Clifton CDS is a unique program.

Below are some frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I take my English class at Clifton?
A: No, Clifton only offers Career and Technology Education courses. All students who attend Clifton are ALSO enrolled in an Austin ISD high school and continue to take core courses and other electives at their home campus.

Q: When would I come to Clifton?
A: Clifton courses take up two blocks in a student's schedule. Students come for half a day on either A days or B days. Our morning block runs 9:15am-12:15pm and our afternoon block runs 12:45-3:45pm. We work with counselors to find a section that works for each student's schedule.

Q: How would I get to Clifton?
A: Students ride an Austin ISD school bus between Clifton and their home campus. They get to and from their home campus using whatever transportation (walking/car/bus) they normally access.

Q: Where would I eat breakfast and lunch?
A: Clifton does not serve meals, so students still eat at their home campus. If a meal time overlaps with the Clifton bus, we work with schools to make sure students can pick up their food early.

Q: I'm interested in Clifton (or I'd at least like to learn more). Now what?
A: Great! Students should talk with their guidance counselor, grade-level administrator, and/or special education case manager about their interest in Clifton. We also ask prospective students to complete our online student interest form. We will coordinate with staff at the home campus or directly with families to set up a tour. At the end of the tour, students complete a program discussion with our principal or assistant principal to review expectations, program options, and consider how Clifton might support each student's individual post-secondary goals.

Q: I'm a freshman. Can I take a class at Clifton?
A: Not yet. The transition from middle school to high school is a big one, and we think it's important for students to learn and build connections at their home campus during that first year. Clifton programming may be considered for any student going into their second or third year at an Austin ISD high school. Starting in 10th grade gives the best chance to complete a coherent sequence of courses before graduation.

Q: I'm a rising senior, what are my options? 
A: That depends on your transition needs and what classes you've already taken:

• If you started a CTE pathway at Clifton during your 10th or 11th-grade year, you have the option to continue into the next year of your CTE cluster and/or take our Career Preparation class.  Use our Rising Senior One-Pager to make the decision that's best for you.
• If you have taken CTE classes at your home campus that count towards one of our CTE pathways, we can look at your transcript to see if you can join Year 2 or 3 of one of our programs.
• If you have NOT started a CTE pathway at Clifton and are looking for general transition support and career exploration, our Senior Transition Pilot might be a good fit. 

Q: Can I pick more than one Clifton program? 
A: Remember, a Clifton class takes up two blocks in a student's schedule, so taking two Clifton classes would be like taking four regular classes every semester. That's usually not possible because of all the other classes needed to meet graduation requirements.

Q: I want to go to college. Is it still a good idea to come to Clifton?
A: Yes! At Clifton we work on getting students ready for college, career, and life!