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Arlington ISD ▸ Sam Houston High School ▸ P-TECH at Sam Houston High School

P-TECH at Sam Houston High School

Prepare now for jobs in Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology, Business and Logistics

Relevant work experience in a fast-growing field

Free college credits and industry certifications

Learn from industry partner Flex-N-Gate

Follow your path through logistics
and the engineering involved in manufacturing.

  • Learn about distribution, logistics and advanced manufacturing
  • Understand the science involved in the business world
  • Mentor with Flex-N-Gate, the industry partner for the program
  • Take advantage of opportunities to earn Level 1 certifications
  • Put yourself on the path to be a logistician, a job that has a state growth of 48 perecent
  • Set yourself up as an electromechanical technician, which has an average salary in Tarrant County of more than $75,000

In addition to all of 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.

When your child completes the P-TECH program,
they’ll be confident and ready for college or fully prepared for a great career.

P-TECH is free for ALL Arlington ISD students and those enrolling from outside of the district.

Potential Employment

Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology in Mechatronics

  • Mechatronics Technician: $67,478
  • Electronics Technology: $70,234 
  • Mechanical Engineer:  $95,401

Logisticians

Employment of logisticians is projected to grow 19 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 26,100 openings for logisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.  The median annual wage for logisticians was $79,400.

  • Logisticians: $79,400
  • Transportation Management Coordinator: $52,665
  • Warehouse Manager: $49,720

Business and Financial Occupations

Overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 963,500 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.  The average annual wage for this group was $79,050 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.

  • Accounting Clerks: $50,754
  • General Managers: $56,640
  • Business Management & Administration Support Workers - $45,189

A P-TECH program offers your child everything they need to explore their passions.

  • Earn a high school diploma, up to 60 hours of FREE college credit from Tarrant County College and industry certifications
  • Gain relevant work experience in a fast-growing field
  • Receive academic and social supports in a strategic and individualized fashion from professional staff members
  • Participate in age-appropriate work-based learning opportunities at ever grade level
  • Develop soft skills needed for college and career success

65% of kids starting school today will work in jobs that don’t exist now.
Prepare for this new reality today.

Make a seamless transition from high school to college or an in-demand career.

How to launch your P-TECH education:

  • Step 1

    Identify if P-TECH is right for your child.

  • Step 2

    Apply for P-TECH at Sam Houston High School during the application window.

  • Step 3

    Watch your student thrive.

We understand that the choice to give your child a unique education is a big one.

At P-TECH at Sam Houston High School, students receive all the benefits of the Arlington ISD whole-child education, plus an opportunity to nurture their passions.

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Arlington ISD P-TECH staff are committed to helping your child succeed.

  • Automatic enrollment in AVID
  • Tutoring and test preparations tailored for each student
  • P-TECH peer support groups
  • Frequent check-ins from counselors and staff
  • Summer bridge programming offered
  • Application assistance provided
  • Free transportation from hub locations across the district

Frequently Asked Questions

What is P-TECH?

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.

What is the Focus of P-TECH at Sam Houston High School?

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.

Who is Eligible?

For the 2025-2026 school year, incoming freshmen are eligible.

How Do Industry Partners Impact the Student Learning Experience?

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.

Are There Prerequisites?

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

How Do I Apply and When is the Deadline?

Students can apply online at Arlington ISDs Specialized Programs page. Students can apply online at Arlington ISD's Specialized Programs page. The application window for the 2025 - 2026 school year opens Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at noon and closes on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Parent information sessions will be posted on the specialized programs page.

Will Students Be Able to Participate in AP and IB Courses?

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

What is Dual Credit?

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.

Do You Accept Out-of-district Students?

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

When Will I Know if I Was Accepted?

Invitations for specialized programs will be sent out on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., directly from specialized program campuses. 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.

Is There a Cost to Attend Sam Houston P-TECH?

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.

Is There Transportation?

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.

Will I Have to Pay Tuition for College-level Classes?

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

When Will Students Start Taking College-level Classes?

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

Can My Child Play Sports or Participate in Fine Arts While at This 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.

Are Students Able to Re-apply if They Were Not Accepted as a Freshman?

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.

Are There Other Schools I Can Go to if I Don’t Get Into This One?

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

How Do I Get More Information?

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

Your child has an incredible path ahead.

A P-TECH education will provide them with opportunities to change the world.

Learn More About Other Specialized Programs