Apply NOW for Seattle Skills Center CTE Training Programs – spots fill up quickly!

*Application opens January 15, 2026 at 4pm

The Seattle Skills Center is a half-day option high school that provides advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses at several locations around the district.  Students can take advanced, preparatory CTE half-day courses during the school year and introductory versions of these courses and internships to earn high school CTE credit in summer.

2026-27 School Year Programs Offered:

Courses are a full year long. Students that complete a year of Skills Center courses earn 3 CTE credits. Many courses offer credit equivalency in fields other than CTE including Math, Science, English, and Physical Education.

See the Course Description Page for more information about the programs listed here:

• Advanced Manufacturing: Aerospace and Maritime
• Automotive Technology
• Construction Trades
• Firefighting and Emergency Medical Services
• Medical Assisting
• Maritime Vessel Operations
• Media Arts: Creating for Social Media
• Nursing Assisting
• Teaching Academy/ Careers in Education
• Video Game Design

Enrollment Requirements:

• Only students in Seattle Public School District can enroll in Seattle Skills Center courses.
• For school year courses, students must be high school students.
• Students should apply only for one course, unless school counselors indicate otherwise.
• Please read all course descriptions prior to applying.

Registration Priority: To help ensure that 12th grade students have access to a Skills Center program before they leave high school, the Seattle Skills Center gives incoming 12th grade students applying for Skills Center classes priority placement until February 7th, at which point we will begin placing all other applicants into classes on a first come, first served basis.

Is the Skills Center right for you?

The Seattle Skills Center can be a rewarding, engaging opportunity for students to build skills and knowledge in a college/career path of their choice.  It can also prove to be a very challenging environment for some students. Here are some things to consider as you decide if you should enroll in the Seattle Skills Center:

• Spending half of your day at another school site requires independence, accountability, and responsibility.  Additionally, it’s critical that students have the ability and willingness to follow instructions, especially around safety.
• Seattle Public School rules and Washington State laws regarding intoxicating substances like marijuana and alcohol apply, especially due to the risk of injury when using tools or heavy machinery in our classes.
• Students using intoxicating substances or being intoxicated at the Skills Center may result in being unenrolled in the Skills Center and having to return to their home high school for the rest of the school year.
• Consistent attendance is critical. With our long block period classes, missing two days in one week is the equivalent of missing an entire week of a class in a typical 6 period day.  Similarly, arriving late or leaving early impacts student learning and can result in students not being able to continue into second semester or passing their Skills Center class. Please review transportation guidelines prior to applying.

While many students enjoy the hands-on aspects of Skills Center classes, students need to know that there are traditional academic aspects to all classes.  Reading, writing, listening to lectures, engaging in learning about math and history and working and communicating professionally in small or large groups are all important aspects of Skills Center classrooms and are required skills to earn industry recognized credentials and be successful in next steps in college and career, regardless of the career path you choose.

Students should talk with their school counselor and other adults at their home high school to determine if the Skills Center will be place they can learn successfully in, and confirm that it meets the credit requirements needed to stay on track to graduate. 

Email skillscenterinfo@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-0730 with questions.