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FAQ: All the Answers
Are county vocational schools public schools?
Absolutely. In New Jersey, county vocational-technical schools are a county-wide shared service funded by Boards of Chosen Freeholders and state and federal aid. Every student who lives in a county is elgible to apply for admission to their county-operate vocational-technical school. In rare instances, at the discretion of the local county, schools will accept applications from out-of-county students.
Who attends county vocational schools?
Our market-driven schools of choice serve about 84,000 secondary and adult students in programs as diverse as the state itself. Career and technical education is a good choice for students of all abilities because research shows that students learn in different ways. The opportunity for hands-on learning and applied academics means that vocational-technical schools are able to make high school come to life for many students who previously struggled. County vocational school programs are also a great option for talented students seeking a challenging academic program with a specific career focus.
Do county vocational schools offer the same academic courses are traditional high schools?
County vocational-technical schools offer exciting programs for students with a wide range of interests and abilities. Most are full-time high schools integrating vocational-technical programs with a full range of academic and extra-curricular offerings.
What is a "shared time" vocational school?
Schools that offer shared time programs allow students from throughout the county the opportunity to take traditional academic courses such as math and language arts at their home high school, and spend the remainder of the school day at the county vocational school taking programs in a specific career area.
Who can attend a county vocational school?
County vocational-technical school programs are offered free of charge to high school students and their parents.
Every student has a legal right to apply for admission. If accepted, the local school district is required by law to pay tuition (if applicable) and provide transportation for students attending a county vocational-technical school district (see NJSA 18A:.54-20.1 and NJAC 6A:19-3.1).
How do I apply to a county vocational school?
The requirements for admission to a county vocational-technical school vary by district/program. Rigorous programs, such as high-tech career academies and performing arts programs, are designed for highly talented students and admission can be extremely competitive. Each district develops its own admission criteria to ensure that student abilities and needs are well matched with program offerings, and that the county's overall population is well represented. Contact your local county vocational-technical school for specific program and admission information.
Can my child go to college if they attend a vocational school?
Positively. Statewide, more than 60 percent of graduates of county vocational technical schools advance to college of further study. Many counties have specialized, career academies that attract high-motivated, high-achieving students.
Why isn't there a program in a particular career field in my county, but is offered elsewhere in the state?
Because county vocational schools are governed by county boards of vocational education, they are able to cater to local workforce needs. Our schools insure their programs remain relevant by training students for jobs of today and tomorrow, with an emphasis on meeting local employment demands. A hospitality program in Cape May that operates its own student-run motel, or a marine academy along the Jersey shore are examples of programs that build on regional strengths and respond to workforce needs.
I've always wanted to teach in a county vocational school. Where can I apply?
Each of the 21 county vocational-technical schools have their own hiring practices. NJCCVTS posts some openings on a Jobs sections of its web site and you should also visit the individual web sites of the school(s) in which you wish to work.