College and Career Readiness High School Options

Planning for high school is an exciting time in students’ lives. In Olathe, our vision statement is “Preparing Students for THEIR Future” and this includes an individualized approach and student choice as we ensure our students are college and career ready. Students can explore a variety of options including Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways, 21st Century Academies and two-year technical OATC programs. All of these options focus on today’s high demand career fields and help prepare students for the world of work by combining student interest with student learning through hands-on experiences, industry standard resources, and real-world partnerships fusing academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary for future careers.

Students may choose to attend their boundary high school or apply to a 21st Century Academy or OATC program. Not all programs of study are available on each campus. Students that apply to a 21st Century Academy not at their boundary high school will transfer to the location where the academy is located. Students who participate in one of the two-year technical programs during their junior and/or senior year will attend OATC for three hours of the school day. Free transportation is provided for all academy transfer and OATC students. Certain deadlines and restrictions apply.

Visit our Career and Technical Education website

Career Technical Education (CTE) courses are part of the district’s comprehensive high school curriculum. Olathe offers a variety of different Career and Technical Education pathways for students to explore and expand their knowledge and technical skills to prepare for postsecondary and careers. Currently, Olathe has 21 different CTE pathway / strands, most of which are offered as part of the comprehensive offering at all high schools. Additionally, 10 of the 15 21st Century Academies are affiliated with a CTE pathway and five pathways are offered through Olathe Advanced Technical Center.

Visit our OATC website

The Olathe Advanced Technical Center (OATC) offers two-year programs to students in the areas of Auto Collision, Auto Technology, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Health Care and Nursing, and Welding. These programs help prepare students for high-demand career fields and advanced post-secondary learning opportunities.

Visit our 21st Century Academies website

The Olathe Public Schools offers 15 unique and innovative 21st Century Academies for high school students. These academies are housed within the district’s high schools. These innovative, four-year programs allow students to build upon their interests and learn specific knowledge and skills they can apply toward their post-secondary experiences and career fields. The district has a long history of innovative 21st Century Academies, dating back to 2003. Academies include: Animal Health, BIOengineering, Business Finance, Civic Leadership, Computer Science, Design, Distinguished Scholars, e-Communication, Engineering, Future Educators, Geoscience, Green Tech, Medical Professions, Public Safety, and Sports Medicine and Exercise Science.

High School Options Presentation Info