Get Future-Ready with These Professional Certifications in High School

High school is a time for growth, exploration, and figuring out what kind of future you want to build. And for students who are already thinking ahead, it can also be a time to start gaining real-world skills and experience.

At Northpoint Charter School, we’re always looking for ways to connect students with opportunities that matter, from tuition-free dual enrollment college classes to career-aligned learning experiences. One of the most exciting paths we offer? Professional certification programs for high school students—completely free of charge.

Certification Programs for Students Are a Good Investment

Professional certifications go far beyond basic skills training. Each one is a structured learning program that teaches real, job-ready knowledge and results in an official, industry-recognized certificate you can add to your resume or college application.

Best of all, certifications are transferable across industries, so students can explore their interests, gain confidence in their abilities, and test out possible career paths before committing to a college major or long-term job.

How Do Professional Certification Programs Work at Northpoint?

At Northpoint, we offer certification opportunities to all students starting in their sophomore year. Each program typically takes about one semester to complete.

Students complete their certification work during Smart Lab, held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. During that time, students receive dedicated support from teachers and education assistants as they work through the curriculum and build their skills.

What Certification Programs Are Available?

As of 2025, Northpoint offers five certification pathways, each designed to teach skills that are in high demand across many careers:

• Microsoft Office
  Master essential workplace tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel—skills used in nearly every professional setting.
• Adobe Creative Cloud
  Get hands-on experience with industry-leading design software, including Photoshop and Illustrator.
• MakerBot/Bambu 3D Printing
  Explore 3D design and additive manufacturing while learning to operate cutting-edge 3D printers.
• Southwest Airlines Professional Communications
  Build your communication and business soft skills through a nationally recognized program, sponsored by Southwest Airlines.
• UAS Remote Pilot (FAA Part 107 Training)
  Take the first step toward becoming a licensed drone operator. (Note: FAA certification requires a separate Part 2 exam before licensing.)

Each of these programs could cost hundreds of dollars if taken independently—but at Northpoint, they’re available to students at no additional cost.

How to Enroll

If you’re already a Northpoint student, simply speak with your sponsor teacher during your scheduled registration meeting to express interest in a certification program. You can also reach out to Denise Dixson for questions or to explore remote learning accommodations.

If you’re not yet a student at Northpoint but you’re excited about the possibility of attending a tuition-free charter high school that’s deeply committed to your future, we’d love to meet you.

Schedule a tour to explore our campus and see how Northpoint can help you chart your own path forward.