Career & Technical Education Courses

Full Year– 1.00 Credit 

6300 - Level 2

Math credit

Accounting is a skill-level course providing a strong background for those entering business. Students will develop and demonstrate manual and computerized skills to create and maintain financial records.  Students will learn basic fundamentals and terminology of Accounting, gain an understanding of financial reports, and explore career opportunities in the accounting field. Practical accounting problems, with business papers, will emphasize actual business records management. 

Full Year – 1.00 Credit 

6101 - Level 1

Math credit

Offered for grades 10* 11 and 12 

*Grade 10 by recommendation only

Advanced Accounting uses an integrated approach to teach accounting. Students first learn how businesses plan for and evaluate their operating, financing, and investing decisions and how accounting systems gather and provide data to internal and external decision-makers. This year-long course includes all of the learning objectives of a traditional college-level financial accounting course, as well as those from a managerial accounting course. Topics include an introduction to accounting, accounting information systems, time value of money, and accounting for merchandising firms, sales and receivables, fixed assets, debt, and equity. Other topics include statement of cash flows, financial ratios, cost-volume profit analysis, and variance analysis. Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for college credit through the College & Career Pathways program through CT State Community College. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

6110 – Level 1

6310 – Level 2 

Offered for grades 11 and 12 only

Students will learn about the world of finance, financial institutions as businesses and their role in the world economy. Through hands-on activities, case studies, and guest speakers, students will explore the Federal Reserve System, employment in financial services, and real-world banking and investment practices. Any business course may serve as a prerequisite. This course may be taken for Level 1 or Level 2 credit, this selection will be agreed upon during the first week of class. In addition to completing all of the level 2 work, students pursuing level 1 credit will be required to take enhanced assessments, submit periodic article reviews, create and present at least one topic-specific presentation to the class, and create a review activity/game for the class to play.

Half Year – 0.50

6340 – Level 2 

Students will acquire essential computer software skills that will benefit them throughout their high school and post-secondary course work. Students will gain experience from hands-on application of Microsoft Office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, database management, and desktop publishing. Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for college credit through the College & Career Pathways program through CT State Community College. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6391 - Level 2

Offered for grades 10, 11, and 12 only

Students will explore and learn about the basic legal principles that apply to different areas of their everyday lives. The course includes topics such as consumer laws, contractual agreements, housing laws, employment laws and laws dealing with your credit. Student learning will be enhanced through class discussions of case studies and current events, as well as videos on relevant legal topics. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6111 – Level 1

6311 – Level 2

Entrepreneurship is open to all students who are ready to pursue business ownership in any field of study. Students will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to become an entrepreneur and enter the dynamic world of 21st Century business. Students will learn introductory concepts of economics, finance, marketing, and management in order to design and create an original business plan for their own company. This course will combine business theory with authentic experiences inside and outside of the classroom. This course may be taken for Level 1 or Level 2 credit. Level 1 will require students to engage in advanced work articulated with college credit and/or industry recognized certification. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

4661 - Level 2

Math credit

Students will acquire essential skills to make sound financial decisions. They will practice core financial literacy skills and experience the real-world impact of their financial decisions. Students will complete activities/projects that involve making financial decisions (leasing vs. buying a car; renting an apartment vs. buying a house, etc.), and will compete in a personal finance simulation to apply knowledge gained throughout the semester.  

Half Year - 0.50 Credit

6290  - Level 2

Offered for grades 10, 11 and 12 only

Students will explore and learn about the various elements of running a business from a global perspective. The course will cover topics such as economics, management, finance, operations, employment and marketing. Special emphasis will be placed on how different cultures, governments and people around the world interact to make up the global economy as it exists today. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

6320 - Level 2

Students will develop and improve their keyboarding skills by creating various business documents (letters, memos, reports, etc.). Instruction will be provided in the touch-typing method and be supported through various computer software programs. Use of the Internet will enhance coursework. To expand their knowledge of additional business software applications, students are encouraged to enroll in Business Computer Applications. Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for college credit through the College & Career Pathways program through CT State Community College. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6360 - Level 2 

Students will explore the components of marketing as it relates to businesses and consumers. Areas of study include principles of marketing, product development and planning, distribution and pricing, social media, marketing, and advertising/promotion. Throughout the semester, students will work on activities, projects, and simulations to reinforce concepts throughout the semester. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

4651 – Level 2

Math credit

Offered for grades 10, 11 and 12 

Students will learn about important financial literacy issues that face today’s teens. This course will help students develop an understanding of financial literacy. Topics include: money management and budgeting, major expenditures, loans and credit, managing income and taxes, banking, saving, investing, and protecting wealth through insurance.

Instruction may be supported through computer software simulations, field-trips, and guest speakers. By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of personal finance topics and be prepared to handle the financial responsibilities that exist after high school.  This course meets State Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

6365 -  Level 2 

Offered for grades 10, 11 and 12 only 

Prerequisite: Marketing 

Students will continue to explore and develop the principles learned in Marketing  to apply them in the fast-paced and exciting environment of the Sports and Entertainment industry. Students will use their understanding of marketing, sponsorships, finance, promotion, and event management to explore possible career paths in an industry that could see them traveling the world.  Student learning will be enhanced with guest speakers, venue tours and culminate with an authentic learning experience by participating in an event management capstone activity.

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

7511 - Level 2

This course concentrates on the study of food and nutrition as it relates to young adults. An introduction to the major nutrients and the nutritional content of food is included as well as a study of a variety of diets for special needs. Students also practice the fundamentals of preparing various types of foods. This course serves as the foundation for the Manchester Community College articulation with Professional Cooking and Professional Baking. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

7561 - Level 2

Offered for grades 10*, 11, and 12 

*Grade 10 by recommendation only

Aligned toward the eight goals associated with the Child Development Association, students are prepared to foster an understanding toward the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of young children (ages birth to 5 years). Students will explore the roles and responsibilities associated with working and caring for young children. Students will earn their work experience hours by attending and participating at the Eastbury Early Learning Center (ELC). The course is recommended for future parents, caregivers and/or those who are pursuing a career within a human development field. Students will also take part in the Reality Care Baby program and take the baby home for a weekend. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

7571 - Level 2

Offered for grades 10*, 11, and 12

*Grade 10 by recommendation only

This course enables students to investigate the development and growth of children within the educational environment. The education of children with an emphasis on the pre-kindergartner, (ages 3-5). Intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth and development patterns are studied. Other topics include children with special needs, children’s literature, children’s art and early childhood education. Childcare design, developmental centers, and teaching strategies and techniques are also covered. This course is recommended for future parents, caregivers, and those interested in careers in nursing, teaching, childcare or any field related to human development. Students plan activities and lessons for preschool age children and will work with the children at the Eastbury Early Learning Center (ELC). 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

7595 - Level 2

Fashion Design is an introductory course for students interested in working individually and in small teams while learning about careers in the fashion/apparel industry. Through the exploration of historical and modern trends, notable designers, fashion illustration, and sewing/construction, students will extend their artistic expression to create unique designs and wearables. Students will learn essential trade practices, including concept development, sewing techniques, and sustainability for finished garments. This course may be taken for four semesters with .50 credit given for each semester (FA, H, G, S). 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

7520 - Level 2

This course is an exploration of food and its impact on cultures across time. An introduction to the study of culture sets the tone for the semester. The course takes a culinary tour of the United States investigating each region's culture and its significant contribution to American food. Within each regional "stop" students explore a cultural topic, such as social class, technology, and legends, through food customs. The tour takes a global turn with the study of several national cuisines. Course topics are implemented through select readings, video presentations, lecture/discussion and cooking in the kitchen classroom. 

Full Year – 1.0 Credit

7581 - Level 1 (ECE)

Offered for grades 11 and 12

This is an educational foundations survey course for students who are interested in learning more about the landscape of K-12 education and how to connect their passions to it. Articulated with two UConn ECE courses, the fall semester, “If You Love It, Teach It” explores studies of K-12 teaching, learning, and schooling in the United States: historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education. The spring semester “Introduction to Special Education” focuses on Special Education services in American education including various exceptionalities and the roles of professionals. Across the year, students will engage in on-site and off-site learning experiences, complete readings, journal entries, conduct a minimum number of field experience hours and submit a portfolio. Students enrolled in Foundations of Teaching may also choose to enroll in the UConn ECE program  and earn up to six UConn ECE credits upon successful completion of both semesters courses.

Full Year –1.0 Credit 

7200 - Level 1 (ECE)

7202 - Level 2

Offered for grades 10, 11, and 12

This course is designed as an introduction to the field of Human Development and Family Science. The course will provide students with an understanding of individual and family development over the lifespan. In particular, the course will focus on the developing individual within the context of the family system and the changes that occur in family systems over time. The course will also include an internship component. Students taking this course may enroll in the UConn ECE program. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

7541 - Level 2

Offered for grades 10, 11, and 12

Prerequisite: Culinary Arts and Nutrition

This is a course in professional food preparation with emphasis on baking and breads. The purpose of the course is to teach the fundamental principles and procedures for preparing baked goods, pastries, and desserts. This training is a practical endeavor; students will learn a set of marketable skills by following step-by- step procedures and production techniques similar to those used in a small bakeshop or part of a large restaurant. Students may be eligible for college credit through the College & Career Pathways program offered by  CT State Community College. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

7531 - Level 2

Offered for grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Culinary Arts and Nutrition

This is a course open to students interested in the many phases of food service. Emphasis is placed on the techniques and skills related to the various work stations necessary to the organization of the professional kitchen. These skills are put to use in planning, preparing, and serving for small groups. Occupations and careers in the food service industry are explored. Guest speakers and school catering projects are an integral part of the program.  Students may be eligible for college credit through the College & Career Pathways program offered by CT State Community College. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit

8360 - Level 2

Offered for grades 10, 11, and 12

Prerequisite: Photography or consent of Instructor

This course extends the students' knowledge of both the technical and artistic aspects of photography. Students will work extensively with digital SLR cameras, specialty lenses, flashes and other camera accessories. Mobile devices can be used at home if needed to complete projects. During the course students will choose several topics of interest within the photography field, and then research and create picture projects to demonstrate their deeper understanding of the topic. Professional software will be used to preprocess all digital work to ensure technically correct and well-composed photographs. Students will then learn how to create several different types of portfolios to display work ranging from the traditional to multimedia, slideshows and web pages. In addition, students will have access to large format archival quality photo printers to produce show quality prints. 

Full Year - 1.00 Credit 

8311 - Level 2

Prerequisite: high school level CAD

This course engages students in the process of inventing engineering challenges then designing and building solutions to meet those challenges. Through this process students will acquire technical literacy and academic proficiencies in math, science and technology. Classroom projects will incorporate mechanical, pneumatic and electronic components to solve these engineering challenges. The curriculum combines robotics and automation while modeling the engineering project cycle of developing strategies, system design and prototype testing. 

Full Year - 1.00 Credit

8210 - Level 1

Prerequisite: high school level CAD and/or Instructor approval

8410 - Level 2

Architectural Design is for students who are interested in residential design, commercial design, and building construction techniques. Students will develop professional drawings required in the design and construction of a residential home. Students will also develop skills in Architecture design including structure prototypes and scale model construction, including the use of 3D printing to mock-up architectural elements. This course may be elected twice.

Level 1 will include the level 2 criteria with additional research into the analysis of building materials and their use in selected design problems. Participation in practical design opportunities, including state and national design contests, will also be available. 

Half Year - 0.50

8432 - Level 2

In this interdisciplinary STEAM course, students will study the history and fundamentals of board games. Students will design and create their own board game using modern manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and laser cutting and engraving. Students will have an opportunity to learn basic CAD skills,  technical writing, graphic design, and the engineering design process.

Full Year - 1.00 Credit

4427 - Level 1 (ECE)

Prerequisites: Any Computer Science STEAM course

This course is a true interdisciplinary STEAM course in the computer science and technology pathway. In a world surrounded by information, data literacy is now a crucial life skill that opens up countless opportunities in fast- growing STEAM careers. Students will develop code through Python to interpret real-time data and explore the issues and problems they care about. By integrating content and skills from a variety of disciplines, students will explore data from social media, sports, healthcare, and the environment to better understand the world around us.  This course will culminate in an exploration of machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit

8400 - Level 2 (may be taken for UCONN ECE credit)

CAD is an introductory course for students interested in careers related to design including Architecture and/or Engineering. This course is structured to allow students the opportunity to practice the basic CAD skills necessary to develop professional drawings and designs of personal interest concluding with 3D-printed objects. Students will develop individualized architectural plans associated with residential construction and engineering problems. Students will use current industry standard software packages to design and edit drawings. Students will use 3D printers to create prototypes of Engineering and Architectural objects. Completed designs will be included in a digital portfolio. Students taking this course may enroll in the UCONN ECE program. Per UConn policy, ECE credit will only be awarded one time. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit

8390  - Level 1

8395 - Level 2

Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Programming -or- AP CSP -or- AP CSA -or- instructor approval

This interdisciplinary STEAM course provides students the opportunity to develop programs to control devices in the physical world. Topics of study from science (electricity fundamentals, Ohm’s Law, electronic components, and circuits), technology (computer programming) and engineering (design, application, systems) combine through the study of digital electronics. Additionally, students will study the Internet of Things, looking at what makes up the IoT, how devices are interconnected, programmed, and utilized. Cybersecurity and privacy issues will also be considered. The level one option for this course will include the components of the level two and additional independent field work and advanced criteria. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

8220 - Level 1

Prerequisite: high school level  CAD

8420 - Level 2

Prerequisite: high school level CAD and/or instructor approval

This applied CAD course is designed to build on existing computer assisted design skills for students considering a career in the field of engineering or related technologies. Students will work to solve product design problems and complete detail and pictorial drawings using CAD drawing techniques. Students will create prototypes utilizing 3D printers and CNC machines. Students will design a product, either individually or as part of a small group, and make the drawings necessary for production. This course may be elected twice. 

Level 1 will require the level 2 criteria with additional research and technical reports related to product design, feasibility, materials, and processes.

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

8375 - Level 1 (ECE)

8376 - Level 2

Students will develop the foundational design and production skills to design and create graphic products using the computer and professional software packages such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.  Students will concentrate on essential design concepts as well as color theory, typography, and layout. Students will be challenged to design and produce products for school organizations, events, as well as for themselves, family, or friends. Students will have access to a wide range of industry standard printers and related machinery to create products such as custom clothing, posters, signage, decals, and more which will provide students with real world production experience. The level 1 option for this course will include the components of the level 2 course and additional independent work and advanced criteria to align with the University of Connecticut Digital Media and Design 1101 course. Students taking this course may enroll in the UCONN ECE program. Per UConn policy, ECE credit will only be awarded one time. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

8350 - Level 2

This is a beginning to intermediate level course dealing primarily with camera controls as they relate to digital photography, and how to make the best out of every digital image. The basics of shooting successful pictures with a digital camera will reference tips from traditional photography and highlight how traditional photography applies to the digital shoot. Students will then learn how to improve, repair, and manipulate digital images within professional software to achieve the best possible digital image. Students will learn composition through the practice and completion of various types of pictures and will learn how to prepare them for print, computer slideshows, and the web. Digital SLR cameras are available for student use during class time, so students do not need to bring one from home. 

Full Year - 1.00 Credit

5600 - Level 1: Strongly recommend CAD Prerequisite and/or instructor approval

5602 - Level 2

Offered for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12

This STEAM-integrated course is an innovative approach to interdisciplinary applications of robotics, engineering design, computational thinking, and programming. Students will engage in the exploration of multiple robotics systems and engineering fields across manufacturing, environmental and agricultural sciences, and information technology. Principles of Applied Robotics and Engineering blends the mind of a scientist, technologist, and designer; providing multiple opportunities for students to engage in disciplinary specific work while integrating creativity, collaboration, problem solving, and communication. Students will design a culminating project to fully develop their interests, knowledge, and skills, launching their future career pathways and programs of study at the collegiate level. The level one option for this course will include the components of the level two and additional independent field work and advanced criteria. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit

8500 - Level 1:  Strongly recommend CAD Prerequisite and/or instructor approval

8501 - Level 2

This is an introductory course in which students will work with many of the basic materials associated with manufacturing including wood, metal, plastic and ceramic materials. Students will construct projects using custom building and mass production techniques. CAD along with CNC Machining will be used allowing the creation of intricate products using multiple manufacturing materials. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

8301 - Level 2

Students will study the technology related to four modes of transportation: air, land, sea and space. Working models will be constructed in all units of study and will include monorails, rockets, airplanes, helicopters, submarines, boats, and hovercrafts. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

9420 - Level 2

In TV Broadcasting, students will understand the essential economic, political, and social institutional structures behind TV broadcast journalism; explore and interpret a range of related informative, persuasive, and narrative formats; analyze how they are developed and function within the media landscape; and acquire the essential skills for creating their own TV broadcast journalism content in the GHS TV Studio. In essence, TV Broadcasting is designed to increase students' media literacy by helping them better understand the role of television news in American society and the ways in which citizens can effectively participate in its consumption and creation of media.

This course provides students with the knowledge and skill to produce programs that can be aired on closed circuit and/or public access. Students are introduced to the principles, procedures, and techniques of television production. Students build teamwork and collaboration skills as they learn scripting, shooting, editing and audio production techniques, using the technical equipment in the GHS Studio to effectively collaborate as a production team to produce and record a range of broadcast journalism programs. This course may be taken more than once with the permission of the teacher and an administrator. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

8431 - Level 1 (ECE)

This interdisciplinary STEAM computer science course will engage students in an overview of techniques in video game design. Students will design and develop video games, using the C# programming language, focusing on level design, story development, rules, strategy, and interactivity. Ethical issues in game design will also be considered. Students may take this course twice and explore advanced topics. This course aligns with align with the University of Connecticut Digital Media and Design 2500 course and students may enroll in the UConn ECE program. Per UConn policy, ECE credit will only be awarded one time.  

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

8382 - Level 1

8380 - Level 2

In this interdisciplinary computer science course, students will create websites and web applications using HTML, CSS, and JAVASCRIPT. These technologies offer students the opportunity to learn computational thinking skills that will prepare them for a wide variety of technology careers, as well as other computer science courses. Students enrolled in the level 1 section of this course will participate in additional self-directed learning experiences, delve deeper into aspects of algorithm development with javascript, and be expected to independently and collaboratively problem solve.