Ferris ISD’s new early college high school program starts Fall 2022

FERRIS – The Ferris Independent School District will be rolling out a new program for incoming 8th graders at the high school.

According to Andru Gilbert, principal at Ferris High School, “the new early college high school program will roll out in the fall of 2022. 

“The program is designed to support both college bound and industry based certifications,” Gilbert said.

“We will have our first class of students in grades 8 beginning in the fall.”

Aurora Everett, M.Ed., district coordinator, CTE, PTECH, and advanced academics at the Ferris Independent School District, explained the program via email beginning with, “P-TECH is an exciting new school within Ferris High School wherein your student will have an opportunity to earn college credits towards an associates degree, and gain industry experience, while they pursue their high school diploma.”

What the ISD is earmarking as setting the P-TECH program apart from a regular early college high school is the career and technical certifications. 

The courses are designed for students to earn industry certifications in their pathway.

Students are able to choose from several different options including education and training, which will have students pursuing an Associates in Arts in Teaching or a Texas Teacher’s Aide Certification.

There is also the Construction and Architecture option with students pursuing a Residential Construction Certificate (Level 1). Credits for the Construction and Architecture option will be applied towards an Associates in Applied Science.

Eligibility begins with next year’s 8th grade students who attend Ferris High School in the 2022-2023 school year.

There are no prerequisites except an application process.

According to Everett, the first class is expected to attract about 40 students in the first year.