West Career and Technical Academy
General Information
About
West Career and Technical Academy (often called West CTA or West Tech) is a public magnet high school situated in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Established in August 2010, it operates under the Clark County School District. Rather than following a purely traditional high school model, West CTA emphasizes career-readiness through project-based learning, offering students a unique blend of college-preparatory academics and hands-on technical training. With a focus on science, business, medicine, engineering, and technology, students choose from nine specialized programs that align with real-world careers. The campus is environmentally forward-thinking, incorporating solar power, greenhouses, and sustainability features. West CTA’s mission is to “inspire students to compete successfully in the 21st century” by leveraging innovation, technology, and a collaborative community.
Contact Information
- Address: 11945 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89135
- Phone: (702) 799-4340
- Principal: Amy Dockter-Rozar
- Email: (not publicly listed, please contact via school’s main phone)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2010 |
| Type | Magnet Public High School |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | ~1,511 students (2023–2024) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~25:1 |
| Motto / Mission | “Inspire students to compete successfully in the 21st century … college-preparatory education … project-based learning … innovative technology” |
| Awards | National Blue Ribbon School (2020) |
West Career and Technical Academy Rankings
| Ranking Type | Position / Notable Rank |
|---|---|
| State (Nevada) | #2 high school in Nevada (per its magnet / public school peers) |
| National / Global | #538 nationally (per its National Blue Ribbon School application) |
West Career and Technical Academy Academics
Faculties / Departments
West CTA organizes its academic structure around nine specialized “programs of study,” grouped into two broader academies:
- Medical Science Academy
- Biomedical / Pre-Medical Science
- Biotechnology
- Nursing Assistant
- Sports Medicine
- Environmental, Engineering, Business & Technology Academy
- Environmental Science
- Engineering (Civil & Environmental)
- Cybersecurity / Information Technology
- Digital Art & Design (Digital Media)
- Business Management
Courses and Programs / Majors
Students at West CTA choose one of the following nine career-oriented programs to follow throughout their high school years:
- Biomedical Science / Pre-Medical
- Biotechnology
- Nursing Assistant
- Sports Medicine
- Environmental Science & Natural Resources
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Cybersecurity / Information Technology
- Digital Art & Design (Digital Media)
- Business Management
In addition, the school offers honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in core academic areas for college preparation.
Online Learning
West CTA does not appear to run a fully online high school program; their model centers on in-person, hands-on, project-based learning with labs, greenhouses, and real-world simulations.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical / Reported Score / Proficiency |
|---|---|
| ACT | Average reported around 24.1 as per the National Blue Ribbon application. |
| State EOC / Proficiency | According to PublicSchoolReview, ~58% proficiency in math and ~90% in reading/language arts. |
Retention and Graduation Rates
West CTA has a very strong graduation rate — PublicSchoolReview reports approximately 95% of students graduate.
West Career and Technical Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
While precise historic GPA cutoffs are not publicly detailed, admission to West CTA is competitive. Based on its strong academic reputation, many admitted students likely come in with above-average middle school grades. The reported average ACT score of ~24.1 suggests students are academically solid.
Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly stated in exact percentage; however, entry is via lottery and application, as typical for magnet schools in Clark County. |
Application Requirements
Students applying to West CTA choose one of the nine specialized programs during their admission process. Because these programs have rigorous, sequential coursework, students generally must apply by sophomore year so they can complete all required classes. The application often involves submitting middle school academic data, selecting a program of interest, and entering the school lottery. Once accepted, students are expected to remain in their chosen program through graduation, as switching after sophomore year is not typically allowed.
Application Process
- Explore and select one of the nine program areas during application.
- Submit an application to West CTA, including academic records from middle school.
- Participate in the lottery (if more applications than spots).
- Receive notification of acceptance.
- Enroll in the chosen specialized program and commit to the four-year sequence.
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Approximate Date / Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | Usually in late winter / early spring (varies by school district) |
| Lottery Notification | A few weeks after application period closes |
| Course / Program Commitment by Sophomore Year | Students must commit to a program by the end of 10th grade to finish required sequence |
Essay Prompt
There is no publicly available, consistent essay prompt for West CTA in their standard marketing materials; admission is largely lottery-based and does not emphasize a written personal essay like a college.
Scholarships
As a public high school, West CTA does not directly offer “scholarships” in the manner of a university. However, its rigorous academic and technical curriculum positions graduates well for merit-based scholarships, college admissions, and internships due to its strong reputation and project-based learning model.
Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost / Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | No tuition — as a public magnet school, West CTA is funded through Clark County School District. |
| Fees | Normal public-school fees may apply (lab fees, materials), but these are handled per CCSD policy and are modest in comparison to college tuition. |
Student Profile and Demographics — West Career and Technical Academy
Student Demographics
According to the National Blue Ribbon data, the student racial/ethnic breakdown is approximately:
- White: ~45%
- Asian: ~25%
- Hispanic: ~18%
- Black / African American: ~5%
- Two or more races: ~7%
Gender and age data are typical for a 9–12 high school, with a roughly balanced male/female ratio. According to UnivStats, of 1,377 students, there are ~648 male and ~729 female students.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
While detailed data on low-income or students with disabilities is not broadly published in West CTA’s public profiles, its status as a public magnet school suggests that it serves a cross-section of socioeconomic backgrounds. Magnet schools in large public districts like Clark County generally aim to provide equal opportunities, and West CTA’s lottery-based admission supports socioeconomic and demographic diversity.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~1,511 (2023–2024) |
| International Students | Not specifically reported — as a public high school, the majority are U.S.-based / local students. |
University Diversity
West Career and Technical Academy stands out for its demographic diversity, encompassing students from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Roughly 25% of the student body is Asian, around 18% Hispanic, with other groups represented as well. This diversity reflects its magnet model — students from across the Las Vegas Valley apply and are selected through a lottery rather than by geographic zone, helping ensure a mix of backgrounds. Moreover, West CTA’s project-based, career-focused curriculum fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture: students work in lab teams, cross-disciplinary groups, and real-world simulations, which encourages peer learning and broad perspectives. Its commitment to sustainability, technology, and college-preparatory rigor attracts families invested in academic excellence, while the lottery model helps maintain equitable access.
Average Earnings
Because West CTA is a high school, there is no directly reported “average earnings” for its graduates like there would be for a university. However, alumni benefit from the strong technical and academic foundation: pursuing careers in engineering, health care, business, and technology, many go on to higher education and well-paid industries. The project-based and career-technical training means students graduate with both academic skills and practical experience, improving their future earning potential.
West Career and Technical Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
West CTA employs a full-time teaching staff of around 60 FTE (full-time equivalent) teachers. The student-teacher ratio of about 25:1 reflects a moderately sized class environment. The staff are supported by administrative leadership (including Principal Amy Dockter-Rozar) and collaborative structures that emphasize project-based learning and innovation.
Faculty Profiles
The faculty at West CTA are specialized both in academic instruction and in career-technical areas. Teachers often work with students in labs, greenhouse environments, and project-based contexts. Many instructors are experts in their field — for example, science teachers in the Biomedical or Biotechnology programs guide students in real-world laboratory simulations; business teachers coach students on entrepreneurship and management; and engineering teachers support civil/environmental design projects. The school’s recognition — including a National Blue Ribbon award — reflects the strength of its faculty and instructional model.
West Career and Technical Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a public high school, West CTA does not provide on-campus housing. Students commute from their local homes or neighborhoods in Las Vegas. There is no boarding facility, as it is not a residential institution. Instead, the campus is built on a 42-acre site in Summerlin, nestled near the Red Rock Canyon area. Student life centers around academic programs, clubs, and project-based events rather than dormitory living.
Transportation
Because West CTA is part of the Clark County School District, students typically travel to campus via public transportation, private cars, or district-regulated school transport depending on their zone. The school’s location at 11945 W. Charleston Blvd places it within reach of major local roads, and many students drive or get dropped off. On-campus mobility is strong: the school’s large site includes dedicated lab buildings, greenhouse areas, and common spaces, enabling movement between different program areas for hands-on projects.