FAQs

  • What is a technical high school?
    Answer:

    The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting technical high schools serving  approximately 10,200 high school students and a Technical Education Center. The Connecticut Technical High Schools provide students with a comprehensive academic and advanced trade/ technologies curriculum. The CTECS curriculum is based on state academic standards and emerging business/industry standards.

  • What are the purposes of these schools?
    Answer:

    The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System provide students in Grades 9-12 with the opportunity to master trade/technology skills while earning a high school diploma. There are 31 trade/ technology area offerings across state. Freshman students participate in a ninth-grade trade/technology exploratory program providing them with the opportunity to experience working in various trade/technology prior to selecting their area of specialization. Students graduate from the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System  with a high school diploma and a specific trade/ technology certificate. Students are prepared for immediate employment, or entry into apprentice- ship programs, admission to two-year and four year colleges and lifelong learning.

  • Who is eligible to attend?
    Answer:

    Any student who lives in Connecticut may apply to any technical high school. Each technical high school serves a geographic area and makes presentations to eighth-graders in the area. The ap- plication process includes a review of students’ grades, attendance, test scores, extracurricular activities and a student-written statement. Most of Connecticut’s technical high schools have waiting lists. Students are encouraged to apply early.

  • What are the programs of study?
    Answer:

    The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System's integrated curriculum provides courses of study in all the required high school academics and, at the same time, provides technical training in the following career areas: Agriculture, Food & Construction – Bioscience and Environmental Technology; Architecture & Construction – Sustainable Architecture, Carpentry, Electrical, Facilities Management, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Masonry, Plumbing and Heating, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling; Arts, Audio/Visual Technology & Communication – Digital Media, Sound Production Technology; Health Science – Health Technology, Biotechnology; Hospitality & Tourism – Baking, Culinary Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Guest Services Management; Human Services – Early Care and Education, Hairdressing; Information Technology – Electronics Technology, Graphics, Technology, Information Systems Technology; Manufacturing – Automated Manufacturing Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, Electromechanical Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Welding and Metal Fabrication; Marketing, Sales & Service – Fashion Merchandising and Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Management and Entrepreneurship; Science Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) – Pre-Electrical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology; Transportation, Distribution & Logistics – Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing, Automotive Technology, Diesel and Heavy-Duty Equipment Repair.Who pays for these schools? Will parents have to pay tuition for students?

    Operating costs are funded through the State Department of Education’s budget. There is no tuition cost to parents.

  • How will my child get to school?
    Answer:

    The school district where the student lives is required to provide transportation to and from the technical high school.

  • Do these schools provide for the needs of special education students?
    Answer:

    Yes. As in any public school, services are provided as directed by the planning and placement team (PPT). For more information see the Students with Disabilities & Parental Choice in Connecticut guide or view special education resources for families.

  • Can my son or daughter participate in varsity or intramural sports, clubs and other extracurricular activities?
    Answer:

    Yes. Connecticut’s Technical Education and Career System offers a full range of sports and other extracurricular activities.

  • Where can I get more information? How does one apply?
    Answer:

    Students and parents are encouraged to contact the nearest technical high school and arrange for a visit. Schools conduct open houses and other events. Students may apply directly to the technical high school for admission. Further information about each school and online applications are available at www.cttech.org, or you may call 1-800-U-CAN-TECH.

    If you are a parent/guardian or student in the greater Hartford region and wish to obtain information about an application for Open Choice, inter-district magnet schools, technical high schools, or regional agriculture science centers, please contact the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) at 860-713-6990 or visit the RSCO Parent Information Center at 450 Columbus Blvd Plaza Level, Hartford, CT.