Pathways in Technology

Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) are innovative open-enrollment high schools that allow students least likely to attend college an opportunity to receive both a high school diploma and a credential and/or an associate degree. The hallmark of the P-TECH model is its career focus and work-based education with innovative partnerships with colleges, universities and industry.

The Sam Houston P-TECH program works with an industry partner to prepare students for careers in Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology, Business and Logistics.
The MXET program equips students with a robust blend of electronic and mechanical skills. It offers flexibility and hands-on experience through numerous real-world
projects. Through this program students receive a comprehensive education in electronic technical systems, mechanical/manufacturing systems and applied research activities. Successful completion of this pathway enables students to enroll in the Texas A&M Engineering Academy through TCC, or students may enroll in other colleges or universities.

P-TECH at Sam Houston High School is designed as a 4-year program so it is only open to incoming freshman.

Industry partners serve as a core component of the P-TECH model. Through this partnership, students can get work-based industry experience that includes mentoring, site visits, speeches, project days and internships.

No, but students must complete an application and participate in the Summer Bridge program.

An application must be completed for consideration to a specialized program. Families can apply for up to three specialized programs and rank them by first, second and third choice.

The first application window has already closed. A second application window for the 2026 - 2027 school year opens Monday, April 20, 2026 and closes on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The P-TECH academies will provide embedded opportunities for students to participate in dual credit, IB and AP courses.

Dual credit courses allow high school students to enroll in college courses for credit while still in high school. College credits earned through dual credit can be applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to other colleges or universities.

Yes. Residents outside of Arlington ISD boundaries will be offered admission after all Arlington ISD residents have been placed.

Invitations from the first application window for specialized programs were sent out on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., directly from specialized program campuses.

Invitations from the second window will be sent on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, also from the specialized program campus. Families receive one notification, either an invitation from a specialized program campus or an email explaining other opportunities if a student is not accepted into a specialized program.

An invitation to a specialized program from the second window must be accepted by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026 to guarantee placement. Directions for how to accept the invitation are included in the invitation sent by the specialized program campus.

There is no cost to attend Sam Houston P-TECH. P-TECH is free for all Arlington ISD students and those enrolling from outside of the district.

Yes, there are school buses that travel to and from each traditional high school in the district on each school day to Sam Houston P-TECH. Students are picked up at the traditional high school they are zoned to attend then driven to Sam Houston each day. They ride the bus back to the traditional high school each afternoon.
Transportation is not provided for out-of-district students.

No. Tuition is waived for students enrolled and textbooks will be provided to all students free of charge.

Students will begin taking college-level classes during their freshman year, then begin taking more classes as they progress through high school.

Yes. In addition to all the unique P-TECH offerings, your child can also participate in traditional high school activities such as athletics, fine arts and extracurricular clubs and organizations.

Students cannot reapply as they move through their sophomore, junior, and senior years. The curriculum students engage with includes high school and dual credit courses, which are rigorous and fast-paced. Accepting students outside these cohorts is difficult because the courses are in a particular sequence or path.

Yes, a student can apply to other programs.

• Arlington Collegiate High School


• Arlington College and Career High School


• Bowie P-TECH


• Lamar P-TECH


• Seguin P-TECH


• STEM Academy at Martin High School

Contact Juan Villarreal, Sam Houston principal by phone at 682-867-7200 or email at jvillarr@aisd.net.