The Tomball Star Academy P-TECH is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, experience, skills and professional ethics needed to be successful in health care careers.  Our program provides students with a seamless pathway from high school, to post-secondary education, to employment in the healthcare industry.  Students earn a high school diploma, including certifications, and have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science Degree. Students engage in work-based education and experiences at every grade level.

HCA Houston Healthcare – Tomball is our business and industry partner.  HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball’s commitment is not supplementary.  The partnership is a core component of the P-TECH.

Who is the Institute of Higher Learning (IHE) Partner?
Lone Star College – Tomball is our college partner, also referred to as the Institution of Higher Education (IHE) partner.  Lone Star College – Tomball’s commitment is not supplementary.  The partnership is a core component of the P-TECH.  Lone Star College – Tomball’s partnership enables students to:

• Earn an Associate of Science degree – tuition free while in high school.
• Earn as many as 60 hours of tuition-free college credit.
• Eliminate thousands of dollars in college tuition costs.

 
Lone Star College - Tomball Profile

Dual credit programs allow high school students to enroll in college courses for credit while still in high school. College credits earned through dual credit can be applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to other colleges or universities. The P-TECH is an early college high school where students can earn dual credit in a number of academic areas including math, science, English, government, history, and more.

A dual credit program benefits students in a number of ways:

• Provides a head start on postsecondary core requirements.

• Lowers the cost of college because courses successfully completed when initially taken are tuition-free.  Textbooks for all courses are also provided to students at no cost.  

• Expands the variety of classes available to high school students.

• Allows access to college facilities/activities–such as fine arts performances, career development services, Lone Star social opportunities, computer labs, Lone Star college libraries, and learning skills/tutoring services.

• Provides greater opportunities for a coordinated, seamless education.

• Serves as an introduction to college life.

• Allows for an easier transition to college.

• Builds students’ confidence and self-esteem.  

The Tomball Academy of Healthcare will be housed at the Tomball Innovation Center within Tomball Star Academy with some courses taken at Lone Star College – Tomball.  Tomball Academy of Healthcare students will be provided transportation to TSA.

Yes, students will graduate as a Tomball Star Academy student.  Students attending the TAH P-TECH will not be Tomball High School or Tomball Memorial High School students. 

No, P-TECH students will not be participating in traditional extra-curricular activities with Tomball High School or Tomball Memorial High School students.  However, there are clubs and intramurals including Book Club, Science Olympiad, Music and Guitar Club, Student Council, Craft Club, History Club, and Key Club among others.

The P-TECH is open to all 8th-grade TISD students who are motivated and willing to commit to a highly career-focused and rigorous academic four-year program.  The P-TECH is designed to serve students who have the determination to attend college, a strong interest in or passion for a career in health professions and are first-generation college students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Interested eighth-grade students, who will be freshmen next year, can apply for the upcoming school year.

New for incoming PTECH students!  While there is no longer an age requirement for PTECH students, there might be some courses in the student’s senior year that might be restricted if they are not 18 before March 1^st.  Students will still receive multiple certification opportunities and experiences through our PTECH program.  All certifications in which the students are not eligible due to age will be offered after graduation by Lone Star College – Tomball.  

With a small student cohort size of 25, the P-TECH program is only open to current 8th grade TISD students.  Out of district students can apply for the Early College High School option.  Out of district students can apply for waitlist consideration for the P-TECH option

Only current 8th grade students attending a school in Tomball ISD are eligible to apply for the P-TECH program.  Out of district students can apply for the Early College High School option. Out of district students can apply for waitlist consideration for the P-TECH option.

Students in healthcare industry courses must complete drug screening in order to be on-site at the designated hospital location.  Additionally, students may be subject to further testing upon reasonable suspicion or after a reported injury.  Screenings that are positive for substances tested will result in removal from the P-TECH program.  

The P-TECH will have 25 seats available for each incoming freshman cohort.  If more than 25 students apply, the district will use a lottery system to select the students.  A waiting list would then be used to fill a seat should a student decline the invitation when selected or move prior to the start of the school year.  

Near the end of the fall semester, an online application will open on Home Access Center (HAC).  If more than 25 students apply, a lottery system will be used to determine the students selected for the P-TECH health profession cohort.  Students will be notified in December if they have been selected to participate in the P-TECH opportunity.  Students selected in the lottery will accept or decline the opportunity in early January.  If needed, students on the waitlist will be notified in order determined by the lottery starting in January.  

Parents and guardians are an important part of the process and need to demonstrate their support. Therefore, parents or guardians of selected students will be required to attend orientation and onboarding meetings.  

All tuition, books, and fees are available at no cost to students and their families. However, students needing to take a dual credit or college credit course an additional time assume tuition and fee costs for that class.

Tomball Advance Placement (TAP), work-based learning projects and tasks, homework and study demands, and the other challenges of participating in non-traditional, highly focused and rigorous school will be challenging but the Tomball Star Academy teachers and support teams are dedicated to ensuring students will receive academic and social support. College success strategies, on how to organize, study, plan, take notes and manage time, will be incorporated in all high school courses. College and career advising will also be provided to discuss and plan future career and educational options and opportunities.  Career mentors from HCA Houston Healthcare – Tomball will be provided to each student.

The P-TECH program aims to maximize the success of every student. Therefore, students will receive tutoring and instructional support to help them at every level. Students will need to take an active role in asking for help and notifying staff of any issues or challenges they may have along the journey.

Yes, students may drive but may not drive other students.