Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS)
There are three Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) high schools in the Greater Hartford Region: A.I. Prince Technical High School (Hartford), E.C. Goodwin Technical High School (New Britain), and Howell Cheney Technical High (Manchester). These schools offer a combination of academic courses and hands-on training in a wide range of technical fields such as health sciences, manufacturing, automotive, culinary arts, and more. Students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for immediate career employment opportunities, apprenticeships or enrollment in college.
The CTECS Educational Model
Unlike a traditional high school where students have 182 days to complete state-mandated academic requirements, CTECS students split their time between academics and career and technical education, mastering state standards for academic courses in 91 days and trade courses in the other 91 days. Students rotate between academic and Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses approximately every two weeks.
Ninth-grade students participate in all of the technical programs offered at each technical high school through the Exploratory Program. This experience allows students to engage in the various career path opportunities before choosing one that will set the framework for their education in grades 10-12. As part of their CTE curriculum, students in grades 11-12 take part in the CTECS Student Workforce Program, which is designed to give students practical, hands-on experience and real-world application of learned theoretical skills.
CTECS Application Tips
Make sure you’re eligible.
Only students entering 9th grade can apply through the RSCO School Choice Application. You’ll apply to all three Hartford region technical high schools together.
Note: Students entering 10th grade should contact the school directly.
Rank the schools in order of preference.
Even though the technical schools are grouped as a region, you can and should rank the three schools in the order that best fits your student's preferences and interests.
CTECS your top choice? Apply only to CTECS technical high schools to activate the CTECS Only Priority.
CTECS Only is the only way to express a preference for a CTECS placement. Adding other programs such as magnet schools or Open Choice cancels this priority. Only apply to other programs (magnets and Open Choice) if you are willing to accept an offer from a magnet school or Open Choice district.
