Richardson ISD named a CTE District of Distinction for a second year; 61% of last year's seniors left with an industry certification

Richardson ISD is one of 94 Texas school districts named a 2026-27 District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas, the second straight year it has received the recognition, the district announced Monday.

The association gives the designation to districts it judges to be innovative and effective in career and technical education, programs meant to prepare students for jobs in fields with industry demand. Districts of any size can qualify.

What the district reported

RISD says it offers 31 career and technical programs of study, from architecture and construction, cosmetology, barbering and culinary arts to robotics, a drone program, animal science, law enforcement, software programming, health care and manufacturing technology.

The district cited these figures for the 2025-26 school year:

78.4% of its high school students were enrolled in at least one CTE course.
61% of seniors graduated holding an industry-based certification.
Students earned 2,255 industry-based certifications in all.
325 students earned post-secondary credentials through Dallas College, including associate degrees, level 1 certificates and health professions readiness awards.

Classrooms that work like businesses

Some of the programs run out of working spaces on campus. The district lists a Healthcare Careers Academy, a credit union branch at Berkner High School, salons at Berkner and Lake Highlands high schools, a hospitality hub at Richardson High School and student-run shops at Lake Highlands and Richardson high schools.

RISD tied the recognition to its North Star Goal, the district's target of graduating students ready for college, a career or military service.

The announcement comes as the district prepares for its next enrollment cycle, which shifts earlier this year: applications for magnet and choice programs and transfers open Nov. 1, the district has said.

Sources

web.risd.org

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