As 8th grade students prepare for the transition to high school, it’s a crucial time for both students and families to stay informed and prepared.

To help make this transition as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled a list of important dates and key information for rising 9th graders. In addition to the typical high school preparation activities, SBISD is excited to offer expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) options, providing students with valuable opportunities to explore potential career paths.

Important Dates

Week of January 20
Parent Meetings & Elective Fairs
Each high school campus will host a parent meeting and Elective Fair for incoming 9th grade families. These events will showcase not only academic electives but also the wide range of CTE courses that help prepare students for careers in various fields.

January 23
8th Grade Student Visits to High School
Eighth grade students will visit their zoned high school campus to tour the facilities, meet staff, and learn more about the high school experience.

January 24 - February 7
Course Selection Process
High school counselors will visit 8th grade students at their middle school campuses to guide them through course selection, ensuring they make informed decisions about their academic journey, including CTE pathways.

Expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways

One of the most exciting developments this year is the expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses as part of our T-2-4 vision. CTE programs offer hands-on, real-world learning in fields such as healthcare, technology, business, culinary arts, and many more. These courses provide students with the skills and certifications needed for both career opportunities and higher education.

Some CTE programs are offered directly at the student’s home campus, while others are available at the Guthrie Center, SBISD's central CTE facility. Adjacent to the current Guthrie Center, construction on a new Guthrie Center is underway. Once completed, the new facility will feature state-of-the-art resources and specialized spaces designed to provide students with an exceptional learning environment.

To help families better understand these exciting new CTE options, we’ve created a short video showcasing expanded CTE programs as well as a sneak peek at the newly designed Guthrie Center. The video highlights the some of the career pathways available to students, providing them with the chance to explore fields that align with their interests and strengths.

We encourage families to watch the video together, as it provides an insightful overview of the career-focused opportunities available to incoming high school students. 

• Click here to view video.

• Explore our online course catalogs.

We are here to support our students as they transition into high school and begin exploring their future career options. 

If you have any questions about the transition process or the CTE programs available, please reach out to your school counselor.