High School Opportunities

Absolutely!  New Jersey’s county vocational-technical schools prepare students for college and careers. Statewide, more than 77 percent of county vocational-technical school graduates pursue post-secondary studies at colleges, universities, or advanced technical schools.

College admissions officers understand the value of career and technical education, and many graduates are accepted at prestigious and highly competitive colleges and universities.

Thanks to partnerships with colleges and universities, many students get a head start on higher education by taking college classes and earning college credits while still in high school.  

Yes. Students graduating from NJ county vocational-technical schools have the same graduation requirements and earn the same diploma as all other high school graduates in the state.

In addition to college readiness, students gain the added advantage of exciting career and technical education programs that expose them to a wide array of career pathways and develop the skills and abilities valued by employers. County vocational-technical schools have high graduation rates and low drop-out rates. Classes are small, and in many programs, students have the opportunity to earn college credits and industry certifications while still in high school.

Most vocational-technical schools are full-time high schools that integrate career and technical education programs with a full range of academic and extra-curricular offerings, including AP and honors courses. Students enrolled in shared-time programs take most of their academic courses at their home high school.

More than 34,000 secondary school students with diverse backgrounds and equally varied career aspirations are currently enrolled in NJ county vocational-technical schools.

Career and technical education, which incorporates hands-on learning and strong academics, appeals to students of all interests and abilities. Research shows that most young people learn best when the relationship between what they are studying and its relevance to their lives and career goals is clear. Career academy programs are a good option for college-focused students with specific career goals that will require continued education.

The schools offer a wide variety of rigorous, hands-on learning opportunities using state-of-the art technology to prepare all types of students for college and careers. All counties offer full-time, and sometimes shared-time, career and technical education programs in a broad range of fields, such as health sciences, construction trades, digital media and graphic design, culinary arts, engineering, law and public safety, business and finance, information technology, auto technology, and cosmetology. New program areas include advanced manufacturing, global logistics, computer-assisted design (CAD), agricultural sciences, and sustainability.

Some counties have specialized career academies in fields like engineering, information technology, business and finance, health sciences, and visual and performing arts.

Click on “Programs” at the top of this website to learn more about each offering.

Yes. All full-time schools offer a range of activities such as student council, yearbook, drama club, music groups, language clubs, community service clubs, and National Honor Society. They also sponsor student career and technical organizations, like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), and SkillsUSA.

Yes. Many full-time county vocational-technical schools have teams in a variety of sports; but if the county vocational-technical school does not offer sports, or the particular sport your child is involved with, a student can participate in the home district’s teams.

Transportation is not provided to home high school sports.

The application process varies by county and program. To get started, contact your child’s guidance counselor and find your school to obtain more information about the vocational-technical school programs in your county.

For four-year, full-time programs, applications must be submitted in the fall of eighth grade. Start early — districts hold open-house sessions in the fall. Attending an open house may be a mandatory requirement for application. For half-day, shared-time programs for grades 11 and 12, students may apply during their sophomore or junior years of high school.

Each county vocational-technical school board of education has its own admissions policy, which is posted on the district website. By law, the county district admissions policy must provide equal educational opportunity without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, or economic status. Admissions decisions may consider a student’s grades, standardized test scores, attendance, and other factors. In some districts, an admissions test and/or an interview may also be required, and most performing arts programs require an audition.

For more information on the admissions requirements for the school in your county, find your school.