2026-2027 VRHS Program of Studies - CTE

The Career and Technical Education Department focuses on using knowledge and problem-solving skills to design, create, and improve real-world solutions. Students learn by doing through hands-on projects that connect academic concepts to practical applications. These experiences help prepare students to be productive and responsible citizens, whether as future business owners, employees, or informed consumers.

Courses give students opportunities to explore communication, construction, production methods, and emerging technologies. Students are challenged to apply what they learn to real-world situations, building strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills through design, research, and analysis.

Students are taught to use tools, resources, and technologies safely and effectively. The Technology Department plays an important role in preparing students with the skills and competencies needed to succeed in today’s business- and technology-driven world.

Business Career Clusters

Accounting

Accountant

Adjuster

Auditor

Bookkeeper

Budget analyst

Chief financial officer

Controller

Treasurer

Business Management

Administrative services manager

Chief executive

Credit and collections manager

General manager

Management analyst

Operations manager

Payroll manager

Public organizations manager

Public relations manager

Risk manager

Entrepreneurship

Marketing

Small business owner

Market researcher

Marketing director

Media planner

Product manager

Public relations specialist

Retail sales

Finance

Account executive

Banker

Certified financial planner

Employee benefits representative

Financial advisor

Financial analyst

Insurance representative

Investment broker

Business Content Area Standards

Standard #1: Economic Concepts

Standard #2: Business Operations and Relations

Standard #3: Career Skills

Standard #4: Financial Literacy

Standard #5: Marketing

Course Descriptions

Accounting I

Full-year course College Prep 1 credit Grades 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

In Accounting 1, students learn how businesses manage their day-to-day finances. Topics include recording sales and purchases, organizing financial information, and creating basic financial statements. Students will practice using journals and ledgers, learn the basics of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), and understand how to track money accurately. The course also covers personal finance skills such as balancing a bank account and understanding payroll. This class is recommended for students interested in business or entrepreneurship.

This course may count toward the math graduation requirement.

Accounting II

Full-year Course Honors 1 credit Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: Accounting I with a grade of 70 or higher

Accounting 2 builds on the skills learned in Accounting 1 and explores more advanced financial and managerial accounting concepts. Students will analyze business performance, prepare detailed financial statements, manage payroll and taxes, and work with both manual and computerized accounting systems. The course emphasizes problem-solving, budgeting, and real-world financial decision-making for different types of businesses.

This course may count toward the math graduation requirement.

Entrepreneurship

Half-year course College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

Entrepreneurship introduces students to what it takes to start and run a small business. Students will develop a business idea, create a business plan, explore financing options, and learn about legal and ethical responsibilities. The course emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem solving. Students will also practice writing and presentation skills as they share their business plans with the class.

IB Business & Management HL

Full-year course for 2 years (Grades 11 & 12) IB (Level 1.2) 1 credit Grades 11, 12

IB Business Management HL develops students’ understanding of how businesses operate in a global environment. Students study five key areas: business organization and environment, human resources, finance, marketing, and operations. The course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of business tools and theories. Students are required to take the IB exam to earn weighted credit.

OPEN TO ALL Valley students, not only IB diploma or career students.

Marketing

Full-year course College Prep 1 credit Grades 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

This course explores how products and services are created, priced, promoted, and sold. Students study marketing concepts such as product, price, promotion, and distribution, with a strong focus on sports and entertainment marketing. Through projects, case studies, and hands-on experiences—including running the school store—students learn how businesses reach target markets and respond to current marketing trends.

Social Media Management & Marketing

Half-year course College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 11, and 12 Marketing Prerequisite with a minimum grade of 70

Students learn how businesses use social media to build brands and connect with customers. The course covers content creation, branding, content calendars, data analysis, and improving post effectiveness. Students apply their skills through a real-world content management project, gaining experience in planning, creating, and evaluating social media campaigns.

Sports & Entertainment Marketing

Half-year course College Prep 0.5 credits ( Business) Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: Marketing with a minimum grade of 70

This course focuses on marketing strategies used in the sports and entertainment industries. Students explore target markets, sponsorships, promotions, event marketing, and marketing plan development. The class builds on general marketing concepts and emphasizes real-world applications through projects and case studies.

Virtual Personal Finance

Half-year course College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10 No Prerequisite (Graduation requirement)

This course teaches students how to manage their personal finances effectively. Topics include budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, and planning for the future. Through real-life examples and hands-on activities, students gain practical skills to make informed financial decisions. This course may count toward the math graduation requirement.

This course is not a prerequisite for other business courses.

Computer Programming

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

Learn computer programming through Python and Lego Robotics while building real world problem-solving skills.

IB Computer Science

Two year course IB HL and SL 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Algebra 2 Prerequisite for HL

Study programming, data structures, networks, and software development. Complete a major project, and taking the IB exam is required. When taking either the SL or HL exam, it is a two-year required course.

Nutrition and Foods 1

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

Learn cooking basics and healthy eating habits. You’ll prepare a variety of foods while practicing kitchen safety and proper equipment use. This is a hands-on class.

Nutrition and Foods 2

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

Prerequisite: Completion of Nutrition and Foods 1 with a grade of 70 or higher.

Build on your cooking skills with more advanced techniques and food presentation. Explore culinary careers and nutrition in greater depth.

Introduction to Early Childhood Development

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

Explore family dynamics, pregnancy, and infant development through projects and hands-on learning.

Individual and Family Development UConn

Full year course IB/AP 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 No Prerequisite Offered only in odd numbered years

Study how individuals and families grow and change over time. Eligible students may earn UCONN credit.

Principles of Education and Training

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 10, 11, and 12 Intro to Early Childhood Development Prerequisite

Gain hands-on teaching experience by developing lessons and working with children.

Photography

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

Learn photography techniques, editing, and digital image design.

Advanced Photography (Chemical and Digital)

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

Photography Prerequisite with a grade of 70 or higher

Focus on studio photography and professional editing techniques. CT State CCP credit possible. Students can take this course multiple times with instructor approval.

Multimedia Production

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 10, 11, and 12

Photography Prerequisite with a grade of 70 or higher

Create professional-level media, screen printing, film, and marketing projects.

Advanced Multimedia Production and Graphic Arts (CT State CCP Course)

Full year course IB/AP 1 credit Grades 11 or 12

Multimedia Production Prerequisite with a grade of 70 or higher

Advanced film and media production with in-depth creative and technical projects.

Materials Processing

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

Build hands-on projects while learning safe tool and machinery use.

Technical Drafting

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

Learn mechanical drawing through hand drafted isometric and orthographic drawings.

Architectural Design

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 No Prerequisite

Design a residential home using 2D and 3D CAD software.

Advanced Architectural Design

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Architectural Design Prerequisite

Create advanced architectural designs with Autodesk Revit (CAD) and real world projects.

Building and Construction

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Materials Processing Prerequisite

Learn carpentry, masonry, and basic construction skills.

Engineering Design

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Technical Drafting Prerequisite

Design and create engineering projects that build problem solving and engineering design process skills.

Advanced Engineering Design

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Engineering Design Prerequisite

Design and create advanced engineering projects that build problem solving and engineering design process skills.

Manufacturing

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10 , 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

Explore manufacturing processes and related career pathways.

Advanced Manufacturing

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Manufacturing Prerequisite and Instructor Approval

Gain deeper hands-on experience in manufacturing and skilled trades. Students in this course are eligible for a 200-hour CT pre-apprenticeship certification.

Advanced Materials Processing

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Materials Processing Prerequisite

Develop advanced woodworking and material design skills.

Finance & Investing

Half-year course College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: Virtual Personal Finance with a minimum grade of 70

Students explore the basics of finance and investing, including saving, taxes, financial planning, and investment strategies. The course helps students understand financial markets and make informed decisions about money. This class is ideal for students interested in finance, economics, or business and may count toward the math graduation requirement.