The author, principal at North Point High School of Science, Technology and Industry in Charles County, Maryland, describes how the school merges traditional academic classes with cutting-edge career and technical education courses to prepare students for the real world. Realizing that its traditional "vo-tech" model was undersubscribed and ineffective, the Charles County School District redesigned its program in the early 2000s, seeking advice from representatives of career fields and universities. This process led the district to build a new school that incorporated traditional classroom space with specialized areas for hands-on work and training in science and technology. The school developed 17 science and technical programs, or "career majors," each with its own sequence of courses--both technical education courses and academic classes offering related content. Half of North Point High School's 2,000 students participate in this science and technology program, beginning in 9th grade and continuing through all four years. Many students in the program receive college credit for courses while still in high school or graduate with a recognized certification in their career or choice.