New Classes and New Sessions!

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2026-2027 School Year Calendar
Calendar of Events

-

Uniform purchasing | Merch NCTA store
In-person purchasing is available only at the Mount Vernon campus, from 8am to 3pm.
Uniforms will be delivered to campus as quickly as possible, starting Friday, the 28th.

Use the link for your student's class location to place the order:

ANACORTES
MERIDIAN (NCTA WHATCOM)
MOUNT VERNON
SEDRO-WOOLLEY

Please wait to order extra uniforms until all our students receive their first uniform.

-

1st Day of School for 2026-27 is on 8/26/2026
-Get ready for messages and information by downloading Parent Square, NCTA's official communication app.

CLICK HERE FOR PARENT SQUARE INFORMATION

Parent Square on the Google Play Store or The Apple Store

Curious about what happens at NCTA? Welcome Wednesday is your chance to see it in action! Join us to connect with our team, explore career-focused programs, and experience the hands-on learning taking place across our four campuses in Skagit and Whatcom counties. Community and industry partners are encouraged to attend and discover how NCTA prepares students for both college and career success.

To sign up for Welcome Wednesday, CLICK HERE.

Welcome to Northwest Career & Technical Academy

WHERE STUDENTS experience Real-world Learning Opportunities in a Hands-on Environment

At Northwest Career and Technical Academy, we believe that all students deserve to learn real-world skills that will benefit them after high school. That's why we're committed to providing hands-on learning opportunities for high school students throughout Skagit, Whatcom, and Northern Snohomish County.

Who We Are

Northwest Career and Technical Academy works with local school districts to provide supplementary learning opportunities for students and individuals in the Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish County School Districts. Our hands-on courses equip students with the technical and professional skills they need to succeed after high school.

eligibility requirements

Students We Serve

Our experiential-based hands-on courses are ideal for all types of students - including college-bound students, those looking to enter a trade, and non-traditional learners. Northwest Career and Technical Academy is available for 11th and 12th grade high school students as well as individuals age 16 to 20 who have not received a high school diploma.

am i eligible?

Credits & Certifications

There are a variety of courses for students to choose from based on their interests and goals. Upon course completion, students may earn high school credits, college credits, and industry-specific certifications*.

*Credits and certifications vary by course.

learn more

Tuition Free Program

Our courses are provided free for students through the Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish County public school systems as well as through some private schools.

am i eligible?

Who We Are

Northwest Career and Technical Academy works with local school districts to provide free technical and professional training for high-school-age students.

learn more

Students We Serve

Our experiential-based, hands-on courses are ideal for all types of students - including college-bound students, those looking to enter a trade, and non-traditional learners.

am i eligible?

Earn Credits

Upon course completion, students may earn high school credits, college credits, and industry-specific certifications*.

*Credits and certifications vary by course.

browse courses

Tuition-Free Program

Our courses are provided free for students throughout the Skagit, Whatcom, and N. Snohomish County public school systems, as well as some private schools.

find a course

Who We Are

Northwest Career and Technical Academy works with local school districts to provide free technical and professional training for high-school-age students.

learn more

Students We Serve

Our experiential-based hands-on courses are ideal for all types of students - including college-bound students, those looking to enter a trade, and non-traditional learners.

am i eligible?

Earn Credits

Upon course completion, students may earn high school credits, college credits, and industry-specific certifications*.

*Credits and certifications vary by course.

browse courses

Tuition-Free Program

Our courses are provided free for students through the Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish County public school systems as well as through some private schools.

find a course

Tour Our Facilities & Meet Our Director

We invite you to take a virtual tour of our facilities and view a welcome video with NCTA Director, Lynette Brower.

Mount Vernon Anacortes welcome video

Discover the Impact of Hands-on Learning

See what parents, grandparents, and alumni are saying about their experiences with Northwest Career and Technical Academy!

Parent Testimonial

Positive High School Experience

alumna testimonial

Love the Teachers

GrandParent Testimonial

Focused and Engaged

Parent Testimonial

Employable Skills

Interactive Campus Walkthroughs

Watch the Welcome Video

How the Program Works

Explore

Explore our diverse course catalog and choose which areas of study interest you!

view courses

Enroll

Fill out our simple enrollment form right here on our website. During the enrollment process, you'll select your preferred courses and schedule.

Once we receive your application, we'll contact your school counselor to work out the details of your enrollment.

enroll now

Fire Science and EMS | Northwest Career and Technical Academy | Mount Vernon WA

Learn, Do, Lead

Attend NCTA for 2.5 hours Monday though Friday throughout the school year. Participate in your normal high school classes and activities for the remainder of the school day!

While at NCTA, you'll experience hands-on learning opportunities that will keep you engaged all year long! Our motto at NCTA is, "Learn, Do, Lead." We believe that learning by doing is the best way to forge the future of tomorrow's leaders.

view sample schedule enroll now

Empowering Students for Success

Northwest Career and Technical Academy courses are designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed after high school. Our experience-based learning models provide hands-on education in the student’s desired area of study. Upon successful completion of our courses, students have the opportunity to earn high school credits, college credits, and industry-specific certificates. Armed with these credits and certifications, students are well prepared to continue on to college or go directly into the workforce.

browse courses

NCTA Education Partners

NCTA does not stand alone in the educational pathway. From our High School partners, Community & Technical Colleges, and Other Educational Agencies, we are excited to continue the work together!

NCTA Industry Partners

NCTA is proud to partner with local business and community partners to support authentic career-connected learning opportunities!

State-of-the-Art Facility
I finally found a school in which my son is excited to attend. The two principals are wonderful, the teachers are engaging, and the building is state-of-the-art. Thank you, NCTA, for providing my son with a great skill to have when he graduates high school.
anna | ncta parent
Engaging Program
"This is the first time in all of my daughter's formal education, that I've seen her truly engage!"
Scott B. | Parent of ncta student
Favorite Part of the Day
"I was worried about missing out on things at my High School, but quickly found my Skill Center class to be my favorite part of the day!"
Emily J. | 2021 ncta student

A Note from Our Director

Welcome to Northwest Career & Technical Academy! Welcome to Northwest Career & Technical Academy (NCTA), where students explore their passions, develop real-world skills, and prepare for their futures! NCTA is a regional skills center serving high school students across Northwest Washington. Through hands-on, career-focused learning, students gain industry experience, earn college credits and industry-recognized credentials, and build connections with professionals in their chosen fields. At NCTA, we believe learning should be meaningful, engaging, and connected to opportunities beyond high school. Whether students are preparing for college, an apprenticeship, military service, or entering the workforce, our goal is to help every student discover their potential and take their next step with confidence. We're excited to welcome you to NCTA, where your future begins! I'd like to welcome students back to in-person learning at NCTA! Our staff is excited for the return of hands-on learning. I'd like to welcome students back to in-person learning at NCTA! Our staff is excited for the return of hands-on learning. I'd like to welcome students back to in-person learning at NCTA! Our staff is excited for the return of hands-on learning. I'd like to welcome students back to in-person learning at NCTA! Our staff is excited for the return of hands-on learning. I'd like to welcome students back to in-person learning at NCTA! Our staff is excited for the return of hands-on learning. I'd like to welcome students back to in-person learning at NCTA! Our staff is excited for the return of hands-on learning.

Dr. Lynette Brower

NCTA Director