Admissions

►  Where is Communications Arts?

We are on the Taft High School campus (located at 11600 Culebra Road) near Sea World on the west side of San Antonio, Texas. (See a map here)

►  What are the requirements for admission to Communications Arts?

Admission is based on the following criteria: commitment to develop exceptional skills in written, oral, and visual communications; satisfactory attendance; satisfactory conduct (citizenship marks on report cards and referrals to the Associate Principal’s Office are considered); satisfactory standardized test scores; and at least a “C” average in middle school.  Students are responsible for maintaining these standards until matriculation. 

Admission to Communications Arts High School is now open to students residing within and outside the boundaries of Northside Independent School District.

►  How many students do you accept?

We accept approximately 180 freshmen and 20 sophomores each year. We do not accept anyone after the beginning of the sophomore year due to curriculum requirements.

►  What is the size of the school?

We have around 700 students.

►  How are students chosen?

Every application is reviewed to be sure students meet the admission requirements; then the eligible applicants are entered into a lottery, where each applicant has the same chance to be chosen from a computerized system.

►  Where can I get an application?

During the application period, from November to January (with applications due in January), applications will be available online at the NISD website (www.nisd.net).

►  Will my parents have to drive me to ComArts?

NISD provides transportation to all students who live within the district. New bus routes are built each year based on where our students live.

►  For what career fields are students being prepared?

CAHS does not focus on any particular career; rather, the philosophy is that skills in speaking, writing, using technology, and understanding visual images serves as a foundation for college, for all careers, and for life.  We offer three strands: Advanced Broadcast Journalism, Animation, or Audio/Video Production. 

►  Is your school an arts school?

We are NOT a visual or performing arts school. Our curriculum focuses on communication skills in one of three strands - Animation, Audio/Video Production and Advanced Broadcast Journalism.

►  Will I be able to play sports?

Yes, ComArts students may participate in all of the sports and extra-curricular activities at Taft.

►  Is Communications Arts hard?

We like to use the term "rigorous." All of the core courses are pre-AP, AP, and/or Dual Credit. Our teachers are very supportive and work to help students be successful. Students start AP and Dual Credit classes their freshman year. Colleges encourage a schedule that conatins rigorous coursework.  It is the expectation that all students take their AP exam for their English and history courses. 

►  What do "AP" and "Dual Credit" mean?

These are courses taught on a college level, which afford students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. "AP" stands for Advanced Placement; students must score a particular score on a national test to earn college credit. "Dual Credit" means eligible students earn high school and college credit for the course. Our college affiliate is Northwest Vista.

►  What is OnRamps?

These are courses taught on a college level, which afford students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school, but through the University of Texas at Austin.  

►  If my older sibling is already at ComArts, am I automatically accepted?

No, having a sibling at ComArts is not considered. All eligible applicants have the same opportunity to be chosen in the lottery.

►  What happens if I need extra help in these advanced classes?

Teachers are available for extra assistance before school, at lunch, and after school.

►  What endorsements can I earn at Communications Arts?

By following the Communications Arts High School curriculum, students will take courses that lead to a Business & Industry and Multidisciplinary diploma endorsement. Additionally, students may be able to earn other endorsements depending on the elective credits they earn throughout their high school career.

►  How many electives can I take?

Each year you will have one elective. Other “electives” will actually be filled by ComArts requirements.

►  Does ComArts have a waiting list?

We do have a waiting list. Students who are not chosen in the initial lottery continue to be eligible for subsequent lotteries. Typically, we will have one or two additional drawings during the summer as openings become available.