Discover DATA

A tuition-free magnet school program preparing students for college, job certifications, and advanced tech and art careers.

**At DATA you don’t just study technology — you design the future.**

You’ll work in state-of-the-art multimedia labs and video production studios using industry-level programs that match the tech sector. Our curriculum builds from foundational skills in middle school into specialized career pathways in high school, preparing you for professional certifications and helping you find your creative voice before graduation.

What Is DATA?

The Design and Technology Academy (DATA) is an open-enrollment magnet school program available to students across San Antonio. DATA provides an immersive education for those interested in video games, computer science, and the arts. Our 6th–12th grade model allows students to build a strong foundation early, ensuring they gain the critical thinking and innovation skills needed to solve tomorrow’s problems today.

Our dynamic learning environment features cutting-edge tools—including editing bays and architecture studios—where students develop professional-level skills. By combining advanced academics with hands-on experiences, students learn the adaptability and collaboration needed to drive positive change in a digital world.

Who Thrives at DATA

DATA is designed for students who are curious about the digital future and want to use technology as a creative tool. Our cohort model nurtures a "collaboration, not competition" environment, helping students excel by working alongside like-minded students.

Students who thrive here are often:

Interested in animation, game design, filmmaking, and architecture.
Motivated by problem-solving and creative innovation.
Looking for direction before graduation — whether that’s college, a career, or both.

No prior experience required

DATA welcomes students from within and outside NEISD boundaries and is built to support students as they discover their strengths and interests in technology and art.

Students begin at different skill levels and grow through structured curriculum, guided instruction, and ongoing support. What matters most is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

What Makes DATA Different

Industry-Standard Software

Students gain expert-level skills in software and programs like Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere Pro), Maya, Unreal Engine, and Autodesk Revit.

Collaborative Cohorts

Students engage in academic groups that encourage teamwork and collective achievement rather than competition.

Early Direction

DATA helps students explore college and career pathways before graduation — not after.

How DATA Works

Students follow a structured pathway, building toward mastery and certification:

Outcomes That Matter—For Parents and Students

Students at DATA graduate with more than a diploma — they graduate with options.

Throughout the program, students work toward industry-recognized certifications that strengthen both college applications and career readiness. These credentials reflect skills that colleges and employers recognize and value.

Graduates commonly pursue:

College majors in computer science, architecture, animation, and fine arts.
Professional roles as graphic designers, video game creators, architects, and filmmakers.
Continued certification pathways alongside higher education.

By the time students graduate, they have explored real career pathways, built foundational experience, and gained clarity about what comes next — rather than trying to figure it out after high school.