Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide learners with the sequential electives required for graduation and the knowledge and skills they need to be prepared for college and careers. CTE courses emphasize real-world skills and practical knowledge within a selected career focus, and they lead to opportunities across a variety of careers, industries and pathways.

All CTE courses include contextual instruction and participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities, through which students will develop leadership, interpersonal and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) is embedded in CTE courses and provides experiential learning opportunities related to students’ career goals and interests, integrated with instruction and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

All CTE courses are aligned with state-approved industry credentials as a part of the Virginia Department of Education’s High School Industry Credentialing initiative. CTE students have an opportunity to earn a credential or license by passing an approved exam as part of participation and learning in their chosen CTE program.

CTE Program Areas & Course Descriptions

Our CTE program areas are aligned with Virginia’s CTE Career Clusters. Career clusters organize CTE courses around various career pathways, helping students to create plans of study based on their interests, strengths and goals.

All courses with Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (PVCC or JMU), Honors, and International Baccalaureate (IB) designations are weighted. Additionally, beginning with students entering 9th grade in the 2022-23 school year, students will earn a weighted credit for the third and fourth CTE courses they take within a CTE Career Cluster.