How do I apply?
Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to be accepted.
Click on the Application button under the Program tab on our Website. Fill out the Online Application for the Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center. You will be contacted if we need any further information.
Admissions Timelind.
The timeline may be adjusted by the Woonsocket Education Department Superintendent of Schools if it is in the best interest of students or the district.
November
Woonsocket Regional Career & Technical Center will conduct an Open House for all interested students and their parents.
September –January 10th
Applications for Early Enrollment in a WACTC CTE Program will be accepted thru January 10th
January 10th – June 30th
Applications for enrollment will continue to be accepted. Once the Master schedule is developed, any remaining available seats will be filled by qualified applicants using a lottery system in accordance with the RI Regulations on Career and Technical Education. A waiting list will be established where space is not available.
July
Applications will continue to be accepted from all Rhode Island districts. Any remaining available seats will be filled by qualified applicants using a lottery system in accordance with the RI Regulations on Career and Technical Education. A waiting list will be established when space is not available.
Over-Enrolled and Under Enrolled Programs:
In cases where the number of qualified applicants exceeds available space, a lottery will be held to select among those students who meet the entrance criteria. The general admission criteria may be relaxed or the specific criteria may be relaxed in a specific program if there are unfilled seats in the program and the high school provides appropriate support in Literacy and Mathematics consistent with the student’s personalized literacy plan.
When should I apply?
Students can apply in 8th through 10th grade for entrance the following school year. It is recommended students join early in their high school career so they can complete the program sequence and certifications which take 3-4 years.
Do I need to take an entrance exam?
No, we do not administer an entrance exam. Any Rhode Island Resident entering high school can apply for entrance.
How will I know if I was accepted?
Acceptance letters will be sent via email between April and May.
Do I need to pay tuition?
No. Tuition is covered for all RI residents by the district you live in.
Do you provide transportation for out-of-district students?
Students who reside in Woonsocket, Cumberland, Burrillville and North Smithfield receive free bussing through the Statewide Student Transportation System.
Can I be accepted into multiple programs?
Students are enrolled in ONE program of choice. We try our best to match students to their first choice program.
Can I sign up for a career program class without applying to a program?
No, you must be accepted into a career program to take that program’s classes. Upon entrance to a program, you will meet your program teacher and fellow students who you will share program classes with through the next 3 to 4 years.
What kind of diploma will I receive?
Upon meeting Graduation and Program requirements, students will graduate with a Woonsocket High School diploma and WACTC Certificate of Completion.
Will all my classes be at the WACTC Career Center?
Most program classes are housed in the Career Center building. Academic and elective courses are housed in the Woonsocket High School Main Building.
Do you offer after-school sports and clubs?
Yes, the Career Center is part of the Woonsocket High School Community. You will have access to the same sports, clubs and classes as students at Woonsocket High School.
Do you offer honors and AP classes?
Yes, through Woonsocket High School, you will have access to Honors classes and AP courses. Most of our career programs also offer students the opportunity to gain college credits.
Is there time in my schedule to take classes in the performing arts or JrROTC?
Yes. While your career program class will meet once a day, you will have room in your schedule to take academically required courses as well as electives.
Do Career and Technical students go to college or get a job after graduation?
Our career programs prepare students for the workforce as well as post-secondary educational institutions. Students will have hands-on learning opportunities and work based learning experience upon graduation. Upon graduation, we have had students enter the workforce, attend two- year and four-year colleges and enter the military.
How many days a week/hours do I attend my program class?
Most career programs meet at least once a day for around 90 minutes. The frequency allows for quality work based learning experiences, the development of strong bonds between students and teachers and a strong sense of community within a program. Students will eventually work in our school-based shops, attend internships, visit industry sites and have the opportunity to participate in community service events.
Will attending WACTC help me get a scholarship when I graduate?
Upon graduation, there are many opportunities to gain scholarships. Past students have been awarded scholarships related to their program as well as through participating in SkillsUSA.