About Clifton

Clifton Career Development School is a centralized Career Technical Education program serving high school students across Austin ISD. Students participate in a coherent sequence of courses within a chosen program of study, including the opportunity to earn industry certifications. Learning experiences include classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and internships designed to meet personal transition goals.

Mission: To ensure every student graduates with the skills and supports they need to succeed in life after high school.

Vision: Through our Career and Technical Education programs, students will explore, learn, and practice 21st-century skills that promote problem-solving and critical thinking.

Motto: Hands-On Learning for Real-World Success

Guidance counselors and other school staff are encouraged to refer students to Clifton during the last three years in school. Students and families may also self-refer and are invited to tour our facility. Prospective students should select Clifton courses under the "Student Sharing" section of their choice sheets.  All interested students will complete a program discussion with our principal or assistant principal to consider how Clifton can support them in their postsecondary success.  Please refer to our FAQS and Resources for more information.

Work-Based Learning

One of the benefits of Clifton is our work-based learning and off-campus internships. Students gain valuable on-the-job experience in our labs and at organizations/businesses in the community. These internships give students real-world experience to put on their resumes and help them learn employability skills in a way that no classroom instruction can match.  They also benefit our business partners!

Certifications

Clifton programs offer a range of certifications to support students in their future careers.  In the first-year of our programs, we offer several Industry-Driven Certifications (IDCs), which are certifications that are often required to enter the career field.  Examples include OSHA 10, Food Handlers, and CPR First Aid.  In our advanced courses, we offer Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs), which are more comprehensive.  Examples include Cosmetology Operator License, Food Protection Manager, and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).  Within the Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability system, earning an IBC designates a student as "College and Career Ready," carrying the same weight as qualifying scores on the SAT or TSI.  Both types of certifications set our students apart from other high-school students/recent graduates and help ensure they have the best chance at post-secondary success.  Certifications for each program are listed on our Programs of Study.

Pathways After Completing Clifton's Program

High school graduation is a great accomplishment!  At Clifton, however, our focus is on the day/week/month after students walk the stage in their cap and gown.  We measure success in one of following ways:

Employment

Student secures long-term paid employment in the community in a high-skill, high-demand field.  Throughout each Clifton program, students are exposed to different careers within their chosen field and have the opportunity to connect with possible employers.

Post-Secondary Education

Student attends a post-secondary education program to continue training or education. This may be a four-year college, community college, technical school, or other institute of higher learning.  If financial assistance or adult services are needed, referrals and applications will be submitted prior to graduation.