LISD Speciality Schools

Laredo Independent School District will be hosting its annual Specialty Schools Open House at each campus for eighth grade students and their parents on Saturday, November 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The six specialty schools will open their doors to the community and invite 8th grade students to tour the campus and apply for admission for the 2023-2024 school year.

The event is aimed at recruiting students who may be interested in attending any of LISD’s early college academies/high schools, magnet campus, and specialty schools for the 2023-2024 school year. The five early college high schools and magnet school include the Business, Industry, and Public Services Early College Academy at Nixon High School, Sabas Perez STEM Early College High School at Cigarroa High School, Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Early College High School at Martin High School, Hector J. Garcia Early College High School located at Texas A&M International University, Pathways to Technology Early College High School at Cigarroa High School, and the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts Magnet School. 

Parent and students will have a chance to visit the six specialty schools. Students, counselors, and administrators from the specialty schools will be on hand to share their experiences and to answer any questions concerning the admissions and application process with prospective incoming freshman. Each program is unique and will provide students with the skills and experience essential to their career path.

Also, all LISD eighth grade students will participate in Google Class Virtual Presentations from Tuesday, October 18, to Friday, October 28, in their homeroom and CTE classes. The six specialty schools will showcase their pathways and programs. The virtual presentations consist of a 10-minute video and a 30-minute virtual booth where the students can log on and ask questions to the specialty school representatives.

“LISD wants to provide students every opportunity to gain the skills needed for today’s workforce and to pursue a higher education in the field of their choice,” said Cindy Dominguez, LISD College, Career and Military Readiness Coordinator. “The recruitment events will give our middle school students and their parents the opportunity to consider their academic futures.” 

The Business, Industry, and Public Services Early College Academy located at Nixon High School offers students the opportunity to earn up to 60 college hours and/or an associates degree with a concentration in Law Enforcement, Education, Cosmetology, Welding, Accounting, Distribution and Logistics, and Auto Collision Repair from Laredo College. 

Students looking for a career in Science and Math field can attend the Sabas Perez STEM Early College High School at Cigarroa High School. The STEM Early College High School allows students to prepare for careers in the field of engineering design, robotics, mobile application design, animation, game design, and cybersecurity and computer science. Students gain practical experience in engineering practices and design using 3-D printers to create working models of their designs. Students will earn their high school diplomas while earning up to 60 college hours and/or an associates degree from Laredo College. 

For those students wanting a career in the medical field, the Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Early College High School at Martin High School provides an opportunity to explore careers and gain hands-on experience in nursing, emergency medical technician, and dental assistance. Students graduate with up to 60 hours of college credit and an associates degree from Laredo College and certification programs allowing them to work either full-time or part-time while they are pursuing advanced degrees and certifications in the medical field. 

The Hector J. Garcia Early College High School allows students to finish high school and their first two years of college simultaneously while accumulating college hours at Texas A & M International University.  Many GECHS graduates finish high school with more than 60 hours of university credit. Students choose a college major and begin taking required coursework towards completing their degree while fulfilling high school graduation requirements with tuition and books provided by LISD. The GECHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2017.  U.S. News and World Report also rank it among the nation’s top high schools. 

The Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa Pathway-to-Technology Early College High School prepares students for the workforce with a hand-on approach in Heating/Ventilation/Air-Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, Welding, Electrical, and Architecture with an emphasis on Auto Cad. Students have an opportunity to acquire an associate degree with up to 60 college hours or technical industry certificate from Laredo College, which will prepare them for the construction industry of the 21st century. 

Students interested in the Arts can apply to the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts. VMT provides students an opportunity for comprehensive course study in communications and fine arts with an emphasis on creative development and artistic performance in communications, dance, music, theater arts, and visual arts. The school also provides a rigorous academic instructional program that complements and supports all visual and performing arts.  Students can earn up to 21 college hours from Laredo College. The Texas Cultural Trust named the Trevino Magnet School as the recipient of the Texas Medal of Arts in 2018.

LISD provides transportation for students to all Specialty Schools. Applications open on Friday, October 28, and must be completed online and returned before Friday, December, 2.     

For more information, please contact Cindy Dominquez, LISD College, Career and Military Readiness Coordinator at 956-273-1864 or the respective specialty school.