Washoe County Signature Academies & CTE Programs: 2026 Parent Guide
A complete guide to Washoe County School District's Signature Academy programs, Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and specialty high schools including TMCC Magnet High School and Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT).
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A complete guide to Washoe County School District's Signature Academy programs, Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and specialty high schools including TMCC Magnet High School and Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT).
Washoe County Signature Academies & CTE Programs: 2026 Parent Guide
Washoe County School District (WCSD) offers an extensive portfolio of specialized learning pathways through its Signature Academies, Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, and specialized magnet schools.
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WCSD Signature Academies: Overview
Signature Academies are specialized programs housed within comprehensive high schools. Unlike CCSD career-technical campuses, WCSD Signature Academies allow students to pursue a specialized pathway while remaining part of a comprehensive school community with full athletics, activities, and class offerings.
Available Signature Academy Programs (2026)
- STEM & Engineering: Reed High School STEM Academy, Wooster HS Engineering Academy
- Performing Arts: Damonte Ranch HS Performing Arts Academy, Sparks HS Fine Arts
- Business & Marketing: Hug High School Business Academy
- Media Communications: Reno High School Red House Media Academy
- Health Sciences: Spanish Springs HS Health Sciences Academy
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Specialty Full-Time Career High Schools
1. Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT)
5-Star NSPF Rating | 8 Career Pathway Academies
AACT is Washoe County's flagship career-technical magnet high school, located in central Reno. Admission is by application and lottery. Students pursue full-year coursework within one of eight career academies while earning dual-credit college courses through TMCC partnerships.
- Culinary Arts & Hospitality: Industry kitchen labs, food science, and hotel management.
- Digital Media & Communications: Video production, graphic design, and digital journalism.
- Engineering & Architecture: CAD design, structural engineering, and robotics competitions.
- Healthcare Sciences: CNA certification pathways, clinical lab simulations.
- View AACT Profile →
2. TMCC Magnet High School
5-Star NSPF Rating | Full Dual-Enrollment Campus
Located on the Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) main campus in Reno, the TMCC Magnet High School allows 11th and 12th graders to earn a high school diploma while simultaneously completing an Associate of Arts or Science degree — entirely free of tuition.
- Admission: Open application with lottery; applications accepted annually from current WCSD 10th graders.
- Graduation Outcome: Students graduate with both a high school diploma AND an AA/AS degree.
- View TMCC Magnet High School Profile →
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How to Apply for WCSD Signature Academies & Magnets
1. Research Programs: Review available academies at each comprehensive high school by contacting the school counselor. 2. Application Window: Most WCSD Signature Academy applications open in January for the following fall semester. 3. Transportation Note: WCSD does not provide designated transportation for Signature Academy students at other schools. Families arrange carpools or use RTC public transit.
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Tools to Research Washoe County Schools
- Nevada NSPF Decoder: Compare Washoe County school performance data.
- School Zone & Address Grader: Find your assigned high school and nearby academy options.
- Head-to-Head School Comparison: Compare AACT vs. Galena High vs. Reno High side-by-side.
Quick answers
chevron_rightWhat is the main takeaway from Washoe County Signature Academies & CTE Programs: 2026 Parent Guide?
A complete guide to Washoe County School District's Signature Academy programs, Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and specialty high schools including TMCC Magnet High School and Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT).
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Sources and next steps
NevadaSchools.org uses official Nevada school accountability data, including NSPF ratings, proficiency metrics, graduation rates, and public school profile information. For the original state source, review the Nevada Report Card.