Our CTE Courses

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses

Career and Technical training is available to students from Cherry Creek, Douglas County, Englewood, Littleton and Sheridan school districts. The five school districts partner with Arapahoe Community College. Programs are located in a variety of locations. High School juniors and seniors are eligible to attend. Students must have good attendance, the ability to get along with others, and the ability to work in a group and independently. Strong academic ability is advantageous because college work is often required.

Introduction to Agriscience

Introduction to Agriscience is an introductory course that provides students with the foundational knowledge they need to succeed within the agricultural industry. Students are introduced to the National FFA Organization in addition to all seven of the primary agricultural pathways: Animal Systems, Plant Systems, Food Products and Processing Systems, Natural Resource Systems, Environmental Systems, and Agricultural Business Systems. By exploring each of the agricultural pathways, every student is given the opportunity to make informed choices about how they would like to specialize their agricultural education. Students can expect to work collaboratively with their classmates in a hands on setting to explore agriculture.

Architectural/Mechanical Drafting

This course is designed to allow students to use their knowledge of CAD to create a set of house plans that meet city code requirements for a city. Students will use Auto CAD Lite and draw a floor plan, plot plan, electrical plan, foundation plan, and elevation for their house as well as construct a model frame house. Students will present their house plan to a panel of judges.

Audio Production

Digital Audio Production 1: This course introduces the foundations of Digital Audio Workstations (DAW's). Topics will include equalization, mixing, guantization,compression, digital editing, and musical arrangements in contemporary music in multiple genres. Introductory recording, micing, and MIDI techniques will be utilized. Using this understanding of DAW's, students will compose, arrange, overdub, and mix multiple songs in the genre of their choosing creating the beginning of a portfolio to showing their beginning skill set.

Digital Audio Production 2: This course introduces the foundations of Digital Audio Workstations (DAW's). Topics will include equalization, mixing, guantization,compression, digital editing, and musical arrangements in contemporary music in multiple genres. Advanced recording, micing, and MIDI techniques will be utilized. Using this understanding of DAW's, students will compose, arrange, overdub, and mix multiple songs in the genre of their choosing creating a portfolio to showing their advanced skill set, including a musical product using original or borrowed musical material, electronic sounds or environmental sounds.

Automotive Technology

The purpose of the Automotive Technology course is to prepare students with the basic theory and skills required for a position within the automotive industry. Students will spend more than half of their time in the active lab. Students will become familiar with the automobile and the numerous job opportunities within today’s job market. An active Skills USA chapter is sponsored by the class. Students are expected to join and participate in Skills USA activities. Internships are available through the AYES program for students interested in making automotive a career. The areas covered within this course are as follows: Introduction to Shop, Tire and Wheel Service, Tool Usage, Preventative Maintenance, Auto Transmission / Transaxle Service, Electrical Fundamentals, Battery, Starting & Charging, U-Joint and Axle Shaft Service, Introduction to Brakes, Intro to Heating & Air Conditioning, Steering and Suspension, Wheel Alignment, Specialized Scan Tools, Automotive Computers, Driveability Diagnosis, Engine Repair & Rebuild and Welding.

Aviation Fundamentals

Aviation Fundamentals, in a partnership with Metro State University Aviation and Aerospace, includes a study of the airplane and its components, aerodynamics, basic aircraft systems, the airport environment, air traffic control procedures, Federal Aviation Regulations, the basic elements of air navigation including radio navigation, and a review of aviation weather. This college level course is taught by a Metro State University professor and prepares the student for taking the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) Private Pilot Knowledge Examination. Students will need to provide their own transportation to the Metro State University South Metro campus. This course aligns with the Metro State University course Aviation Fundamentals (AES 1100). College credit will be granted for this class if the student meets all of the eligibility requirements.

Barbering

This two-year program is designed to teach students theory for treatment of hair and scalp; facial massage and treatments; shaving; haircutting;hairstyling; permanent waving; chemical hair relaxing; haircoloring; law, rules and regulations management; ethics; interpersonal skills and salesmanship; disinfection; cleaning and safe work practices. After completion of 1500 hours, students will earn a certificate and be eligible to take the state Barbering exam.

Biology of Sustainable Agriculture

Biology of Sustainable Agriculture is a hands-on laboratory course designed to help students develop a scientific viewpoint and provide each student with a background in biology as it relates to agriculture. During the year, students will study organisms and their relationships with one another and the environment in which they live. In addition, students will learn of the diversity of organisms and evolutionary relationship and adaptations. Students will discover what molecular biology principles guide sustainable agriculture and how to maximize sustainable agriculture practices within a functioning eco-system.

Broadcast Journalism

Students will understand, accept, and apply the legal and ethical responsibilities inherent in a free press. Students involved in this course will write, produce edit, and broadcast video for classroom use, and ultimately for school and district distribution.

Furniture Making

This course designed for the student who is interested in the areas of engineering, architecture, or construction work. It offers students the opportunity to improve their knowledge of materials, tools, and machines used in woodworking. Students will experience: building cabinets and furniture, higher level of joinery and craftsmanship, use of machine techniques, working as a team, and leadership skills.

Chemistry of Sustainable Agriculture

Chemistry of Sustainable Agriculture is a hands-on laboratory course which allows students to discover the chemical nature and relationships between soil, water, plants, and animals and their connection to current agricultural practices. Students will get an in-depth look at various traditional chemistry concepts including: matter and energy, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, moles, gases and gas laws.

Criminal Justice

This Criminal Justice course concentrates on potential careers in the criminal justice system and law enforcement in general. Students will learn about the agencies and processes involved in the criminal justice system: the legislature, the police, the prosecutor, the public defender, the courts, and corrections. The course includes an analysis of the roles and problems of the criminal justice system in a democratic society, with an emphasis upon inter-component relations and checks and balances.

Commercial Photography

This dynamic, hands-on, project-oriented photography class challenges students to think critically, learn professionalism, and produce critically acclaimed art. Assigned projects prepare students to strengthen their creative eye and see life from a different perspective. Students learn both film and digital photography, use a darkroom, as well as learn the industry standard, professional software: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Students will explore career possibilities, develop a resume, and meet photographers, all while preparing for college and industry. This course will include understanding the commercial photography business, composition theory, digital ethics, competition events where students produce a portfolio and earn concurrent enrollment credit.

Digital Commercial Photography

This class provides each student with a digital DSLR camera to use all year; students will explore the realm of Commercial Photography learning Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom 4 while producing both individual/team fun projects! This is a great course to learn digital commercial photography with an emphasis of Career and Technical Education theory. The course will include understanding the commercial photography business, composition theory, digital ethics, and competition events where students produce a portfolio and earn concurrent enrollment credit.

Cosmetology

This two-year program is designed to teach students theory, hair care techniques including cuts, color, perms, and styling; nail technology including manicures and pedicures and skin care such as facials. This program will prepare students to pass the state-licensing exam given by the Colorado Barber/Cosmetology Board and be prepared for entry-level positions in the cosmetology industry.

Early Childhood Education

Students considering a career in education, child psychology, pediatric medicine, social work, or other child-related occupations are encouraged to enroll in the ECE program. Students enrolled in the program receive training in the classroom setting and in a licensed child care facility or school. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques.

All students will participate in FCCLA, a national student leadership organization. Students will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills through class and community projects, participate in the State competition, and attend conferences.

Esthetics

This one-year program is designed to teach students theory, hair removal, skin care, microdermabrasion, make-up and special effects. Students will be prepared to earn a state-issued certificate in Esthetics and will be prepared for entry-level positions in the skin care industry.

Fashion Design and Merchandising

Fashion Design is a year-long career pathway program introducing students to the many facets of the fashion design industry and how they are integrated with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Students begin the semester looking at textiles, studying fabrics and surface design. Students complete a career project/display board as they explore the range of career pathways within the fashion industry. Next we study the history of American fashion starting in the 1920’s. The elements and principles of design as they relate to fashion are explored along with fashion drawing, basic garment silhouettes, and construction details. Basic garment construction is also integrated with a sewing project.

During second semester, students will explore the marketing and merchandising side of fashion. The fashion capitals of the world are examined revealing the global perspective of the industry. Textile fibers are also studied. Next, students take a fashion garment from concept to consumer, prototyping their product, and creating a design portfolio representing their knowledge of the design process. The fashion cycle, advanced clothing construction and green design are also explored.

Students will also participate in FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) a nationally affiliated student leadership organization. This fun organization focuses on leadership, community service, and student recognition. Each student will select a STAR event project to complete related to fashion. This project can be presented at State conference in April if desired.

Fire Science

During this three-course program, students will learn about fire extinguishing methods and equipment, special extinguishing agents, special hazard considerations and principles of emergency service. Today, firefighters respond to a vast assortment of emergency situations involving technical expertise in many fields; the old job of a firefighter only battling fires is long gone. In fact, whenever any emergency exists in a community, the fire department will be the agency called to mitigate the situation. Upon completion of this three-course program, students will be trained in all facets of basic fire/rescue operations, as well as First Medical Responder emergency medical training, including CPR certification for the healthcare provider. They will receive additional instruction in other areas of public safety such as fire prevention and instructional techniques for teaching the public important safety information. The CPAT prep course teaches prospective public servants the strategies and tactics needed to prepare for the extremely demanding physical agility tests required by virtually all fire jurisdictions. Students who successfully complete all three classes with a grade of "C" or better will earn nine hours of college credit at Red Rocks Community College.

Health Sciences

The Littleton Health Sciences Program is a comprehensive two-semester course based on the National Consortium for Health Sciences Education standards. During the first semester students explore the healthcare industry and begin to lay the foundation for an entry level career. The rigorous curriculum includes: basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, health care systems, medical legal and ethical issues, and health career exploration. Students will be exposed to experts in the industry through guest speakers and field trips. Individual career pathways are developed during the second semester. Students may participate in the Nurse Aide Program or an Internship program. Professional portfolio development, employment skills and leadership training through the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) are emphasized during the second semester. Students earn college credit through Arapahoe Community College. A visit is required as part of the application process.

Nail Tech

This one-year program is designed to teach students theory, nail care techniques including manicures, pedicures and advanced nail techniques. Students will be prepared to earn certificates in Manicuring, and will be prepared for entry-level positions. Class may not run if there is not sufficient enrollment.

ProStart 1 and 2

This nationally certified program is a competency based study of food preparation, lodging, customer service, and business management coupled with 1+ year of mentored industry work internships in a broad spectrum of operations. ProStart 1 and ProStart 2 will be offered in alternating years. Students may enter the program either as a junior or a senior by starting in either ProStart 1 or ProStart 2. ProStart 1 is not necessarily a prerequisite for ProStart 2. Successful participants in the program will have the opportunity to compete in the ProStart Invitational Competitions at the State and possibly National level as well as the FCCLA State Leadership Competition and apply for multiple industry scholarships.

Teacher Cadet

Interested in teaching as a possible career? The Teacher Cadet program is an innovative college prep program designed for students who have an interest in the field of education. Students will explore how people learn, how schools operate, and what it's like to be a teacher. Teacher Cadets learn through creative hands-on activities, guest speakers, field trips, classroom observations, research, and job shadowing. During second semester, studetns will work closely with a cooperating teacher for 12 weeks in a mini-student teaching experience. This includes helping children one-on-one or in large groups, planning lessons, grading, creating and teaching. Cadets develop a professional portfolio that gives them a head-start on college. Concurrent Enrollment may be available through CSU Pueblo if they meet eligibility requirements. Students are encouraged to check with the course instructor.

All students will participate in FCCLA, a national student leadership organization. Students will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills through class and community projects, participate in the State competition, and attend conferences.