Incoming 9th Graders
Welcome to Waltham High School!
We are so happy to have you join our school community!
At WHS you will find amazing opportunities for all students including academically, college & career preparation, fine & performing arts, and technical training. As a comprehensive high school, students have a unique opportunity to participate in Ch.74 Vocational Programs. Information below is related to program offerings from our Career & Technical Education Department including the vocational programs, career pathways and elective courses.
![image with word freshman as artwork](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/21144/file/2739821/8ddce88c-75b5-4707-9bdf-09afa1d6d893.png)
CTE Course Offerings for 9th Grade Students
The Career & Technical Education Department is pleased to offer a wide variety of courses for incoming 9th grade students at Waltham High School.
Freshman year can be an exciting but difficult transition for many students. You are in a new school, you are the youngest students in the building, the school is huge and confusing, and you are trying to find where you 'belong'. Adulthood is also becoming much more of a reality and many life changing decisions begin in high school.
Knowing this, CTE programming is a great way for students to begin to identify areas of interest and how those interests align with future career opportunities.
What CTE Programs are offered?
![CTE courses diagram](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/21144/file/2739839/7840846b-e22e-4450-90d8-e4531ee778c1.jpeg)
Where can CTE take you?
CTE Ch.74 Programs are available to students in grades 9-12.
Beginning freshman year, students can participate in our DESE approved Exploratory Program. This program is structured so students can 'try' each vocational shop before committing to a pathway. Ideally students connect with a program and apply for admission beginning in their sophomore year.
Once accepted, students begin their three year pathway that sets them up for success and gives them the opportunity to enter the workforce immediately after high school or continue their education at the post secondary level. In addition to earning their high school diploma from WHS, students can earn a CTE Certificate in their program area as well as earn industry credentials such as OSHA-10, ServeSafe, ASE, or First Aid/CPR/AED or in some cases even earn state level certifications like becoming a Certified Preschool Teacher or Certified Nursing Assistant.
![drawings of different professions](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/21144/file/2739866/850908e5-2ae7-48d1-9e5e-db0ef2c8dc7b.png)
Check out our introductory video for incoming 9th grade students
Learn more about the course offerings available to 9th graders in CTE including electives and Ch.74 Vocational Programs. Also where can CTE take you and how it makes students both college AND career ready!
![rocket](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/21144/file/2739829/7f940b1b-9424-468e-9a7e-24449dfd80e3.png)
Ch.74 Exploratory Program
This course is for students thinking about joining a Ch.74 Vocational Program. You are able to explore all our shops before deciding if you'd like to apply to a program in your sophomore year.
![tree with different icons](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/21144/file/2739831/5151975d-e77f-4f10-87b1-e7d9cbbc4e82.png)
Elective Offerings within CTE for 9th Grade
Elective courses are fun classes designed to teach new skills that could lead to a career path or provide students with essential life skills like cooking, sewing or having a family.
![vocational skills on high demand today](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/21144/file/2739905/85e8857c-db4f-495b-b3fa-97c9cd3371f3.png)
Ch.74 Vocational Programs
Automotive TechnologyCarpentryCollision TechnologyCulinary ArtsEarly Education & CareElectricalElectronicsGraphic CommunicationsHealth AssistingTV Broadcasting
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Business
Introduction to BusinessSports & Entertainment MarketingRetail ManagementFinancial LiteracyFinance & InvestmentsEntrepreneurship
![the game of life skills](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/21144/file/2739920/bf4e1920-46b1-4a7b-844c-3a0094a30394.png)
Family Consumer Science
ChefsBake ShopFoodsIntroduction to FashionFashion 1, 2, 3PinterestChildren & Families
![Technology education](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/21144/file/2739930/aed88e98-d6cb-4ea3-a85f-c21bf35b32b1.png)
Technology Education
Digital IllustrationGraphic Design 1 & 2Animation & Motion GraphicsAP 2D DesignSmall EnginesBasic ConstructionMetal Fabrication Technology