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*An Austin ISD email address is required to complete the form (can be student or staff).
*Necesita un correo electrónico de Austin ISD para completar el formulario (puede ser de estudiante o maestro).
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 one of our programs of study. Learning experiences include classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and volunteer internships designed to meet personal transition goals.
Clifton's mission is to provide purposeful engaging instruction, in a supportive and safe environment, to ensure students are college, career, and life ready.
Interested in one of our programs?
An Austin ISD email address is required to complete the form (can be student or staff).
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems (Welding)
Students in our Agricultural Technology program acquire knowledge and skills related to mechanized agricultural systems with an emphasis on welding. Students begin by learning about workplace safety and earning their OSHA certification before moving into basic metal skills (oxyfuel torch, shielded metal arc welding, etc.). In their 2nd and 3rd years in the program, students have the opportunity to earn the AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal certification. They also apply learned skills for fabrication. After completion of the program, many students choose to continue their learning at Austin Community College or find employment with one of our local trade unions.
Education and Training
Early Learning
*this program is not accepting new students for the 2024-2025 school year
The mission of our Early Learning program is to prepare quality caregivers and educators for children birth to age 5 through research-based knowledge, skills, and hands-on experiences. Students begin by learning about basic human needs and child development. In their 2nd and 3rd years in the program, students participate in internships at local daycare centers and elementary schools. Throughout the program, students develop strong communication, teamwork, and initiative. Upon completion of the program, students submit their portfolios to apply for the Educational Aide 1 certification through the Texas Education Agency. After graduation, many students secure employment in daycare centers, as teaching assistants, or choose to pursue their Child Development Associate or teaching certification.
Watch our video to learn more >
Health Science
Diagnostic Healthcare & Therapeutic Services
Our Health Science program supports students in developing the knowledge and skills needed for a career in healthcare. Students begin by learning about body systems and infection control, earning certifications in CPR & First Aid and OSHA Healthcare. In their 2nd and 3rd years in the program, students continue building hands-on skills related to patient care and gain experience with phlebotomy and EKG, both in the classroom and at internship in a hospital or long-term care facility. As seniors, students have the opportunity to become Certified Clinical Medical Assistants. After completion of the program, students are ready to begin their careers in hospitals and clinics or to pursue post-secondary education in the healthcare field.
Hospitality & Tourism
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts teaches students the value of building work skills in the kitchen. Students begin by learning about safety and sanitation and earn their Texas Food Handlers certification. They develop knife skills, practice measuring, learn how to read a recipe, and gain experience using a variety of commercial kitchen equipment. In addition, students learn the importance of working together and establishing the social and communication skills needed for a real working environment. In their 2nd and 3rd years in the program, students participate in internships at a restaurant or other food industry business. Our Culinary Arts program also hosts a community luncheon several Fridays per month. In their 2nd year, students work to earn their Food Protection Manager or ServSafe Manager certification. After completion of the program, many students find employment in the food industry or further develop their skills at Austin Community College or culinary institutes. Learn more in this KVUE story >