Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dallas ISD P-TECH/ECHS?

The Dallas ISD P-TECH/Early College High Schools/Collegiate Academies are high schools that provide students the opportunity to earn dual credit, which is credit toward a high school diploma and college degree. By the time they complete high school, students in Dallas ISD P-TECH/Early College High Schools/Collegiate can earn up to 60 hours of free college credit and an associate degree. They partner with institutions of higher education to enable students to earn college credit.

Students attend 9th and 10th grade in the P-TECH/Early College High Schools/Collegiate Academy wing at the high school campus where they complete their basic courses and receive in-depth instruction to prepare them for college success. Beginning their junior year, students attend classes, tuition-free, on the campus of their community college partner. The district provides transportation to the partner community college campus.

What is the difference between a B-TECH, E-TECH, H-TECH and P-TECH?

A school is considered a P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) if it is designated from the Texas Education Agency, and they have industry partners that align with the campus pathways. This is the broad/generic term when referring to P-TECH campuses.

A school is considered a B-TECH if it has the same qualifications as a P-TECH, but the pathways are business related. This is a more specific term for the pathways at the specific campus, it is still a P-TECH official campus.

A school is considered an E-TECH if it has the same qualifications as a P-TECH, but the pathways are engineering related. This is a more specific term for the pathways at the specific campus, it is still a P-TECH official campus.

A school is considered an H-TECH if it has the same qualifications as a P-TECH, but the pathways are health related. This is a more specific term for the pathways at the specific campus, it is still a P-TECH official campus.

What is a P-TECH?

Which Dallas ISD high schools offer the P-TECH/ECHS/Collegiate Academy model?

Dallas ISD High School	Higher Education Partner - College Campus
Bryan Adams High School	Eastfield Campus
David W. Carter High School	Cedar Valley Campus
W.H. Adamson High School	El Centro Campus
Dr. Emmett J. Conrad High School	Richland Campus
Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School	Mountain View Campus
Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy	Cedar Valley Campus
Hillcrest High School	Richland Campus
Thomas Jefferson High School	Brookhaven Campus & TAMU-C
Justin F. Kimball High School	Mountain View Campus
Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School	El Centro Campus
Lincoln High School	Eastfield Campus
James Madison High School	El Centro Campus
Moises E. Molina High School	Mountain View Campus
North Dallas High School	Brookhaven Campus
North Lake Early College High School	North Lake Campus
L.G. Pinkston High School	El Centro Campus
Franklin D. Roosevelt High School	Cedar Valley Campus
W.W. Samuell High School	Eastfield Campus
Seagoville High School	Eastfield Campus
Skyline High School	Eastfield Campus
South Oak Cliff High School	Mountain View Campus
H. Grady Spruce High School	Eastfield Campus
Sunset High School	Mountain View Campus
W.T. White High School	Brookhaven Campus
Wilmer-Hutchins High School	North Lake Campus

What is dual credit?

Dual credit programs 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. At Dallas ISD collegiate academies/early colleges, students can earn dual credit in a number of academic areas including math, science, english, scoial studies and more.

A dual credit program benefits students in a number of ways:

Provides a head start on postsecondary core requirements.
Lowers the cost of college (Dallas College/UNT-Dallas/TAMU-C waive tuition for dual credit).
Expands the variety of classes available to high school students.
Allows access to college facilities/activities–such as fine arts performances, career development services, computer labs, college libraries, and learning skills/tutoring services.
Provides greater opportunities for a coordinated, seamless education.
Serves as a “controlled” introduction to college life.
Allows for an easier transition to college.
Builds students’ confidence and self-esteem.

What pathways are offered?

We currently offer 30+ different pathway options:

Advanced Manufacturing/Mechatronics Technology
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
Allied Health
Business
Business Administration
Business and Finance
Business Management
Computer Assisted Drafting and Design
Construction Technology
Criminal Justice
Dance Education
Digital Multimedia Technology
Early Childhood Education
Electrical Engineering Technology
Electronics Technology with Advanced Manufacturing
Electronic Technology
EMT Program
Fine Arts
Game Design
Hospitality Management
Internet Development Technology
Management
Manufacturing
Music Education
Music Production
Network Administration and Support
Personal Computer Support
Pre-Electrical Engineering Technology
Pre-Mechanical Engineering
Public Health
Public Service
Software Programming
Sports Management
Visual Communications

Who can attend a Dallas ISD P-TECH/ECHS?

How many students will be accepted each year?

How do students apply to attend a P-TECH/ECHS program?

What about transportation?

Will students be able to participate in student activities and athletics?

Will I have to pay tuition for college level classes?

Will I have to pay for college textbooks?

When will students start taking college level classes?

Do students have to take an examination to enroll in college courses?

Students enrolled in college courses must meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. This can be done by taking the TSIA2 (TSIA2) and earning passing scores in reading, writing, and math. Students must have passing scores in specific areas based on course prerequisites. A Summer Bridge Camp will be held to help students prepare for P-TECH and Early College High School, including preparation for the TSIA2.

What if my child receives special education services?

It is the policy of Dallas ISD to afford equal opportunity education to all students. Students receiving special education services are given the same consideration in the selection as all other students. The individual needs of the student, as indicated in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), can be addressed during any audition or performance assessment. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide the IEP or 504 Plan with the application. Students enrolled in dual credit courses at Dallas College, UNT-D, or TAMU-C, can request accommodations by providing documentation of disability and be found eligible through the college’s Disability Support Services Office (DSO).