​The Fort Worth Independent School District has begun an ambitious implementation of its "Gold Seal Programs of Choice" for high school students. The FWISD describes the program as "the power to choose courses of study based on personal interests and passions. It is the power to take ownership of the education experience. And it is the power that comes with being engaged in learning and excited about the future." Students and parents in Riverside are particularly interested in CRHS’s Gold Seal programs. These include:

Eagle Scholars Academy

Students admitted to the Eagle Scholars Academy are trained in college-ready skills and habits and may enroll in a variety of classes, including honors, Pre-AP, AP and dual credit classes that provide opportunities for a well-rounded education, equipping them to enter college after graduation. Students participate in school leadership and community service projects and are eligible for a distinguished achievement program diploma.

Information Technology

The information technology program at Carter-Riverside covers a wide range of topics to help students succeed based on their interests and goals in the area of networking, computer systems and telecommunication. Upon graduation, students are able to step into exciting careers or into college after receiving industry certifications in these areas. Coursework includes training in computer maintenance and computer networking for home, small business or corporate environments. Certifications from this program include A+ COMPUTER SERVICE TECHNICIAN, CISCO CERTIFIED ENTRY NETWORKING TECHNICIAN (CCENT), and CISCO CERTIFIED NETWORK ASSOCIATE (CCNA).

Medical Academy

The Medical Academy is a college-prep program for students interested in science and math who want to prepare themselves for success in college. Freshmen and sophomore students take honors and Pre-AP courses with an emphasis on medical professions. As juniors and seniors, students take courses at TCC for dual credit. Students earn college credit in core subjects as well as courses in the medical field. Students can pursue a Distinguished Achievement Program diploma and receive special consideration for the various medical programs offered at TCC after graduation. Students are eligible for up to 27 hours of college credit.

Besides its focus on academics, CRHS administrators, faculty and staff have been busy reinvigorating various other school programs over the last several years. The school once again has a functioning school newspaper. Interest and participation in the CRHS band has grown, as has interest in the art program. Art teachers have joined with building owners on Race Street to create a gallery space for CRHS students where they can learn the business of running and maintaining such a gallery.

In late November, the school’s drama students produced "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!" to good notices. The production was nominated for the local Betty Lynn Buckley High School Theater Awards. The CRHS Eaglettes drill team performed at a TCU football game in the newly renovated Amon Carter Stadium during the fall.

Before the Christmas break, the Star-Telegram wrote about the activities of the CRHS student body, who responded to the shooting of teachers and elementary school children at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Yearbook and newspaper staff members organized the events, including a candlelight vigil at the school in memory of the victims, sending cards and a banner signed by staff, faculty and students to Sandy Hook students, and donating stuffed animals to young patients at Cook Children’s Hospital in memory of the Sandy Hook victims. They also sent photographs of the CRHS vigil to parents and students in Newtown.

For more information and the latest on CRHS academics and programs, visit
http://schools.fwisd.org/carterriverside/Pages/Default.aspx. For more information on the FWISD Programs of Choice and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, visit http://www.fwisd.org/choice/Pages/default.aspx.