CA Featured Program: Rising Aviation High School

At Choose Aerospace, we often talk about preparing students for the future of aviation maintenance. At Rising Aviation High School in Addison, Texas (in the DFW area), that future is already taking shape through a unique model that fully immerses students in aviation-focused learning from day one. 
Their goal is clear and bold. Principal Kassandra Dean puts it like this, “We want our students to gain early industry experience, earn their certifications, and begin establishing themselves in aviation maintenance careers. With continued support from school, district, and industry partners, we believe many of them will move confidently into long-term careers as A&P mechanics, growing into highly skilled professionals who can work anywhere in the world.”

​Unlike traditional schools that offer an aviation pathway, Rising Aviation centers its entire educational experience around aviation and aerospace. The private school blends career-focused education with a high level of student independence, encouraging learners to take ownership of their schedules, coursework, and professional growth. That environment has made Choose Aerospace a natural fit for the program, giving students the flexibility to manage coursework while developing the self-discipline and accountability expected in the aviation industry.

Photo Credit: Rising Aviation High School

Now in its second full year of operation, the school’s aviation maintenance program was launched with the help of instructor Pete Miller, who retired from Southwest Airlines after a career in both military and airline maintenance. 

“Having come from the industry, both military and airlines, I came into this role at Rising Aviation with the desire that we would put qualified, competent mechanics into the industry,” Miller explained. “I want employers to look at my people and notice the difference. Not only in the hard skills, but in terms of their reliability, credibility, and their willingness to work.” 
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That real-world mindset shapes every aspect of the program. Students gain hands-on experience through projects like building an RV-12 aircraft while also participating in field excursions, mentorship opportunities, guest speaker sessions, and internships. Partnerships with organizations including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Thrust Flight, and Thrust Institute of Maintenance help students earn college credit and build career pathways while still in high school. 

School leaders say they have seen remarkable growth in students’ confidence and career awareness since launching the maintenance focus. Many students who entered the program with backgrounds in automotive work or construction quickly discovered transferable skills and a passion for aviation maintenance. 

​One especially memorable moment came during an MRO industry event, when students realized just how global the demand for aviation maintenance technicians has become. “Wow, look at all these booths,” one student said. “Most of them are hiring aircraft mechanics. I can literally work anywhere in the world as an A&P!” 

That excitement turned into national recognition this spring at AMC-Verticon, where Rising Aviation students competed against military and commercial maintenance teams and took top honors. “We went into it not knowing what to expect,” Miller said. “But winning event after event, and then the Overall at the Awards Ceremony was an amazing feeling.” 

Photo Credit: Kelly Filgo

For Rising Aviation, the goal extends far beyond competitions. The school continues to expand industry partnerships and apprenticeship opportunities so students can move directly into aviation careers or post-secondary education with technical skill and professional confidence. It is a mission grounded in the belief that young people can rise to high expectations when given authentic opportunities.