Northwest Career & Technical Academy
Las Vegas, NV 89149
Phone: (702) 799-4640
Fax: (702) 799-4644
District: Clark County School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 9,10,11,12,UG • 1812 students
Northwest Career & Technical Academy, a public school located in Las Vegas, NV, serves grades 9-12 & Ungraded in the Clark County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Northwest Career & Technical Academy is a public school located in Las Vegas, NV. 1812 students attend Northwest Career & Technical Academy.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| College Readiness | 9/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using 2017 Average ACT score data from Nevada Department of Education, using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2024 4-year high school graduation rate data from Nevada Department of Education, and using 2025 demographic data from Nevada Department of Education. |
Posted: March 10, 2025
Posted: March 10, 2025
Posted: March 10, 2025
Posted: March 10, 2025
Posted: March 10, 2025
Posted: March 10, 2025
Posted: March 10, 2025
Posted: March 10, 2025
They are the most prejudiced I have encountered in a long time.
Posted: March 22, 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023
The teachers work against you constantly and are extremely condescending, passive aggressive, and over all rude. Majority of the teachers are the type who will expect respect but never give it. Ive even heard several teachers talking about how lazy and dumb the students are, no teacher should ever say that. Several of the teachers I have had myself say a number of offensive and hateful comments as well as stand by and watch students to the same to eachother. On top of all that the work load is anything but small, this whole school year, Ive had about 3 free days, even on the weekends I find myself working on Homework or studying for ANOTHER test. Even over spring break, I was assigned 2 whole projects and am expected to take several test this returning week, as well as be assigned another project. Overall not worth it, to your mental health or future.
Posted: February 16, 2022
Posted: February 16, 2022
Posted: February 16, 2022
Posted: February 16, 2022
Posted: February 16, 2022
Posted: February 16, 2022
Posted: February 16, 2022
Posted: February 16, 2022
My son throughout elementary school and middle school struggled especially in math. His teachers throughout the years were worried about his test scores because they were very low in the red column and he for years had to be in their tutoring program. Most importantly they were worried about his social skills and were concerned. So when he was going into 9th grade I actually made him apply to Northwest. He was not accepted for the field he choose but they had openings in the construction program. He was reluctant but he accepted the offer. This school is amazing and I truly want to thank everyone who ever interacted with my son, you truly made a difference in my son's life and it was life changing. He graduated from Northwest Technical Academy in 2021 with a 3.9 GPA, a high honors diploma and he is know fulfilling his dream of becoming an airman in the United States Air Force. He is at Lackland Airforce Base in his fourth week of boot camp and he couldn't be prouder of himself. He graduates March 17, 2022. Tyler Alexander Cruz entered your school feeling defeated, scared, and really not liking school. In 4 years he left that school loving himself and feeling he could accomplish anything and he did just that. I pinch myself sometimes to see if this is actually real. I am so proud of him for loving himself enough to follow such an amazing dream. He is loved by so many people, but what makes him so special is that he is a good hearted young man! Thank you Northwest for having faith in my son and for making him realize his self worth! I do hope my daughter's will be given the same once in a lifetime opportunity.
Posted: March 1, 2021
Posted: March 1, 2021
Posted: March 1, 2021
Posted: March 1, 2021
Posted: March 1, 2021
Posted: March 1, 2021
Posted: March 1, 2021
Posted: March 1, 2021
The new principal is a true leader. She has years of experience--diversity included. She cares about each student's performance. She shares her leadership with both students and parents. I am proud my son is a student at Northwest Career & Technical Academy. My son is a freshman and he is still adjusting with appreciated help from his counselor.
Posted: March 24, 2018
Posted: March 24, 2018
Posted: March 24, 2018
Bullying exists just not very common it's a rarity. A fight maybe once or twice a year not very common
Posted: March 24, 2018
They expect you to know everything even if they didn't teach and sometimes even give tests
Posted: March 24, 2018
Posted: March 24, 2018
It's an ok school. Be prepared for the work load. Before I came here I thought the kids who came here and complained were lazy but when I came I saw it myself. If your zoned for a questionable school like Legacy or Mojave and you don't want to go you might want to try it and if you don't like it you can either go back there or get a zone variance for a better school.
Posted: March 24, 2018
Teachers give a lot of homework and not of them explain it well
Posted: November 29, 2017
Posted: November 29, 2017
Posted: November 29, 2017
Posted: November 29, 2017
Posted: November 29, 2017
Posted: November 29, 2017
Posted: November 29, 2017
Im very concerned, because today I experienced the idea that this school prioritizes the holes in my sons jeans rather thank his education.
My son accidentally took a pair of jeans that had holes on the pant leg. Although you could not see his skin through the holes, I received a call from a rude dean that my son was in her office for the jeans. She proceeded to accuse me of needing money and not being able to afford a decent pair of jeans for my son. However, his jeans are not about needing money, they are styled that way due to the crazy fashion.
I prioritize and focus on my sons education and all I asked was for him to stay in school and not miss class. Nonetheless, my son is at the school right now I am already receiving notifications from campusportal about the work he is missing
I asked to talk with the principal but they say she will return my call tomorrow
Very very bad dress code program
Posted: March 9, 2017
I have to agree with a parent below that since the new principal has come in, NWCTA has gone downhill. My first child had a wonderful experience and got a great education, but my second child is not having the same experience. The policies have been changed to make life more difficult on the students. Logic and common sense have been taken out of the equation. Most of the teachers are wonderful, but there are one or two horrible ones, who the school cannot seem to get rid of. We are considering using our zoned school for the rest of my sons high school years.
Posted: October 29, 2016
Posted: October 29, 2016
Posted: October 29, 2016
Posted: October 29, 2016
Posted: October 29, 2016
Posted: October 29, 2016
The workload during your sophomore and junior year is ridiculous and makes you feel like you can't enjoy high school.
Posted: October 29, 2016
I'm a second year student at NWCTA and although it is an award winning school, there is little to no school spirit and the workload put on you is far too much. Your freshmen year at this school will be nothing compared to your sophomore year. Going into this school year I've never felt more unprepared. A lot of the programs are great but this school has put a tremendous amount of stress on me as well as my peers, to the point where we are considering leaving. Like I said previously this is a great school, but be prepared to sacrifice your mental health and your sleep schedule for your grades.
Posted: April 14, 2016
I was very excited about this school for my child when she was admitted. It was more "academic" than many of the CCSD schools and offered a lot of challenges. She also is in sports and orchestra, which were accommodated for. I have to say, this year, the new principal is making things extremely difficult for students interested in a well-rounded education. Under her tutelage music is reportedly being withdrawn from the school, they no longer allow for a 5-10 min leave time for sports practices (many have to drive across town to get to their school zone), and have made the lunch schedule difficult and backed up in order to become more like other CCSD schools schedules. Running out of food of some selections at lunch is not unlikely. The student cafe is awesome. This was an amazing school with a drive toward excellence. Now it's becoming more like the rest of CCSD and I, for one, am not excited by the changes. The upside is that there a wonderful group of students attending this school that are dedicated to achieving excellence. There are some very good teachers...and some not great teachers depending on the program fields. Overall a good school and still better than many of CCSD's schools.
Posted: April 14, 2016
Posted: April 14, 2016
Posted: April 14, 2016
Posted: April 19, 2015
In reading the previous reviews it is ashame that a few obnoxious and insensitive bullies are ruining the high school experience for some of these children attending NWCTA. Our child attends this school and 99.9% of the student population are wonderful, accepting, and creative young men and women. The students in program classes take pride in their work because it is a privilege to be selected to attend a magnet school. Our child has special needs. Each of the advisers, psychologists, nurses, and teaching faculty we have come in contact with have worked with us to ensure our child is successful at NWCTA. These teachers are true assets to their profession. Our child will certainly be prepared for college because of this school.
Posted: January 20, 2015
I really enjoy NW and my daughter loves it overall, but over the past few months of my daughter's freshman year, she has been blatantly disrespected ridiculed and mainly because of the color of her skin. I am at a loss for words that kids can be so nasty. I awaiting a return call from the Dean's Office and will update here. It has become to the point where my daughter does not want to come to school. My daughter has stood strong all this time and it is to the point now where she is being affected by this. SO hopefully, the school can rectify this situation as this has gone on long enough and the parents should be notified.
Posted: January 7, 2015
Very disappointed by the quality of the students. Extremely rude, and honestly not that intelligent.
Posted: November 26, 2014
I am very disappointed in the lack of professionalism in the administration team at NWCTA. The school does NOT put kids first..... They are inconsistent with expectations and goals for the students to reach. The inconsistency promotes a chaotic environment. The school has definately gone down hill.....
Posted: May 8, 2014
Northwest CTA is an incredible school. Beautiful campus, incredible teachers and specified classes. To the last reviewer...my experience and the experience of everyone else who has reviewed has been worthy of 5 stars. If you have been angry because you couldn't complain about your teachers (!), this is clearly your problem, because this school is amazing.
Posted: May 2, 2014
I came to this school with the intention to push myself rigorously. Over the years, the school has changed drastically. I've had the most passionate teachers. With the new administration change, these teachers are trying to find jobs elswhere, and it makes me sad to see the best leave over the uptight conservative rules of the administration. I used to have the passionate teachers that pushed you to open your mind, but now most of my teachers consist of the typical "Im here for the paycheck." Im sick and tired of busy work and the lack of freedom to criticize the administration and teachers. Everytime I point out a flaw in the school, the administration doesn't listen. No wonder why we have scandals that end up on the news every year. I demmand to see change but I know that im just a student and can't change anything because that is how the admin wants you to feel.
Posted: April 16, 2014
Northwest upholds strict adherence to the rules and policies of the school. This means that the students who go here really want to be here. The teachers, likewise choose to be at this school. When these factors are coupled together the results are an ability to aggressively teach past the standards to academic excellence. My daughter actually enjoys going to school each day making learning easier and more enjoyable. I would however, advise staying actively involved in sports and activities at your zoned school because this is the area where Northwest is deficient. As always, parents must remain interested and involved to avoid pitfalls. There are going to be some negative mixed in with all the good just by way of practical nature in all situations.
Posted: April 5, 2014
I am a parent of a former student, AND a substitute teacher. My daughter and my niece (same age) both attended here all four years, and both graduated, of course. Excellent environment. I am also a substitute teacher. We all know that students think of substitutes as "just a sub." I used to be a teacher assistant, a substitute, and a full time teacher. I've done it all! And I let them know that so that they understand that I'm not some "nobody" off the street. My first substituting experience at the HS level was a couple of weeks ago at NWCTA. I LOVED it! The teacher was organized and left me great instructions and plenty of work. Students were EXTREMELY respectful, mature, and studios ... even at the freshman level! I highly recommend this school for students, AND teachers.
Posted: October 29, 2013
I love this school! This is my freshman year for engineering program and all I can say is all the upper classman are the nicest people ever! You don't have to worry about cliques in the mornings or lumches. Everyone is all spread out and having a good time. This school is challenging but what do you expect from a magnet school? They give you lots of homework, but it is simple, just time consuming. I learn a lot and all the teachers are so nice and help you in any way. They put students before themselves. All the teachers really act like they like teaching. They don't act annoyed or bored of their job. All I can say is if you are applying for the 9th grade year and you make it, you don't have to worry about drama or bullying at all.This school is awesome and fun with the programs and clubs! Highly recommended.
Posted: July 25, 2013
NorthWest is a wonderful School. This up coming school year I will be a junior. I'm very excited to start my junior year because of how much this school really challenges me. I'm always being challenged even in my classes that are not honors. Coming into this school as a freshman I didn't know how hard I would have to work to get good grades. But if your willing to work hard and take the school and the classes seriously, you'll succeed. The teachers are great. There are a few that really are just straight up horrible. But overall I love this school. I'm glad I'm going here, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you are thinking about coming here next year please work hard, take this school seriously, always try your hardest and never give up. Even though some of the students look like they dont care, they really do. But some don't. This schools students really care about their academics. They don't take lightly to slackers and people who don't care. This school will put so much pressure on you. Be prepared to be pushed and slammed on the ground with all the work you have to do. But, trust me, it's not hard, it's just a lot of work that is so worth doing. Have fun being a hawk!!!
Posted: June 27, 2013
My school is not only a place to learn but a place to lead, a place to make memories, and a place to start changing the world. The knowledge I have gained in the last 4 years has driven me to want to become something bigger than I ever thought possible. I know that I will be able to change the world because my school and my teachers never let me forget that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Posted: October 27, 2012
I am a senior this year and i've rated my school every year. I have never given less than 5 stars. Northwest is more than just a school, its my home. The students are not just my friends but my family. The teachers and staff are not just that, they are my mentors. There are not enough words to express how i feel about my school so i will just leave it off by saying it is definitely 5 star worthy.
Posted: October 24, 2012
My daughter loves this school. She was a bit intimidated when she started as a freshman, but the existing students were all very welcoming. The student body looks out for one another. Teachers go above and beyond for their students. This school also has many great programs.
Posted: August 19, 2012
NWCTA is simply a gem. It has one of the most phenomenal records of any school ( Stats/Report here http://schools.ccsd.net/nwcta/2010-2011%20School%20Accountability%20Report.pdf ) and truly serves as a safe learning facility. I recommend taking a tour of the campus to see how clean and welcoming the school is on a daily basis. It is too difficult to convey the attitude seen across NWCTA through text. 5/5
Posted: March 3, 2012
Would like updates about the school Son really wants to attend he is starting middle school next year
Posted: January 26, 2012
This is a good school, but they need to stop shoving their "Healthy Hawks" programs down our throats. The changes they're making to get us to live a "healthy lifestyle" is nauseating , and most of the students complain about it because it really is unnecessary.
Posted: December 3, 2011
I love Northwest so much, I honestly can't even explain it. The teachers really care about you, the school is very well-kept, all of the students treat you with respect, and you feel empowered to learn more and more every day. Honestly, I'd live there if I could. It's just... great.
Posted: June 19, 2011
My school has great teachers, great administration, great students, and great support staff. The teachers are concerned with all of the students and stay after school and come before school in order to help students reach their full potential. The teachers and above qualified. We have the best in the business. The students are there to learn. Most of the students are motivated and are concerned about their education. This is my senior year and I can honestly say that it has been a privledge to spend my high school years at such an amazing school.
Posted: June 9, 2011
While nearly all teachers at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy are excellent (constantly going above and beyond the call of duty in order to support their students and really help them engage in learning), the same cannot always be said for the rest of the schools staff- namely the administration- who often times seem more concerned with keeping the school tidy and winning trophies than with the happiness and growth of the students. It would seem that in the pursuit of excellence, the reality of the students who attend the school, and how comfortable or happy they feel there, has been over looked. All the awards in the world won't make students look forward to school and learning if they are only valued for how good they might make the school look.
Posted: May 7, 2011
This school is truly the best in Las Vegas. The difficulty far surpasses any public school and the programs are amazing. The staff, students and classes add up to create the perfect storm of learning!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palms at Silverstone Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Las Vegas | NV | 3 mi | |
| 2 | Aliante | Neighborhood/Subdivision | North Las Vegas | NV | 5.2 mi | |
| 3 | Sunrise Manor | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Las Vegas | NV | 14.3 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jones & Lake Mead | Las Vegas | NV | 5.8 mi | |
| 2 | Hollywood Rec Center | Sunrise Manor | NV | 16.3 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Nellis AFB | 13.1 mi. |
| Creech AFB | 31 mi. |
