Students at Ridge Point, Elkins and Thurgood Marshall high schools in Missouri City will carry a new credential on their district's résumé this school year.
Fort Bend ISD has earned a 2026-2027 Career and Technical Education (CTE) District of Distinction from the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT), the district announced Oct. 21. The recognition covers all 28 of the district's secondary campuses, including middle schools in Missouri City such as Missouri City Middle, Lake Olympia Middle, Quail Valley Middle and Ronald Thornton Middle.
The award matters for families weighing career-readiness options. CTAT evaluates districts on industry-based certifications, career pathways, partnerships with employers and student outcomes, according to the district's announcement. Districts that earn the distinction have demonstrated alignment between their CTE programs and workforce needs.
"Across all 28 of our secondary campuses, our teachers turn classrooms into labs and studios, helping students see what is possible," said Dr. Renee Cosby, Fort Bend ISD's director of Career and Technical Education.
Cosby described the district's promise to students as "Your Path. Your Choice," emphasizing access to programs of study that prepare students for high-demand careers.
CTAT created the District of Distinction program to spotlight practices that can strengthen CTE statewide. The 2026-2027 honoree list includes several other Houston-area districts: Alief ISD, Clear Creek ISD, Conroe ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Humble ISD, Katy ISD and Pasadena ISD.
Fort Bend ISD, led by Superintendent Marc Smith, serves more than 75,000 students across 78 campuses. The district has not said whether the recognition will lead to expanded CTE offerings or new industry partnerships at individual schools.
Families interested in CTE pathways can find program information through the district's website at fortbendisd.gov.
