Financial Services EBusiness Management ECosmetology ECulinary Arts EEntrepreneurship EMarketing/Sales

HCISD ACADEMIES

37 Certification Opportunities

Apprenticeship Academy

This academy aims to inspire students to explore careers in architecture, construction, electrical, HVAC, masonry, plumbing, or welding. Students intern with local businesses and receive on-site training, enhancing their skills to become workforce ready while earning certifications ECarpentry EElectrical EHVAC EMasonry EPlumbing EWelding

Automotive Academy

HCISD offers certification opportunities for students seeking careers within the industry of automotive services. With the addition of Diesel Equipment Technology, students have access to a state-of-theart facility, recently upgraded through a Texas Workforce Commission grant. EAutomotive Services ECollision Repair EDiesel Technology

Firefighter Academy

Working side by side with the Harlingen Fire Department, students in the Firefighter Academy will earn 468 hours of credit towards two certifications while gaining hands-on experience in the field. EFirefighter

Media Arts and Communications Academy

Students in the Media Arts and Communications Academy are exposed to experiences that help shape their passion for potential careers in the industry. Students explore videography, graphic design, and printing and imaging technology. EGraphic Design ETelevision Production

Pre-Engineering Academy

Students are immersed in various branches of engineering through the Pre-Engineering Academy. The four-year sequence provides opportunities for students to explore career paths. EEngineeringERenewable Energy ERobotics

Pre-Law Academy

Students with a passion for service and public safety will gain hands-on experience learning the fundamentals of law and investigative techniques. ELaw Enforcement ELegal Studies

Natural Resources Academy

Students in this academy have the opportunity to raise animals and greenhouse items at our district FFA farm. Students participating in the FFA program compete at the regional and state level. EAnimal Science EPlant Science

Information Technology Academy

As students foster creativity and innovation, this academy provides a pathway to explore design and digital programs. Working with computer networks and software, students have the opportunity to earn COMP TIA certifications. EComputer Science ECybersecurity ENetworking Systems EProgramming and Software Development

Health Sciences Academy

By offering career and post-secondary educational learning opportunities, HCISD students gain a head start in the medical field. In addition to Harlingen School of Health Professions’ medical pathways, HCISD is offering seven health science pathway options to students district-wide. ELicensed Vocational Nurse (Valley Baptist Health System partnership) EClinical Medical Assistant EEKG Technician EDental Assistant EPharmacy Technician

Public Services Academy

Students interested in professions in health, law, education, or social services can explore their interests through authentic learning experiences in this academy. EEMT

Teacher Academy

Through the Teacher Academy, students gain authentic learning experiences inside HCISD classrooms as they earn their education aide certification. EEducation Aide

Veterinary Sciences Academy

Students in this academy learn the fundamentals of patient care. On a path towards furthering a career aimed towards helping animals, this academy provides an excellent jump start in this professional environment. EVeterinary Assistant