Dekaney High School

The Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) at Dekaney High School made its debut during the 2021-22 school year with its first cohort of 9th-grade students.

Through a partnership with Lone Star College – North Harris, the program is designed to lead to both a high school diploma and an Associate of Science Degree with licenses in computer programming and animation.

The goal is to prepare students for higher education opportunities, as well as employment, through internships and hands-on experiences.

Key areas of study include:

• Computer Programming and coding
• Animation
• Automotive
• Education and Training

The program will give preference to students zoned to Dekaney High School but is also open to other students as space allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is P-TECH?
P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. As part of the program, students choose a career path and take courses that provide academic, technical, and workplace skills that are attractive to employers. Students earn a high school diploma, an associate degree, two-year post secondary certificate, or industry certification in their selected career pathway. Students also have opportunities for mentorships and paid internships that can potentially lead to job placement after graduation.

Why should I apply for Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)?
P-TECH at Dekaney High School is committed to providing a college-going culture and work-based learning experiences that allow students to gain real-world skills such as time management, relationship building, and communication. P-TECH offers students a no-cost solution to earning a two-year degree creating a pathway to a four-year college degree or employment.

Who can apply for P-TECH?
All 8th-grade students are eligible to apply and must complete the P-TECH application online. Students are only accepted as incoming students at the 9th-grade level due to advanced program requirements in later grades.

Will students not zoned to Dekaney be eligible for the P-TECH Program?
Yes, the program is open to all Spring ISD students; however, those zoned to Dekaney who qualify for the program will be given first preference/priority.

Will transportation be provided to students who are out of the zone?
Yes, transportation will be provided for students living in Spring ISD.

What are the admissions requirements for the program? Will there be an interview?
Any current 8th-grade student approaching their ninth-grade year.  Yes, an interview is required in the admission process.

If accepted into P-TECH, will my student also be able to take AP classes and participate in other activities at Dekaney?
Yes, AP courses will be optional offerings to the students, and extracurricular activities, including sports, fine arts, and school clubs.

When does a student start taking college-level courses?
Students will begin taking college-level classes the summer before their 9th-grade year. During 10th grade, students must pass the TSI (Texas Success Initiative) test, to be scheduled for college-level courses.

If I’m a district employee and my student would like to attend the Dekaney P-Tech program, is there automatic acceptance?
District employee applicants will be included in a separate district employee lottery reflecting 10% of the available seats per grade level. If less than 10% per grade level apply, all district employee students that apply, qualify, and progress through the first and second phase will be accepted. Those not accepted within the 10% will have an opportunity to then enter their name in the general random lottery with all other students. District employee status will be verified before the random selection lottery.