Great Oaks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Great Oaks?

Great Oaks is a career-technical high school in southwest Ohio, serving 36 school districts. Career technical programs are offered at four career development campuses:

• Diamond Oaks on the west side of Cincinnati

• Laurel Oaks in Wilmington

• Live Oaks in Milford

• Scarlet Oaks in Sharonville

Great Oaks offers three dozen different programs to choose from. You complete these programs in your junior and senior year as you prepare for continuing education, the workplace, and/or the military

Who can attend Great Oaks?

Loveland High School is one of 36 districts that feed into Great Oaks. All incoming students must be on track for graduation, be at least 16 years of age, and meet the minimum number of credits.

Do I have to attend the campus nearest my high school?

No. Your home school is assigned to a local campus nearest you. If an opening exists in the program of your choice at a different campus, you can attend.

What will my school day be like?

Great Oaks students spend 2 ½ hours in their career major laboratories. Their lab instructors have spent time working in the field. Students then spend the remainder of the day completing academic coursework. Each student develops an Individual Educational Plan that takes into account the credits that have been earned and the graduation requirements of the Ohio Department of Education and the affiliated school districts.

• English course offerings include: English 11 and English 12; Dual Credit Option: College Communications.

• Math course offerings include: Geometry; Advanced Algebra; Financial Algebra; Pre-Calculus; Calculus; Dual Credit Option: College Algebra.

• Science course offerings include: Anatomy/Physiology; Biochemistry; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Physics; Dual Credit Options: College Biology.

• Social Studies course offerings include: American History; Government/Economics; Human Relations in Organizations; Dual Credit Option: Sociology

Does it cost to attend​ Great Oaks?

Great Oaks is an Ohio public school district so there is no tuition to attend if you live in one of our affiliated districts. However, there are fees for things such as workbooks and uniforms which vary by program. These fees are an investment in your future career. Everything you buy—books, tools, uniforms--are yours to keep and use on the job.

How will Great Oaks save me money?

We offer many programs at the high school level that could cost you thousands of dollars if you waited and took the same training after high school. Agreements exist with local universities which give eligible students college credit or advanced standing for classes you took at Great Oaks. This can save you a lot of tuition money! Agreements also exist with many apprenticeship programs which allow you to be moved one or two levels up the journeymen’s pay scale based on your experience. This can earn you a lot more money right off the bat! Great Oaks students take industry certification exams in order to work and advance in their fields. Not only will this get you ahead of your peers in the workplace, but Great Oaks will pay for the first industry certification test you take.

Will I graduate from Great Oaks?

You remain a student of your high school and graduate from there. In addition to your high school diploma, you also receive a career-technical certificate and a Career Passport from Great Oaks.

What if I want to participate in activities at my home school?

We encourage you to be involved at your home high school AND Great Oaks. We have many students who participate in cheerleading, football, drama, golf, basketball, clubs, etc. at their home high school.

Does Great Oaks provide programs and services for students with special needs?

Yes. All Great Oaks programs are open to students with special needs. Students who are on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or have a 504 plan may participate in Career Assessment during ninth or tenth grade to give them, their parents and home school personnel career planning information. The IEP and/or 504 team can utilize this information to choose an appropriate career and technical program that meets the student’s interests and abilities. Students with a disability have the support of a Special Needs Coordinator to monitor the IEP, arrange for adaptations and modifications in class, and give additional assistance. Teachers have experience working with students who have special needs and can make modifications as necessary.

How do I select a program?

Currently there are over 30 programs from which you can choose. Programming is ever-changing since we work with business and industry to identify local employment needs. In December and January of every year, Great Oaks has tour days where you are invited to visit two programs of interest. In January each campus has an evening Open House for you and parents to visit the campus and check out the programs. If you still aren't sure which program meets your needs, an appointment can be made with one of the Great Oaks career specialists for a personal tour. Parents are ALWAYS invited!

What courses should I take at my home school before enrolling at Great Oaks?

All Great Oaks students who are enrolled in a two-year program will take one English, math, science and social studies course each year. Students enrolled in a senior-only program will take English and social studies. Therefore, you should plan to have taken other home school requirements such as Health, Physical Education, Fine Arts, additional science or social studies credits prior to coming. A typical schedule provides 7 credits per year for a total of 14 credits after two years.​

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