The Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology (AACT) is a Signature School composed entirely of Signature Academy Programs including Animal & Plant Sciences, Communication Arts & Media, Culinary & Hospitality, Engineering, Fire Science, High School of Business, Medical Careers, & Teaching & Training.

*Please Note: Students enrolled in the AACT- Animal & Plant Sciences Academy & Engineering Academy will transition to Debbie Smith High School in the 2025-2026 school year.

Signature Academy Programs  

AACT - Aviation Technology

AACT is very excited to open Northern Nevada's first Aviation Academy. Soar to new heights with AACT's dynamic Aviation Technology program, where precision meets excitement. Students will start by mastering vital safety procedures, from OSHA regulations and fire safety to simulator operation. The program dives into the rich history of aviation, explores diverse career paths, and equips students with the skills to navigate aviation engineering and ethical challenges. Gain hands-on experience with aircraft structures and materials, including advanced composite analysis and weight balance calculations. You'll also learn to interpret aeronautical charts, understand airport environments, and grasp airspace communication protocols. With a focus on certification processes, aircraft systems, and cutting-edge technology, the program prepares students for careers in aviation.

AACT - Communication Arts & Media (Graphic Design & Video Production)

The Communication Arts & Media Academy at AACT features Graphic Design & Video Production programs. The Graphic Design program provides students with an introduction to the principles of creating graphic works. Areas of study include elements and principles of design, production aspects, legal and ethical issues, and portfolio development. The Video Production program provides students instruction in the various video production processes and techniques. Areas of study include camera operation, on-air program production, creative works, and video editing. Students will produce original video and live broadcast productions.  Emphasis is placed on writing, pre-/post-production, editing techniques, and studio and engineering procedures.

AACT - Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Academy at AACT is a dual program consisting of both Forensic Science and Law Enforcement program. The Forensic Science program introduces the principles and procedures employed in criminal and civil investigations. Areas of studies include scientific endeavors such as medicine, pathology, psychology, geology, entomology, fingerprint technology, chemistry, and biology. Emphasis will be put on gathering, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence, using modern laboratory technologies and procedures. The Law Enforcement program provides students with an introduction to law enforcement techniques and processes. Areas of study include basic functions of a law enforcement officer such as: written policies, quality control, court system, law, interrogations, use of force, and emergency management. 

AACT - Culinary & Hospitality (Culinary Arts)

The Culinary Arts program provides students with an introduction to the principles and techniques of commercial food production. Areas of study include basic skills in food handling, food and nutritional science, equipment technology, cooking methods, kitchen safety, sanitation procedures, and employability skills in environments that model industry standards.

AACT - Fire Science

The Fire Science program provides students with an introduction to fire science techniques and processes. The program provides the skills and knowledge related to safety, fire behavior, suppression, ventilation, building construction, awareness of hazardous materials, medical care, and wildland firefighting.

AACT - High School of Business (Business Management & Marketing)

The High School of Business Academy at AACT features Business Management and Marketing programs. The Business Management program provides students with the overall principles of business management. Areas of study include economics, budgeting, human resource management, operations, strategic management, and financial-based decision making. The Marketing program provides students with the overall principles of marketing and business administration. Areas of study include economic systems, business fundamentals, marketing information, product/service management, promotion, pricing, and professional selling.

AACT - Medical Careers (Emergency Medical Technician & Medical Assisting)

The Medical Careers Academy at AACT features Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Medical Assisting programs. The Emergency Medical Technician program provides students with an introduction to emergency medical technician techniques and processes. The program provides the primary skills and knowledge for the pre-hospital emergency medical provider.  It includes areas of study in legalities, trauma and medical assessment, documentation, patient care, and basic life support. The Medical Assisting program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for entry level into administrative and clinical medical assisting. Areas of study include diversity, awareness, pharmacology, health information management, and laboratory procedures. 

Additional Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Advanced Computer Science

The Advanced Computer Science program provides students a deeper exploration in the study of computer science and computational thinking to include algorithms and programming, computing systems, data and analysis, the impacts of computing, and networks and the internet. Topics introduced include abstraction, artificial intelligence, machine learning, the basics of cybersecurity, and object-oriented programming.

Career and Technical Education Programs: As required by the 1979 Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination in Vocational Education Programs (34 CFR Part 100, App. B, IV-O), the District offers several Career and Technical Education Programs. Admission to these programs is open to all students enrolled in the Washoe County School District.

Programas de Educación Técnica y Profesional: Como lo requieren las Pautas de 1979 para Eliminar la Discriminación en los Programas de Educación Vocacional (34 CFR Parte 100, Apéndice B, IV-O), el Distrito ofrece varios Programas de Educación Técnica y de Carreras. La admisión a estos programas está abierta a todos los estudiantes inscritos en el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Washoe.