What is the Barbara Cardwell Career Preparatory Center?

Barbara Cardwell Career Preparatory Center is a high school in Irving ISD. It is a school of choice serving students who are interested in a non-traditional school setting. The school is also known as Cardwell Prep. At Cardwell Career Prep, students have the flexibility of a split schedule and can choose a customized academic program from number of career pathways. Approximately 450 students are accepted to attend Cardwell each year. The campus serves students who want to excel in a non-traditional high school setting, and those who attend Cardwell can also participate in career development programs offered at Irving ISD’s James A. Ratteree Career Development Center.

Vision

To get all students on track for graduation and prepared to leave with a plan for their future through personalized learning and student adult connections.

Mission Statement

The Barbara Cardwell Career Preparatory Center will collaborate with all stakeholders to successfully empower and graduate students in a non-traditional environment focused on personalized, quality core instruction, career pathways, and real world experience.

History of Barbara Cardwell Career Preparatory Center

The Irving ISD Board of Trustees renamed Union Bower Center (UBCL) as the Barbara Cardwell Career Preparatory Center (BCCPC) in honor of former IISD Trustee, the late Barbara Cardwell. The school opened under the new name in 2010. The decision came as a result of surveys and information gathering on the part of trustees and IISD administrators.  With a new focus on career preparation, renaming the school became an appropriate step.  Students and staff were interviewed along with members of the Cardwell family.  

History of the James A. Ratteree Center  

James A. Ratteree Career Development Center was dedicated in honor of Mr. James  A. Ratteree in 2001. The program is connected with CTE at Barbara Cardwell.  Textbooks and Learning Resources are also located at the Ratteree.