Career Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for both college and careers through:
Academic Knowledge- Foundations tailored to specific career paths
Practice Skills- Hands-on experience with industry tools and technology
Workforce Preparation- Develops skills and connections needed for success in today's workforce
CTE Programs are also referred to as Joint Vocational Schools (JVS). When a student attends a JVS program, they are still considered a Mason High School student and will receive their diploma through Mason City Schools. Counselors at both the JVS program and MHS work together to ensure that students meet Ohio Graduation requirements.
MHS students can participate in JVS (Joint Vocational School) programs during their junior and senior years. Students spend half of their day in academic classes and the other half in hands-on lab experiences related to their chosen field.
Great Oaks offers over 30 programs for high school students on four campuses. Most MHS students attend Scarlet Oaks, but students may also choose to attend other Great Oaks campuses if their desired program is not offered at Scarlet Oaks. Transportation is provided to Scarlet Oaks, with shuttle service available to other Great Oaks locations.
In addition, students may choose to attend the Warren County Career Center or Butler Tech if they wish to pursue a program not available through Great Oaks. Please note that transportation to these centers must be provided by the student.
Who Can Apply: Students apply during their 10th-grade year.
🚨 Application Opens: November 24, 2025, at 7:00 AM —
Lottery Deadline: February 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Because of the high number of applications, Great Oaks uses a lottery system to fill programs that have more applicants than available spots.
Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered only if space becomes available.
Before applying:
Students should meet with their MHS counselor to confirm they are credit ready. To be eligible, students must have the following minimum credits by the end of their sophomore year:
1.5 English credits
1.5 Math credits
1 Science credit
1 Social Studies credit
Financial Literacy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Great Oaks Presentation Slideshow
Do students who attend Great Oaks still get a regular diploma?
Yes! Students who attend Great Oaks are still considered Mason Comets! They will be issued a diploma and can attend graduation just like all other students. Scarlet Oaks will also issue Career Passports.
Are Great Oaks students still able to participate in MHS activities?
Absolutely, and we encourage it! Please check your emails regularly for updates from Mr. Brown, and this site will also be updated with important information on upcoming events.
How do we handle Final Forms?
Parents/Guardians have to complete Final Forms for MHS and Great Oaks.
Can I come to MHS for my academics and go to the Oaks for my lab?
No, you must attend the Oaks full time. Our block schedule does not allow for students to attend both programs without missing classes.
Do Great Oaks students have picture day?
Yes, students at Great Oaks will have picture day on September 30th. They will then send MHS the pictures for the yearbook.
Should my student turn in their MHS Chromebook?
Yes, students should turn in their Mason City Schools Chromebook and charger when they are accepted into a JVS program. Great Oaks will issue another Chromebook once they are enrolled.
Is there an extra fee to attend a vocational school?
No, there are no extra fees.
Is transportation provided?
Mason City Schools currently provides transportation to Scarlet Oaks. The student will be picked up at their usual bus stop and taken to MHS. They will then ride another bus to Scarlet Oaks. ***If a student attends a different Great Oaks location, they can take a shuttle to that location from Scarlet.
Please contact the Mason City Schools transportation department to ensure that your student is signed up. (513) 398-6682 ext. 23101
Mason City Schools does not currently provide transportation to the Warren County Career Center or Butler Tech.
If MHS is not in session, but Scarlet Oaks is, what do I do?
Follow the Scarlet Oaks Academic Calendar. A bus will pick you up from your home school even if it’s not in session. On a Snow Day, if your home school doesn't provide transportation or is closed, attendance is not required.
What are the shuttle bus times between campuses?
If you plan to attend another Great Oaks location other than Scarlet, here is the shuttle bus schedule:
Scarlet to Live Oaks: departs at 7:15 am and returns at 2:50 pm
Scarlet to Diamond Oaks: departs at 7:15 am and returns at 2:50 pm
Can I drive a car to school?
Yes, but you must fill out a Parking Pass form in Student Services, showing your driver’s license and proof of insurance. Driving is a privilege and may be revoked for misconduct.
Can my parent or guardian drive me to school?
Yes, parents can drop you off at the designated drop off and pick up areas between 7:30 am and 7:50 am. All students enter through the commissary doors. After 7:50 am, students are required to enter through the main office.