Incoming 9th Graders
Welcome to Waltham High School!
We are so happy to have you join our school community!
At WHS you will find amazing opportunities for all students including academically, college & career preparation, fine & performing arts, and technical training. As a comprehensive high school, students have a unique opportunity to participate in Ch.74 Vocational Programs. Information below is related to program offerings from our Career & Technical Education Department including the vocational programs, career pathways and elective courses.
CTE Course Offerings for 9th Grade Students
The Career & Technical Education Department is pleased to offer a wide variety of courses for incoming 9th grade students at Waltham High School.
Freshman year can be an exciting but difficult transition for many students. You are in a new school, you are the youngest students in the building, the school is huge and confusing, and you are trying to find where you 'belong'. Adulthood is also becoming much more of a reality and many life changing decisions begin in high school.
Knowing this, CTE programming is a great way for students to begin to identify areas of interest and how those interests align with future career opportunities.
Ch.74 Exploratory Program
This course is for students thinking about joining a Ch.74 Vocational Program. You are able to explore all our shops before deciding if you'd like to apply to a program in your sophomore year.
Elective Offerings within CTE for 9th Grade
Elective courses are fun classes designed to teach new skills that could lead to a career path or provide students with essential life skills like cooking, sewing or having a family.
What CTE Programs are offered?
Ch.74 Vocational Programs
Automotive TechnologyCarpentryCollision TechnologyCulinary ArtsEarly Education & CareElectricalElectronicsGraphic CommunicationsHealth AssistingTV Broadcasting
Business
Introduction to BusinessSports & Entertainment MarketingRetail ManagementFinancial LiteracyFinance & InvestmentsEntrepreneurship
Family Consumer Science
ChefsBake ShopFoodsIntroduction to FashionFashion 1, 2, 3PinterestChildren & Families
Technology Education
Digital IllustrationGraphic Design 1 & 2Animation & Motion GraphicsAP 2D DesignSmall EnginesBasic ConstructionMetal Fabrication TechnologyWhere can CTE take you?
CTE Ch.74 Programs are available to students in grades 9-12.
Beginning freshman year, students can participate in our DESE approved Exploratory Program. This program is structured so students can 'try' each vocational shop before committing to a pathway. Ideally students connect with a program and apply for admission beginning in their sophomore year.
Once accepted, students begin their three year pathway that sets them up for success and gives them the opportunity to enter the workforce immediately after high school or continue their education at the post secondary level. In addition to earning their high school diploma from WHS, students can earn a CTE Certificate in their program area as well as earn industry credentials such as OSHA-10, ServeSafe, ASE, or First Aid/CPR/AED or in some cases even earn state level certifications like becoming a Certified Preschool Teacher or Certified Nursing Assistant.
Copy of 8th grade presentation final.mp4Check out our introductory video for incoming 9th grade students
Learn more about the course offerings available to 9th graders in CTE including electives and Ch.74 Vocational Programs. Also where can CTE take you and how it makes students both college AND career ready!
Upcoming CTE Events for Incoming 9th Grade
Course Selection will be taking place at the middle schools over the next few weeks! If you have any CTE specific questions, please reach out to your guidance counselor or a member of the CTE staff!
Remember course#1606 is Freshman Exploratory if you are interested in a CTE Vocational Program.
Have Questions or Looking For Additional Information?
Please reach out!
Michael Grace, CTE Director
MichaelGrace@walthampublicschools.org
781-314-5519
Lauren Chiacchio, School to Career Coordinator
LaurenChiacchio@walthampublicschools.org
781-314-5608