School District Five announces new Career and Technical Education Courses at The Center

For Immediate Release – November 12, 2025

School District Five announces new Career and Technical Education Courses at The Center

IRMO – The Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) will now offer three new courses in the 2026-2027 academic school year. Baking and Pastries, Drone Technologies and Farm Animal Production will provide hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities to prepare students in Lexington-Richland School District Five for high-demand careers and emerging technologies. 

The three new courses at The Center were selected based on market trends, course enrollment data, and feedback from advisory council members, students, teachers, and parents. 

“As part of our ongoing commitment to providing relevant, high-quality learning experiences, we’re excited to introduce our new Drone Technologies program, which will replace one of our Project Lead the Way courses,” said Roy Frick, Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education. “Our Veterinary program remains one of our most popular offerings, and we continue to identify ways to strengthen its success and attract more students. Likewise, our Culinary program consistently reaches full capacity each year, so adding a Baking and Pastry course will give students the opportunity to develop specialized skills and better prepare for careers in the culinary field. We’re thrilled about these new opportunities and look forward to continuing to serve our community with innovative and in-demand CTE programs.”

Each course will offer real-world experience, industry insight, and opportunities for certifications.

Drone Technologies is designed to provide students with basic information about the drone industry to gain an understanding of careers and skills in this field. FAA 14 CFR part 107 (The Small UAS Rule), officially known as "Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Students will explore the basic skills and knowledge needed to be a recreational drone pilot. Students will learn pathway certification, Drone Theory and Aeronautical regulations operating rules, Airspace operating rules, Aviation weather, unmanned aircraft systems, flight procedures, radio communications, airport operations, maintenance inspections procedures.

Baking and Pastry for high school students is a course that provides students an opportunity to develop foundational skills needed for a seamless transition to a postsecondary program, workforce, or military. Students will develop advanced skills in safety and sanitation in addition to management and professionalism. Concepts are aligned with competencies from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Education foundation assessment, ACF Retail Commercial Baking Certification. Integration of the Family and Consumer Sciences student organization, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) provides leadership and entrepreneurship experiences. Participation in the career & technology organization SkillsUSA provides the students an opportunity to compete and display professional baking techniques.

Farm Animal Production teaches technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in an animal production enterprise by developing students’ competency in the selection, breeding, physiology, nutrition, health, housing, feeding, and marketing of farm animals. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with the principles and practices essential in the production and management of farm animals and farm animal products for economic, recreational, and therapeutic uses; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant work-based learning transition experience; and participating in Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities. 

The Center serves grades 9-12 throughout Lexington-Richland School District Five and offers a wide variety of specialized courses in 16 CTE programs. Programs include Aerospace Engineering, Auto Repair Technology, Bioengineering Systems, Biomedical Science, Building Construction, Culinary Arts, Cyber Security/Networking, Digital Art and Design, Electrical Systems, Civil Engineering, HVAC, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, Media Technology, Veterinary Science, and Welding. For more information about the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, visit https://cats.lexrich5.org/.

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