The Exploratory Program is a "hands on" investigative program for ninth grade students that:

• Measures student aptitude in all trade programs offered

• Encourages student discovery

• Provides individual student career assessments

• Compares aptitude with likes and dislikes

• Develops decision making skills

• Challenges students in the application of knowledge

The Exploratory program is divided into 3 Phases:

Phase 1 

• The first day is devoted to safety, and students must pass a safety test. 

• Each student spends two full days in each trade technology. 

• Emphasis is on career types, work values, likes & dislikes, self evaluation, and decision-making. 

Phase 2 

• Provides students with a more in-depth study of fewer trades. 

• Students spend four days in three trade technology areas.  Placement is made in each trade technology based on the information provided by the student in a survey.

• Emphasis is on student aptitude, goal setting, and decision-making. 

• Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of theoretical practices and their ability to interact effectively in the workplace. 

Phase 3

• Students and parents will attend the mandatory Trade Selection Night in December. 

• Students select their top choice trades for final placement. 

• Students are placed in a final trade for the remainder of their high school tenure. Please note  first choices are not guaranteed. Students must do their best across all three phases to have as best an opportunity as possible to receive their first choice trade. 

• Students will experience the demands and expectations that will be required over the next three years. 

Daily items required for Exploratory: 

• Safety glasses 

• Tan Work boots (EH rated, non-steel toe, non-black sole) 

• Exploratory t-shirt 

• Notebook, pen, pencil  

• School-issued Chromebook