Parents: Their Future Starts Here

This Isn’t the CTE You Remember

Career and Technical Education has changed a lot since you were in high school — and it might not be what you think.

Today’s Indian Trails programs prepare students for high-wage careers, industry credentials, and college credit, whether your student is headed straight into the workforce or on to a four-year degree.

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CTE Has Changed a Lot Since You Were in School

If “shop class” or “home ec” comes to mind when you hear career and technical education, it’s time for an update. Modern CTE programs are built around the careers your student will actually step into — in labs and shops equipped with the same technology used in the field, taught by instructors with real industry experience.

Today’s Indian Trails students are earning welding certifications, getting hands-on in health science labs, writing code, managing livestock with modern agricultural technology, and building the kind of resume that used to take years to earn after high school — all before they graduate.

Built for Every Path

One of the biggest misconceptions about CTE is that it’s an “either/or” choice: either your student goes to college, or they do a CTE program. In reality, it’s rarely that simple — and Indian Trails is built for both paths and more!

Headed straight into the workforce?

Students can graduate with industry-recognized credentials employers are actively hiring for, giving them a real head start into a career — no student debt required.

Headed to college?

Many Indian Trails programs offer dual credit, so students walk into college with credits already earned — saving real time and real money. Others use their program to confirm (or rule out) a major before they've spent a dollar on tuition.

Not sure yet?

That's normal — and it's exactly what CTE is for. Students get to try a career on for size while they're still in high school, so they make that big post-graduation decision with real experience behind it instead of a guess.

Wherever your student is headed, a strong foundation in real-world skills only helps.

Myths vs. Reality

Myth

CTE is only for students who "aren't college material."

Reality

Indian Trails students go on to two-year programs, four-year universities, apprenticeships, and straight into skilled careers. CTE doesn't close doors — it opens more of them.

Myth

It's a step down academically

Reality

Indian Trails courses are rigorous, often count toward core high school graduation requirements, and can carry college credit. In fact, 81% of Indian Trails graduates earn a credential or dual credit — well above the state average.

Myth

Choosing a CTE program locks my student into one career forever.

Reality

It's the opposite. CTE gives students a low-risk way to explore a career before committing years and tuition dollars to it in college. Plenty of students use it to confirm their path — and plenty use it to change direction entirely.

Myth

These are the same programs from 20 years ago.

Reality

Equipment, curriculum, and instructors are current with today's industries — from healthcare and IT to advanced manufacturing and agriculture technology.

Explore It Together

The best way to understand what Indian Trails can offer your student is to look through the programs together. Sit down, see what’s out there, and see what sparks their interest — you might be surprised by what’s changed.

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