High Schools in Colorado
Construction Career Pathway Schools in Colorado
Colorado supports strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in construction through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). These align with the state’s Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences cluster, offering certifications like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core, OSHA-10/30, and opportunities for dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and work-based learning. Programs emphasize building trades, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, construction management, and sustainable construction. Over 15,000 students participate in CTE construction pathways annually, with partnerships via initiatives like Colorado’s CareerWise apprenticeships and Build Colorado.
Below is a compiled list from CDE resources, district websites, and CTE directories (e.g., coloradostateplan.com). It’s organized by type (high school districts and community colleges) and includes key program details. This is not exhaustive; for full listings, visit CDE’s CTE Programs of Study page (coloradostateplan.com/secondary-pathways) or CCCS (cccs.edu/programs).
High School Districts with Construction Pathways
These public districts offer CTE at the high school level, often with NCCER-aligned courses and dual-credit options.
| District/School | Location | Program Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thompson School District (Berthoud High School, Loveland High School, Mountain View High School, Thompson Valley High School) | Loveland/Thompson Valley, CO | Architecture and Construction Pathway; NCCER Core, OSHA-10; Focus on building trades, drafting, and construction management; Dual enrollment with Front Range Community College; Hands-on projects and industry partnerships. |
| Lewis-Palmer School District 38 (Lewis-Palmer High School) | Monument, CO | CTE Industrial Design and Construction Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Hands-on experience in woodworking, welding, and building products; Work-based learning emphasis. |
| Academy District 20 (Liberty High School) | Colorado Springs, CO | Building Construction Technology Pathway; NCCER Core/Level 1, OSHA-10; Part of district-wide CTE programs; Dual credit options; Focus on carpentry, electrical, and sustainable building. |
| Jeffco Public Schools (Multiple high schools, e.g., Golden High School, Lakewood High School) | Golden/Lakewood, CO | Career Pathways in Architecture & Construction; NCCER-aligned courses, OSHA-10; Industry-aligned at all high and middle schools; Dual enrollment with Red Rocks Community College; Includes apprenticeships. |
| Denver Public Schools (DPS) (Multiple high schools, e.g., Abraham Lincoln High School, Manual High School) | Denver, CO | CTE Construction Pathway; NCCER Core, OSHA-10/30; College credit and work-based learning; Available in every high school; Partnerships with Community College of Denver for dual enrollment. |
| Brighton 27J Schools (Multiple high schools, e.g., Brighton High School) | Brighton, CO | CTE Pathways in Skilled & Technical Sciences (Construction Focus); NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Hands-on training connected to postsecondary education; Serves over 8,000 CTE students. |
| Harrison School District 2 (Sierra High School) | Colorado Springs, CO | CTE Construction Pathway; NCCER Core, building trades certifications; Prepares for technical careers with industry-recognized credentials; Integrated with career readiness programs. |
| Cañon City Schools (Cañon City High School) | Cañon City, CO | HS Pathways Program in Construction; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Professional and internship opportunities; Community-based learning; One of 10 innovative CTE programs highlighted in 2021. |