schools since fall 2002, graduating the first class of IB students in spring 2004. The program is the highest academic curriculum offered; students study six subjects in college-level classes that culminate in comprehensive exams or artistic portfolio assessments. HEB ISD was the first district in Tarrant County to offer the program and is the only multi-high school district in Texas where all high schools have an IB program. In 2012, students in HEB ISD had a passing rate of 83% on IB exams, higher than the US national passing rate (66.9%) and the global passing rate (78.4%). Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered at both high school campuses, with a Pre-AP curriculum available at the junior high and elementary school levels. Students in AP courses, like IB, complete college-level work throughout the year and take tests in May; many universities will award college credit for high enough test scores. Each student in an AP class is required to take a qualifying exam, and if the student meets the standard in that subject, the district pays the test fee. Language and cultural study Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year, Hindi and Mandarin Chinese language classes are offered at Central Junior High. HEB ISD was the second school district in the nation to offer Hindi, and the first in Northeast Tarrant County to offer Mandarin Chinese. Starting in the 2011-2012 school year, the program was expanded to include Arabic language classes. Viridian Elementary began an elementary world languages program in 2014, allowing HEB ISD students to complete an aligned course of Arabic, Hindi, or Mandarin Chinese study from first grade through high school graduation. Spanish Immersion is offered to English-speaking students entering first grade at Bedford Heights and Meadow Creek elementary schools with the goal of fluency in Spanish by completion of sixth grade. Classes attended by participants in the program – including math, science, and social studies – are taught in Spanish; English is studied and read at home. Students continue in the program throughout elementary school, and in the 2007-2008 school year, the first Spanish Immersion class continued their studies in seventh grade. Career and technical education The district has offered automotive technician training programs since 1971. In 2006, the program received certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation for brake repair, electrical electronic systems, engine performance, and suspension and steering. The Automotive Collision Repair program has also been