Programs of Study

Auto Body Technology 

In the global automobile collision repair industry, there is a growing demand for qualified auto body technicians. In this course, students are taught damage analysis, estimating, customer service, non-structural analysis, damage repair, and welding. Students work with a variety of materials, using metal finishing and body filling techniques to prepare surfaces and repair panels. Students who successfully complete this program sequence may be eligible to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification examinations. 

Automotive Technology I 

In this course, students explore, handle, and perform basic functions in engine repair, automatic transmission and trans-axle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering systems, and brakes. Students who successfully complete the Automotive Technology program may be eligible to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification examination. The ASE Student Certification is the first step in building a career as a service professional in the automotive industry.

Automotive Technology II 

In this course, students build upon their basic knowledge of automotive technology, exploring more advanced tasks in engine repair, automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering systems, and brakes. They also learn about electrical, electronic, and HVAC systems in automobiles. Upon successful completion of the course, students may be eligible to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification examination.

Automotive Technology III 

This course prepares students to perform automotive diagnosis and repairs in the following areas: engine repair, cooling systems, transmission and transaxle, manual drive trains and axles, suspension and steering, wheel and tire, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, HVAC, and engine performance. Students are provided with more advanced instruction in all systems as they prepare for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification examinations. The Automotive Technology program provides the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing and challenging industry as an automotive technician.

Carpentry I

Carpentry I is the building block for achieving high-level construction industry skills that can result in an exciting and lucrative career. With an emphasis on safety, students are taught to use hand and power tools, cut stock, apply construction mathematics, and interpret blueprints. Students will become proficient in identifying types of residential construction components to form foundations and frame walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, doors, and windows. All students will obtain the required OSHA 10 safety credential.

Carpentry II

Carpentry II leads to successful transition into postsecondary education for careers in carpentry and related fields, such as construction management, architecture, and others. Students are taught the safe use of hand and power tools common to the industry to complement their OSHA 10 safety credential earned in Carpentry I. Students will become proficient in assembling and installing various types of residential construction components that are current with industry standards, including rigging and job-estimating procedures, forming foundations, framing floors, walls, ceiling, roofs, trusses, roofing materials, stairs, exterior doors and windows, decks, and porches. Successfully passing this course leads to CTE program completion.

Carpentry III

Carpentry III is an advanced course that allows students to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in construction industry skills. Work-based learning methods of instruction for this course would provide the student with practical, on-the-job experience in addition to what he or she has already mastered in Carpentry I and II. Additional exploration of the carpentry profession and postsecondary options for continuing education and professional opportunities are also emphasized.


Cosmetology I

In this introductory course, students study hair, skin, and nails and their related care. Students are grounded in theory as they prepare to practice procedures in a clinical lab setting or classroom, using manikins for manipulative skill practice. The first-year course emphasizes personal safety, professionalism, and sanitation and disinfection of equipment and facilities. Students develop skills in shampooing and conditioning hair, as well as styling and cutting hair. They are introduced to chemical texture services and develop skills in manicure and pedicure procedures.

Cosmetology II

In this continuing course, students build on their theoretical foundation of general sciences and practices in cosmetology to increase proficiency in hair cutting and styling on live models, with attention to professionalism, client consultation, safety, and infection control. Students are trained in safe chemical processes related to permanent waves, relaxers, lightening, and coloring hair. In addition, students learn to care for skin, hands, and feet, developing experience in providing facials, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Students will be introduced to a business management unit with a focus on managing the salon.

Cosmetology III

 In this advanced course, students build on their theoretical foundation of general sciences and practices in cosmetology to increase proficiency in hair cutting and styling on live models, with attention to professionalism, client consultation, safety, and infection control. Students are trained in safe chemical processes related to chemical texture services and advanced hair coloring techniques. They also develop artistic skills with wigs and hair additions. In addition, students learn to care for skin, hands, and feet, developing experience in providing facials, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. An advanced business management unit focuses on managing the salon. Competency completion prepares the student for the Virginia State Licensing Exam. Students can combine classroom instruction and supervised on-the-job training in an approved position or internship with continuing supervision throughout the school year.

Electricity I

Students develop fundamental electrical skills to help them prepare for a career in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Students will engage in hands-on activities in a lab setting. They will be introduced to residential wiring of houses and apartments; commercial wiring of retailers, schools, businesses, and hospitals; and industrial wiring of factories.

Electricity II

Students will continue to develop skills in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Students will also study electrical theory and mathematical problems related to electricity, apply requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) Book, select and install conductors, examine lighting, communication, and power systems, and work with conduit and raceways, panel boards, switchboards, grounding systems, and generators

Electricity III

Through hands-on experiences, students continue building skills in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, with emphasis on industrial applications. They also study lighting fixtures, overcurrent protection, service equipment, motor controls, transformers, grounding, and the National Electrical Code (NEC) Book.

Engineering Drawing

Students use a graphic language for product design, technical illustration, evaluation of designs, and engineering drawings. They increase their understanding of drawing techniques learned in the prerequisite course. Students use computers, calculators, and descriptive geometry and adhere to established standards to solve design problems. They work in teams to design solutions for an identified need.

Equine Science

In this course, students learn how to care for and manage horses. The major instructional areas include equine health, nutrition, management, reproduction, training, evaluation, and showmanship. Additional instruction in tools, equipment, equine facilities management, business management of equine enterprises, and the economics of boarding, training, and merchandising horses is included. Participation in FFA activities, leadership development events (LDEs), and career development events (CDEs) is encouraged.

Equine Science Advanced

This course focuses on equine nutrition, handling and training techniques, grooming and foot care, anatomy and reproduction, transportation and stable management, as well as required safety procedures and protocols used in the equine industry. Participation in FFA activities, leadership development events (LDEs), and career development events (CDEs) is encouraged.

Game Design and Development

The game design industry is the fastest revenue growing entertainment medium, and has created many new job disciplines. In this project-based course, students will create innovative games through the application of graphic design, animation, audio, and writing skills. Students will work in teams while developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. They will analyze, design, prototype, and critique interactive games within a project management environment. Career opportunities across multiple industries, including the entertainment and educational arenas, will be explored.

Game Design and Development Advanced

Students will work collaboratively in teams to refine their game design skills as they apply graphic design, animation, audio and writing skills to create innovative games for education and entertainment. This project-based course enhances problem solving, project management, and communication skills through the analysis, design, construction, and critique of interactive games. Students will learn about career opportunities in game design and development and investigate the training and certification requirements.

Graphic Imaging Technology 

Graphic Imaging Technology introduces students to the graphic communications industry. Students gain an overview of digital file preparation, image capture, color theory, digital file output, press operations, and bindery operations. Students learn to practice workplace safety and develop skills in measurement, mathematical problem solving, interpersonal communication, and the job application process. Graphic imaging technology programs must be accredited by PrintED, administered by the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF).

Horticulture Science

This course prepares students for postsecondary educational career programs and entry-level positions in the horticulture industry. Instruction includes safety in the horticulture industry, the science of horticulture and nursery plant production, greenhouse operation and management, landscape design, and turf management. Through hands-on activities, students will identify and manage plant-growing substrates and propagate and grow horticultural plants in the greenhouse and land laboratory. Participation in FFA Career Development Events (CDEs), Leadership Development Events (LDEs), and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) is strongly encouraged.

Greenhouse Plant Production

This course prepares students for postsecondary educational career programs and entry-level positions in the greenhouse plant production and management industry. Instruction includes industry safety in greenhouse plant production, development of plant production facilities, greenhouse management and operations, plant identification, the science of plant production, business management, and marketing skills. Participation in FFA Career Development Events (CDEs), Leadership Development Events (LDEs), and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) is strongly encouraged.

Landscaping

Landscaping offers skilled workers satisfying career opportunities in varying working environments. The expanding and ever-evolving green industry requires skilled workers for high-demand occupations offering educational and leadership opportunities. This course focuses on preparing students for entry-level employment, postsecondary opportunities, and advancement in the landscape design, construction, and maintenance industries.

Introduction to Culinary Arts

Introduction to Culinary Arts students investigate food safety and sanitation, culinary preparation foundations, basic culinary skills, diverse cuisines, service styles, nutrition and menu development, and the economics of food. Students also explore postsecondary education options and career opportunities within the food service industry.

Introduction to Early Childhood

Students are introduced to early childhood education career opportunities and explore topics such as child development, safe and healthy environments for children, and developmentally appropriate practice that supports child development. Leadership opportunities are available through the co-curricular student organization.


 Introduction to Health and Medical 

This course introduces the student to a variety of healthcare careers and develops basic skills required in all health and medical sciences. It is designed to help students understand the key elements of the U.S. healthcare system and to learn basic healthcare terminology, anatomy and physiology for each body system, pathologies, diagnostic and clinical procedures, therapeutic interventions, and the fundamentals of traumatic and medical emergency care. Throughout the course, instruction emphasizes safety, cleanliness, asepsis, professionalism, accountability, and efficiency within the healthcare environment. Students also begin gaining job-seeking skills for entry into the health and medical sciences field. In addition, instruction may include the basics of medical laboratory procedures, pharmacology fundamentals, biotechnology concepts, and communication skills essential for providing quality patient care.

Livestock Production Management

Course includes instruction in agricultural mechanics, with emphasis placed on the application of mechanical skills to farm power and machinery, as well as on soil and water management, supervised farming programs, and leadership training.

Nursing Aide I

Nurse Aide I, offered as an occupational preparation course beginning at the 11th-grade level, emphasizes the study of nursing occupations as related to the health care system. Students study normal growth and development, simple body structure and function, and medical terminology and are introduced to microbes and disease. They receive elementary skill training in patient-nursing assistant relationships; taking and recording of vital signs; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and bathing, feeding, dressing, and transporting of patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Limited on-the-job instruction in nursing homes and hospitals is part of the course. This course can be used as an introduction to practical nursing or to prepare the student for Nurse Aide II so that all competencies for a certified nursing assistant are met.

Nursing Aide II

Nurse Aide II is an occupational preparation course, emphasizing advanced skill training in areas such as catheter care, range of motion, bowel and bladder training, care of the dying, selected procedures for maternal and infant care, and admission and discharge procedures. Students learn diseases and body systems as related to advanced clinical care of the acute medical-surgical patient, the chronically ill, and the elderly. On-the-job instruction in a licensed nursing home is part of the course. Upon completion of the nurse aide program, the student is eligible to take the nurse aide certification exam that leads to employment as a certified nurse aide in hospitals and nursing homes


Outdoor Rec, Parks, and Tourism Systems Management

This course will offer instruction in the development and management of recreational areas and parks and the economic and environmental impact of tourism. Instruction is this course will also strengthen career skills relative to the outdoor parks, recreation and tourism industries.

Programming

Students in the Programming course explore programming concepts, use algorithmic procedures, implement programming procedures with one or more standard languages, and master programming fundamentals. Coding is used throughout the course. Graphical user interfaces may be used as students design and develop interactive multimedia applications, including game programs. In addition, students employ HTML or JavaScript to create Web pages. Students develop their employability skills through a variety of activities.

Advanced Programming

Building on their foundation of programming skills, Advanced Programming students use object-oriented programming to develop database applications, interactive multimedia applications including game applications, mobile applications, and Web applications. Students continue to develop their employability skills as they research pathways for continuing education and careers in the information technology industry and engage in various career-building activities.

Small Animal Care (I, II)

Students learn how to care for and manage small animals, focusing on instructional areas in animal health, nutrition, management, reproduction, and evaluation. Course content also includes instruction in the tools, equipment, and facilities for small animal care, and provides activities to foster leadership development. Live animal handling may occur. FFA, SAE, or related student organization activities are encouraged.

Sports Medicine

In this course, students earn a certification in First Aid/CPR/AED. The course introduces students to topics such as human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, medical terminology, injuries and illnesses, and legal and ethical issues in sports medicine. Students also examine prospective careers in the sports medicine field. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take Sports Medicine II and pursue certification as a personal trainer.

Technical Drawing and Design 

In this foundation course, students learn the basic language of technical drawing and design, and they design, sketch, and make technical drawings, models, or prototypes of real design problems. The course is especially recommended for future engineering and architecture students.

Veterinary Science I

Veterinary Science I prepares students for postsecondary education and/or careers in veterinary medicine or related fields. Students develop their skills in anatomy, nutrition, medical terminology, sanitation, clinical exams, and handling animals. Live animal handling may occur. Course content also includes facility maintenance, and office functions, as well as safety practices. The National FFA Organization, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), or related student organization activities are encouraged.

Veterinary Science II

Students expand their knowledge of animal science and the care of animals, including animal structure and function, microbes and disease prevention, parasitology, and genetics and breeding. Students develop more advanced skills and techniques for assisting the veterinarian/technician in the following areas: performing first aid and surgery, applying aseptic techniques, performing technical functions, administering medication, handling death and dying, working with wildlife, and performing office functions. On-the-job clinical instruction coordinated by the instructor may be included in veterinary offices or animal clinics.

Welding I

Welding is required by a wide variety of industries—anywhere fusible materials and high heat are needed to manufacture, repair, or alter tools and products. Professional welders are in high demand and can earn accordingly. Students in Welding I are taught to use manual welding, cutting, and electrical arc welding processes to fabricate and join metal parts according to diagrams, blueprints, and specifications. Students will also learn all safety-related practices and techniques, including earning the OSHA 10 card.

Welding II

This course teaches advanced welding students how to fine-tune their craft and to perform welds in various positions, using multiple welding processes. Students prepare to pass relevant industry certifications. Welding is required by a wide variety of industries—anywhere fusible materials and high heat are needed to manufacture, repair, or alter products. Professional welders are in high-demand and can earn accordingly.

Welding III

This welding capstone course teaches the industry's emerging technologies and how to demonstrate gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) pipe tests. Students are prepared to earn relevant industry credentials toward employment in production or manufacturing facilities.