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New Academy Programs Offered

New Academy Programs Offered

Applications open for all Prosper ISD students at Richland HS's New Academies

Three new academy programs offer choice, skills and opportunities


Prosper Independent School District is proud to announce the launch of three innovative Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways at the district's fourth high school, Richland High School, opening in 2025. These specialized Cybersecurity, Cosmetology, and Electrical Engineering pathways will provide students with industry-leading training and certification opportunities and will be open to applications from all Prosper ISD students.


"These new academies represent our commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while still in high school," said Julie Anderson, Director of CTE, at Prosper ISD. "We're excited to offer programs that combine rigorous academic instruction with practical, hands-on training."


These programs represent a significant investment in career preparation, allowing students to graduate high school as certified, employable professionals ready to enter the workforce or pursue further education.

Cybersecurity Academy

The Cybersecurity Academy will feature a state-of-the-art Virtual Cyber Range, offering students a unique and creative curriculum platform. Students can earn valuable industry certifications, including CompTIA A+, Security+, and Linux+. The program is designed to create a direct pipeline to either immediate employment in the cybersecurity industry or advanced education opportunities, with dual credit options available. There is no additional cost for this program.

Cosmetology Academy

Through a partnership with the prestigious Toni & Guy Academy, the Cosmetology Academy will prepare students to earn their Cosmetology Operator's License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The program culminates in a senior-year business management component, ensuring graduates are certified, skilled practitioners knowledgeable in business operations.

Additional Information

  1. All participants are required to obtain a Student License through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation prior to the start of the academic school year. The cost is the responsibility of the participant and is $25.

  2. All participants will be required to purchase their Cosmetology Kit at the rate of $1,800. Payment plans will be available.

    1. Students will retain their kit upon graduation from Prosper ISD.

    2. Kits include equipment and materials needed to achieve certification and start their Cosmetology career (blow dryer, brushes, mannequin heads, irons, etc.).

    3. Students that unenroll from the Cosmetology Academy are still responsible for the cost of their kit.

  3. Upon successful completion of requirements, Senior students will test to earn their Cosmetology Operator’s License through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

    1. Prosper ISD will assume the cost of the certification test.

  4. Students entering the Academy as Sophomore students will be responsible for additional self-study hours to meet the requirements of certification.

Electrical Engineering Academy

The Electrical Engineering Academy features a state-of-the-art clean electrical lab equipped with the latest technology. Through strategic partnerships with Texas Instruments and local colleges, students will gain industry-relevant experience and knowledge. The program offers SACA Industry 4.0 Certification, making graduates highly employable upon completion. Students can choose between direct entry into the workforce or pursuing advanced education through "two plus two" college opportunities, where they can complete two years at Richland followed by two years at a partner college.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

How many students will be selected for each program?

Each program has a limited number of slots available.


Here are the program capacity limits:


  • Cybersecurity Program
    • 50 spots for incoming Freshmen
    • 50 spots for incoming Sophomores
    • Total: 100 spots
  • Cosmetology Program
    • 40 spots for incoming Freshmen
    • 40 spots for incoming Sophomores
    • Total: 80 spots
  • Electrical Engineering Program
    • 50 spots for incoming Freshmen
    • 50 spots for incoming Sophomores
    • Total: 100 spots

Will I still attend my zoned campus?

No. If you are selected and enroll in a Richland High School Academy, you will attend Richland High School for all your courses and graduate from Richland High School.

Is transportation available to Richland HS?

  • If your zoned campus is Richland High School and you are eligible for transportation, yes.
  • If you are choosing to enroll in an academy from another Prosper ISD high school attendance zone, transportation is NOT available. You would be responsible for your own transportation to and from school.

How are students selected?

After the Skyward form closes on March 14, students will be selected by a lottery process.

Consideration Timeline

  • Friday, March 14: Deadline to submit applications for Academies

  • Tuesday, March 25: Notification of Program Placement or Waitlist

  • Friday, March 28: Selected students’ commitment forms due by 11:59 pm

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

The primary guardian must log into their Skyward account.


  1. Primary guardian login to Skyward.

  2. The form can be accessed by clicking the Online Forms tab on the left. The fields at the top of the form will already be filled in for your child.

  3. Complete all fields and type in the electronic signature.

  4. Click the button at the bottom ‘Complete Step 1 and move to Step 2.

  5. Click ‘ Submit CTE Academy Application for Consideration Form.’ Once you click submit, you are finished, and nothing else needs to be done.

Questions?

Prosper Independent School District

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN TEXAS


Prosper ISD has an established 66-year history that is grounded in the humble roots of a farming community, now soaring to the fastest growing school district in the State of Texas, due in no small part to the pursuit of excellence in the arts, academics and athletics. Our students are routinely recognized on the local, state and national level for outstanding achievements, and our teachers are highly qualified experts who bring out the best in every student.


ABOUT PROSPER ISD

Prosper ISD is a school district located north of Dallas in Collin and Denton Counties. The district spans approximately 58 square miles and serves more than 31,000 students in 18 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools and one early childhood school.


🫶🏼THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORTING OUR TEACHERS & STUDENTS

In November 2023, an overwhelming majority of voters approved $2.7 billion dollars to continue building excellence in Prosper ISD. Thank you for your continued financial commitment to our

district.


And while our facilities are second to none, we know that it is the people who make the difference in Prosper ISD. From our bus drivers to our teachers to our teacher assistants, our staff is here to support students as they pursue their dreams of excellence in academics, fine arts, and athletics.


Email: communications@prosper-isd.net

Location: 605 East 7th Street, Prosper, TX, USA

Phone: 469-219-2000