The Skyline Magnet Legal Studies Program builds career-ready skills in civil and criminal law through hands-on training in advocacy, legal support, and document preparation. Its rigorous curriculum strengthens résumés and fosters leadership, empowering students to pursue top colleges and careers in law and public service. 

Students tackle AP coursework, compete academically, and gain legal experience through internships and simulations. Enrichment activities—including travel, leadership training, and service—cultivate socially conscious, well-rounded leaders.

ADVOCATE. LEAD. ACHIEVE.

Every senior in last year’s class earned admission to top colleges across the country, securing over $3.5 million in scholarships. Many alumni are now thriving in prestigious universities on pre-law paths.

Skyline High School, a standout in Dallas ISD, offers over 22 specialized programs through its Career Development Center, including AP courses, dual credit, and early college options. With unmatched access to clubs, sports, competitions, and strong industry ties, Skyline empowers students to achieve their goals and succeed beyond graduation.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AND OPPORTUNITY

WHY SKYLINE?

Legal Studies Program Description

Mr. Joseph Pouncy

Leadership

School Principal

Mrs. Carter

Assistant Principal Magnet

Mr Hector Rodriguez

Mr. Austin Quesenberry

Attorney Advisor

Mrs. Yianna Lazanas

Attorney Advisor

Dr. Martha Williams

Ms. Genesis Fuentes

Consultant

Student President

Lead Teacher / Coordinator

Mr. Pouncy holds a bachelor's in business administration and a master's in educational leadership. He has over 20 years in education, and is leading the transformation at Skyline High School.

Mr. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, a Master's in Educational Leadership, and a second Master's in Legal Studies from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. With 27 years of experience, he founded and currently leads the Legal Studies Program at Skyline.

Magnet Courses

Principles of Law

course designed to introduce students to the various aspects of law, public safety, and related professions. This course, often the first in a sequence, provides a foundation for understanding the legal system, law enforcement, corrections, & protective services.

Level 1

9th Grade

Courtroom Systems & Practices

Provides an overview of the structure and function of both federal and state court systems. It examines the roles of judicial officers, the trial process, and evidence rules, with a focus on constitutional laws governing criminal procedure.

Level 2

10th Grade

Legal Research & Writing

The course, focused on legal research and writing, introduces students to the fundamentals of legal analysis, research methodologies, and various types of legal documents, including briefs and memoranda.

Level 3

11th Grade

Advanced Legal Skills

Building on prior instruction in constitutional issues and the fundamentals of American court systems, this course offers insight into the practical application of the law, as well as civil and criminal procedure, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to experience a variety of legal professions.

Level 3

11th Grade

Practicum in Law & Public Service

Provides students with supervised, practical experience in various law-related fields. This course allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. It involves working with legal professionals, law enforcement, corrections, or security agencies

Level 4

12th Grade

Provides students with an engaging, hands-on experience in the legal system, focusing on trial advocacy and public speaking. Students invited to take the class become members of the Skyline High School Varsity Mock Trial Team. They compete in the National Mock Trial Competition and the Youth & Government Judicial Program

Mock Trial / Debate Elective

By Invitation

Core Courses

Language Arts

Mathematics

Sciences

Social Studies

Elective / Arts

• English 1

• English 2

• English 3

• English 4

• Algebra 1

• Algebra 2

• Geometry

• Pre-Calculus

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Environmental Science

• World Geography

• World History

• US History

• Government / Economics

• 6 Credits in Elective

• 2 Years in a 2nd Language

• 1 Credit in PE

• 1/2 Credit in Health

• 1 Credit in Art

Students in our program are part of the Skyline Advanced Academic Clusters and the Magnet Program. Therefore, all of their core classes must be either Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Advanced, or OnRamp. Students in this program are not allowed to take regular comprehensive courses. They are expected to enroll in Dual Credit and other AP courses, and OnRamp courses are mandatory.

(Advanced, Dual Credit, AP or OnRamp) 

Skyline High School proudly provides an impressive selection of over 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, along with enriching Dual Credit opportunities through Dallas College and innovative OnRamp courses in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, students can explore more than 22 other engaging programs. We strongly encourage our students to seize these valuable opportunities to elevate their academic performance and enhance their GPAs by consistently participating in advanced courses throughout their high school journey. Embrace the challenge and unlock your potential for success!

Academic Program of Study

Industry-Based Certification

Industry-based credential is a foundational assessment that measures occupational awareness and fundamental competencies within a specific field, providing insight into a learner’s progress toward job readiness. Foundational assessments include a written component only and can be used at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

General Management