Vocational school

[bilgerat]

My oldest daughter is in the process of trying to get into a new medical arts program at our county vocational school. This particular course only admits 15 high school freshmen a year. If accepted, she will spend 2 to 3 days a week at medical facilities throughout the area. Among many things they will be exposed to, they will also be able to sit in the theater of an operating room to watch an actual open heart surgery take place. The chief surgeon will be wired to take questions from the students while he is working. They will still have the mandatory math, english, social studies, etc.

Students who complete four years of this course will be able to graduate with up to 25 college credits. Talk about a head start

When I was in high school back in the late 70's - early 80's, vocational school was for the most part a dumping ground for the so called "bad kids" that the regular schools didn't want to deal with anymore. To be fair, I knew quite a few people who went there and did quite well for themselves, but it always had a reputation as a rough school.

Times have changed. Now the curriculum is heavily technology based. They only accept students with good grades and no disciplinary marks on their records. It's one of the best kept secrets in our area.

What are the vocational / technical high schools like in your area ? Did any of your kids go ?

[RussBert]

When I was in high school back in the late 70's - early 80's, vocational school was for the most part a dumping ground for the so called "bad kids" that the regular schools didn't want to deal with anymore.

What are the vocational / technical high schools like in your area ? Did any of your kids go ?

Good for your daughter!   

Class of '79. Bay Path Vocational-Technical School, Machine Shop 

There are now more stringent requirements to enter "trade" school. Frankly MORE kids should consider trade school as I see too many college kids graduate with no direction and end up in dead-end jobs.

Thing is, many parents insist their children go to college, even if it isn't the right choice for the kids. There are book smarts, and there are practical smarts. There is no shame learning a trade. Many folks make a good life for themselves.

My son barely made it through high school. Now he works as a contractor. Trade school would have helped him, but he was/is a stubborn one!

[guitarkid]

My oldest daughter is in the process of trying to get into a new medical arts program at our county vocational school. This particular course only admits 15 high school freshmen a year. If accepted, she will spend 2 to 3 days a week at medical facilities throughout the area. Among many things they will be exposed to, they will also be able to sit in the theater of an operating room to watch an actual open heart surgery take place. The chief surgeon will be wired to take questions from the students while he is working. They will still have the mandatory math, english, social studies, etc.

Students who complete four years of this course will be able to graduate with up to 25 college credits. Talk about a head start

When I was in high school back in the late 70's - early 80's, vocational school was for the most part a dumping ground for the so called "bad kids" that the regular schools didn't want to deal with anymore. To be fair, I knew quite a few people who went there and did quite well for themselves, but it always had a reputation as a rough school.

Times have changed. Now the curriculum is heavily technology based. They only accept students with good grades and no disciplinary marks on their records. It's one of the best kept secrets in our area.

What are the vocational / technical high schools like in your area ? Did any of your kids go ?

I graduated from something like that, and I would highly recommend them.

                  -gk

[The one that got away]

My oldest son is a freshman at the regional voc/tech H.S. in my area. Very selective school, they only took 250 or so freshman from 700 who applied.

BTW, nice Cheevers pic.

[Tin]

I did the Auto/Marine Tech stuff at New England Tech..

IMO... most vocational and online schools are rip offs. The NY Times did a recent piece on how they now specifically target Vets to take advantage of the guaranteed GI Bill money.

[bilgerat]

I did the Auto/Marine Tech stuff at New England Tech..

IMO... most vocational and online schools are rip offs. The NY Times did a recent piece on how they now specifically target Vets to take advantage of the guaranteed GI Bill money.

You're thinking of a for - profit tech school. What I'm talking about is part of our public school system. There is no cost to attend.

I know what you're talking about though - I got my Diesel Technology 'degree' ;D at Pennco Tech. I went there on a full grant after being laid off from General Electric.