In early 2018, the Amarillo Independent School District embarked on an ambitious plan to transform a 231,000-square-foot former Hastings store into a state-of-the-art campus of the future: AmTech Career Academy.
Opening in the fall of 2021, AmTech Career Academy is the pinnacle of innovation and technology in education. Featuring a 3,500-square-foot robot and drone coliseum for classwork and competitions, an advanced mechatronics “Smart Factory” mimicking the use of robotics in factories, a complete audio and visual production studio and an Anatomage Theater with the most advanced anatomy visualization system typically only seen in higher ed, AmTech students have access to cutting-edge tools, equipment and teaching methods.
AmTech students learn and work alongside peers from high schools across the district; students with similar interests and goals, but diverse backgrounds, which encourages collaboration, teamwork and problem-solving.
Faculty experts, highly trained in their fields, share their knowledge and experiences with students to prepare them for careers after graduation. Students are given the guidance and hands-on education needed to be successful in a variety of industries.
As a choice district with a flexible enrollment policy, AISD students have the opportunity to choose the campus that best meets their needs, even if it’s not their neighborhood school. Students also design their own specialized educational path from elementary through high school with instruction from our team of 100 percent highly qualified teachers. Exceptional opportunities available from our 5th grade string orchestra to dozens of career and technical programs of study enrich students as 21st century scholars every step of the way.
Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs
Amarillo ISD offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Architecture and Construction, Arts, A/V Technology and Communications, Business, Marketing and Finance, Education and Training, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Law and Public Service, Manufacturing, STEM, and Transportation. Admission to these programs is based on student interest, age appropriateness and class space availability.
It is the policy of Amarillo ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
It is the policy of Amarillo ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Amarillo ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at tracey.morman@amaisd.org, 806-326-1315, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator at camellia.johnston@amaisd.org, 806-326-1499.
Private, Parochial, Charter or Home School Students (non-enrolled or non-District students) Can Attend AmTech Career Academy Classes
Students who are currently enrolled in or attending a private, parochial, or home school (non-enrolled or non-District students) may attend AmTech Career Academy for a portion of their high school coursework.
In order to attend AmTech, a home school, or private, or parochial school student must be a resident of Amarillo ISD and must complete the admission requirements set by the District, including the online registration process.
View our Amarillo ISD attendance zone map below to see if your student is eligible. The AISD attendance zone is outlined in red.
For questions or assistance, please call AmTech Career Academy at 806-326-1950
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Non-District students will be considered for enrollment in a course only after all full-day District students have been accommodated. The availability of course openings for non-District applicants may depend on the capacity of each career pathway.
To be considered for coursework at AmTech, the student must be enrolled in the District as a half-day student, and must attend a minimum of two hours of instruction each instructional day (i.e. three class periods).
Full-day District students have priority over half-day students in the event enrollment capacity is reached in an AmTech course.
In the event enrollment capacity is reached in a particular course before all non-District applicants can be accommodated, a determination for enrollment will be made based on the date a student’s application was submitted online
If a non-District student chooses to enroll in less than two hours of instruction each instructional day (3 class periods) at AmTech, the student/parent will be charged tuition for each course.
Students will be notified no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of the school year whether their application to AmTech has been approved or denied
AmTech Career Academy Admission Form for Home School or Private, or Parochial School Students
Thank you for your interest in AmTech Career Academy.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications will open up again on May 1, 2025, for the 2025-26 school year.
Amarillo ISD Attendance Zone Map
View our Amarillo ISD attendance zone map below to see if your student is eligible. The AISD attendance zone is outlined in red.
AmTech Job Board
AmTech Career Academy is excited to offer a place for our community businesses to connect with our graduating Senior students that are seeking career opportunities.
Contact for Questions or Comments
Lisa Whatley
Partnership Coordinator, AmTech Career Academy
806-326-1966 Lisa.Whatley@amaisd.org
AmTech Schools & Programs of Study
School of Animal Science
The School of Animal Science provides students with the opportunity to study animal health and the proper care of both small and large animals. This program is intended for high school students interested in pursuing a career in clinical or laboratory science fields of veterinary medicine. Students will have the opportunity to pursue the Certified Veterinary Assistant certification and gain work-based learning experiences throughout the program. Learn More
School of Architecture, Construction and Manufacturing
The School of Architecture, Construction and Manufacturing offers students the ability to explore a variety of construction trade areas such as architecture, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, machining, and welding. Students will have the opportunity to learn about career opportunities, apprenticeships, participate in internships, and continuing education requirements to enter construction trade and management careers. Learn More
School of Business, Marketing and Finance
The School of Business, Marketing and Finance provides hands-on experiences and relevant curriculum which exposes students to a variety of aspects within the business world. Students will have the opportunity to participate in internships, local community marketing events and start up businesses. Learn More
School of Culinary Arts
The School of Culinary Arts offers exciting “hands-on” experiences. Students will work in a culinary kitchen, bistro, intern at local restaurants, and cater local functions. Students will also have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to develop positive long-lasting relationships in the community and confidence with customers. Learn More
School of Law and Public Service
The School of Law and Public Service offers students the opportunity to delve into the exploration of crime scenes, court cases, mock trials and jail cells. These opportunities help students to explore a variety of career paths within the Law and Public Service industry sector. Learn More
School of Media Arts
The School of Media Arts provides students the opportunity to develop their creative process through media, art, and design. Students will be inspired through real-world exposure and experiences to the communications industry. Learn More
School of Medical Arts
The School of Medical Arts provides students the opportunity to learn about medicine and explore careers in healthcare. Students will be able to engage in clinical experiences, visit healthcare facilities, and gain real-world experiences in the medical field. Learn More
School of STEM and Information Technology
The School of STEM and Information Technology provides students with a quality curriculum which exposes students to specialized coursework in pathways such as engineering, robotics, cybersecurity and networking. Students will experience a project-oriented curriculum that integrates hands-on learning experiences and work-based learning opportunities which will prepare students to enter the workforce and/or pursue higher education training upon high school graduation. Learn More
School of Transportation
The School of Transportation provides students hands-on experiences in a realistic automotive setting using state of the art equipment and tools. After completion of the program, students may leave with professional certifications, college credit and/or continue to pursue additional training upon high school graduation. Learn More
AmTech Career Academy would be a great location for your next big event.
Please send an email to our staff to amtechevents@amaisd.org (Opens in new window), and describe your event space needs. Tell us who you are, what business or organization you are with, the number of attendees you anticipate for your event, any special considerations or requests you might have of us, and of course be sure to include in the email the best contact information for us to use in our correspondence with you.
Oh and one more thing! We provide catering services if your AmTech-hosted event needs food and beverage service. Our Culinary Arts students at AmTech, alongside our AmTech Culinary Arts staff members, can provide your event attendees with a varied menu of food and beverage items during your event. See the AmTech Catering Services section below for more details.
AmTech Catering Services: We Offer Onsite Catering at AmTech
If you would like to learn more, call us at 806-326-1950.
See Something, Say Something: Anonymous Form
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To contact a teacher, select “Schedule” from the main menu. Click the teacher's name to display to display the teacher’s email address, and then click the displayed email address to create a message.
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To contact a teacher or counselor by telephone, contact the campus main office at 806-326-1950.
News Archives
AmTech Career Academy Announces Ribbon Cutting and Open House Event Details Posted Date: 04/08/2022
April 8, 2022 – AmTech Career Academy will host a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is open to the public and will begin with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:15 p.m. in the north student plaza off of 3601 Plains Boulevard.
“I can’t give away the full details, you’ll need to be there to see it, but this will be a ribbon cutting ceremony with a twist that you won’t want to miss,” said Jay Barrett, AmTech Principal. “We invite the public, parents of current AmTech students, and also prospective AmTech students and parents to get a look at the world-class facility and activities that have been happening at our academy.”
Following the ribbon cutting, AmTech teachers and students in every AmTech program will be on hand to interact with attendees and demonstrate what goes on in class every day. Sights and sounds will include AmTech’s law enforcement virtual reality simulator, anatomage virtual cadaver lab, aerospace engineering flight simulator, culinary arts restaurant-style kitchen space, and more.
“Our open house will demonstrate to the community why the academy will change the landscape of the Panhandle’s workforce development for generations to come. Several students have already received employment offers for jobs waiting for them upon graduation because of the work of the teachers, the students, and the opportunities that our AmTech facility has provided.”
According to Barrett, student enrollment grew by approximately 1,000 students this school year when many of Amarillo ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes transitioned to the current AmTech Career Academy location at 3601 Plains Boulevard.
AmTech Career Academy Principal Wins Innovative Leader Awar Posted Date: 01/28/2022
January 28, 2022 – The Orlando Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Awards named Jay Barrett, AmTech Career Academy Principal, the winner in the category of Most Innovative Learning Spaces. This honor recognizes exceptional administrators in select regions around the country who are leading innovation in their school districts.
“AmTech is just a wonderful space with the tools and resources that our exceptional staff and eager students can utilize every day through Amarillo ISD’s mission of graduating every student prepared for life and success beyond high school,” said Barrett. “We’re partnering within our student body through collaborative projects between the different schools and pathways of study, partnering with community entities and individuals, and we are just excited for the continued growth and future successes of our students.”
AmTech Career Academy is a brand new, state-of-the-art, 235,000-square-foot learning space with nine different schools and more than 35 different career pathways, all under one roof. The Academy has an esports arena, a robot/drone coliseum, and hands-on labs that include everything from three flight simulators to a VR simulation for their law and public service students.
The academy has 1,900 students who come from five different AISD high schools for two to five periods per day to take courses that lead to industry-based certifications.
Pre-Registration Opens for AmTech Career Academy Posted Date: 04/23/2021
January 14, 2021 – Students can now pre-register for AmTech Career Academy, Amarillo ISD’s premier career and technical education high school opening to students in the fall of 2021.
Students who wish to attend the academy are required to complete the pre-registration form, even if they may not be attending courses at AmTech their freshman year of high school.
AmTech offers 30 educational pathways across nine different schools, including animal science; architecture, construction and manufacturing; business, marketing and finance; culinary arts; law and public service; medical arts; media arts; STEM and IT and transportation.
Many pathways available at AmTech require preparatory course work at a student’s home campus before he or she attends AmTech. For example, students interested in pursuing a career in culinary arts will take courses at their home campuses freshman and sophomore year before taking Advanced Culinary Arts their junior year at AmTech.
Amarillo Independent School District Unveils Name and Logo of New School Posted Date: 04/23/2021
October 29, 2020 – In early 2018, the Amarillo Independent School District embarked on an ambitious plan to transform the 231,000-square-foot former Hastings store on Plains Boulevard into a state-of-the-art campus of the future. Today, the District unveiled the school’s name: AmTech Career Academy.
“This has certainly been a labor of love,” said AISD Superintendent Doug Loomis. “After sorting through almost 500 names submitted by more than 800 students, parents, staff and community members, we worked with our branding agency to come up with AmTech Career Academy. It was immediately embraced by everyone involved, and we’re thrilled to move to the next stage of communicating all of the amazing things AmTech will bring to the city and beyond.”
AmTech Career Academy, or AmTech, combines “Amarillo” as a nod to the strong community ties, as well as “Technology” to emphasize the cutting-edge technological components featured in the new school. It also includes “Career Academy” from the initial working name, Amarillo Career Academy, because the school’s leadership team and District stakeholders felt that the programs offered will prepare any student for any career.
“AmTech Career Academy is the pinnacle of innovation in education,” said Jay Barrett, current principal of Amarillo Area Center for Advanced Learning and future principal of AmTech. “Not only is the campus unlike any other school around, but the way we’re approaching education is different. We have created ‘Visiting Professional Symposia,’ a learning space filled by local professionals who will breathe life into our students’ career aspirations by conducting weekly hour-long seminars in the over 30 different pathways we offer at AmTech. We will operate more like a college, with no bells, comfortable student-centered collaborative learning spaces, and multiple opportunities for students to gain work-based learning experience.”
In addition to a new way of teaching and learning, AmTech has features not found in typical high schools, including:
A 3,500-square-foot robot and drone coliseum for classwork and competitions.
An advanced mechatronics “Smart Factory” which will mimic the use of robotics in factories.
A complete audio-visual and video production studio where students will produce content for their classes, local businesses, and even local TV stations. Students will also be able to display their work on two 30-foot video boards anchoring the campus
An Anatomage Theater with the most advanced anatomy visualization system typically only seen in colleges and universities. The Anatomage Table, used by students in the Schools of Medical Arts and Animal Sciences, contains a virtual library of both human and animal cadavers, as well as a clinical diagnostic tool by visualization of any Medical CT, CBCT or MRI scan.
A world-class culinary program with a bistro and coffee shop where students can grab breakfast or lunch. The Culinary Arts program will also offer local businesses and organizations the opportunity to host meetings and events in its 200-seat banquet hall.
A state-of-the-art auto tech and collision repair center, which will offer services in these areas to local residents.
A career center where students can meet with counselors and prospective employers, participate in activities to gain and improve employability skills and map out future educational and career options.
Multiple collaboration spaces and learning hubs, enabling students to work together on team projects and interact outside of class.
A Junior Achievement Biztown and Financial Park for elementary and middle school students to learn civics, business management and finance.
“We see AmTech as our opportunity to strengthen the workforce in Amarillo and the surrounding areas for generations to come,” continued Loomis. “This facility and everyone involved are giving students the chance to really explore their passions, their interests and various career paths, all while learning in the most advanced environment possible. We are so thrilled to bring AmTech to our community.”
Thirty-five pathways will be taught within the nine major programs:
The School of Animal Science
The School of Architecture, Construction & Manufacturing
The School of Business, Marketing & Finance
The School of Culinary Arts
The School of Law & Public Service
The School of Medical Arts
The School of Media Arts
The School of STEM & Information Technology
The School of Transportation Technology
AmTech Career Academy will open its doors to students fall of 2021. For information on how to enroll, or if your company is interested in becoming a business partner, please visit amtech.amaisd.org.
October 15, 2020 — An Amarillo ISD educator is one of only 18 teachers across the nation to be named a winner of the 2020 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. David Gibson, a machining teacher at Caprock High School, will receive a $50,000 reward, the entirety of which will go to the school’s skilled trades program.
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence is a nationwide competition aimed at recognizing outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the teachers who inspire students to learn skills to prepare for life after graduation.
Gibson was a finalist for the same award in 2019.
“At Amarillo ISD, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of career and technical education to equip students with valuable skills that translate to college and career paths. David Gibson’s dedication to teaching the trades, and to his students, truly exemplifies the District’s mission to prepare our students for life and success beyond high school,” said Superintendent Doug Loomis. “Furthermore, we are answering the investment our teachers like David make in their students by prioritizing career and technical education through the new career academy which will welcome its first students next fall.”
Gibson developed a love for the trades while taking a machine shop class at his high school in 1971. Before becoming a teacher at CHS, he started his career working on aircraft and in oil fields, eventually earning an engineering degree and running his own manufacturing company.
He became a teacher as a way to give back to his community, developing his skills by working with other teachers at his school and groups like Titans of CNC, an advanced production facilities and education platform recognized and utilized by engineers, machinists, hobbyists, students and educators around the world. Throughout this time as an educator, Gibson has pursued further professional development, including completing a University of Texas course that covered distance learning shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic.
As an instructor, Gibson encourages his students to teach each other and work independently. They even run their own recruitment program for middle school students. Nine out of 10 of his students pursue further education after high school, whether two- or four-year college or apprenticeships and certifications.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs
Amarillo ISD offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Architecture and Construction, Arts, A/V Technology and Communications, Business, Marketing and Finance, Education and Training, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Law and Public Service, Manufacturing, STEM, and Transportation. Admission to these programs is based on student interest, age appropriateness and class space availability.
It is the policy of Amarillo ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
It is the policy of Amarillo ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Amarillo ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at tracey.morman@amaisd.org, 806-326-1315, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator at camellia.johnston@amaisd.org, 806-326-1499.
Whether you’ve landed on this page as a student or parent, educator, business partner, or community member, it is my very great honor to welcome you to one of the premier learning communities in all of Texas!
AmTech is not a place for business as usual when it comes to secondary Career and Technical Education. In fact, when someone tells us we think outside the box, we say, “What box? There is no box.”
Our classrooms are not four walls and a ceiling but are real-world laboratories where our young professionals practice their skills with technology and equipment one would find in any business and industry setting, and our instructors are world class professionals whose wealth of knowledge and skills in the field lead to rich, engaging experiences for our students. Additionally, we are blessed to have business professionals in our community who come alongside us to develop our students through mentorships, apprenticeships, and as visiting professionals, whose inspirational words breathe the life of careers into our young professionals.
We are student-centric and success-obsessed, and our main endeavor is to create the conditions for success such that our students have no choice but to succeed in learning about and becoming professionals in their chosen career pathways. We even have two main hallways in our facility we call “Career Avenue” and “Success Way” to remind us that AmTech is all about guiding students to find success in their careers and leading lives that are fulfilling in every way.
I invite you as our guest to explore the pages of our website and discover all the many wonderful opportunities that await young professionals who’ve chosen to begin their careers with us. If I can answer any questions about AmTech or be of any assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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In early 2018, the Amarillo Independent School District embarked on an ambitious plan to transform a 231,000-square-foot former Hastings store into a state-of-the-art campus of the future: AmTech Career Academy.
Whether you’ve landed on this page as a student or parent, educator, business partner, or community member, it is my very great honor to welcome you to one of the premier learning communities in all of Texas!