High Schools in District of Columbia

Construction Career Pathway Schools in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia (DC) offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in construction through DC Public Schools (DCPS), public charter schools, and postsecondary institutions. These align with the Architecture & Construction career cluster, providing certifications like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core/Level 1, OSHA-10/30, and industry credentials in areas such as carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and construction management. Programs emphasize hands-on training, dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and work-based learning. Key partners include the DC Students Construction Trades Foundation (which sponsors programs like the Academy of Construction and Design – ACAD) and the DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) for workforce development. Approximately 5,000 students participate in CTE programs annually in DC.

Below is a compiled list from DCPS resources, charter school directories, and postsecondary websites. It’s organized by type (high schools/charter schools and community/postsecondary institutions) and includes key program details. This is not exhaustive; for full listings, visit DCPS CTE (dcpscte.org) or CareerTechDC (careertechdc.org).

High Schools and Charter Schools with Construction Pathways

These public and charter institutions offer CTE at the high school level, often with NCCER-aligned courses and dual-credit options.

School	Location (Ward)	Program Details
Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School (DCPS)	Ward 4 (Northeast DC)	NAF Academies in Architecture & Design, Carpentry, Electrical, Engineering, HVACR; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Focus on hands-on projects, internships, and pre-apprenticeships; Dual enrollment options; Prepares for careers in construction trades and engineering.
Cardozo Education Campus (DCPS) – Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD)	Ward 1 (Northwest DC)	Construction Trades Pathway; NCCER Core/Level 1, OSHA-10; Sponsored by DC Students Construction Trades Foundation; 12th-grade pre-apprenticeship in carpentry and related trades; Work-based learning with industry partners; Credentials in construction safety and basics.
Garnet-Patterson STAY High School (DCPS)	Ward 1 (Northwest DC)	HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Focus on technical skills for adult learners and high school students; Prepares for entry-level jobs and apprenticeships in building maintenance.
IDEA Public Charter School	Ward 7 (Northeast DC)	Carpentry Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Hands-on training in building trades; Work-based learning and industry credentials; Part of broader CTE offerings for career readiness.