Technical & Magnet School Options

• J.M. Wright Technical High School (Stamford) 

Wright Tech is an innovative high school with a technology-rich environment that prepares students for jobs of the future. The dual curriculum allows students to pursue academic college-bound courses while gaining real-world experience. Nine career technical education programs are offered in addition to academic courses, including automotive technology, carpentry, culinary arts, digital media, electrical, health technology, information technology, plumbing and heating, and hospitality, tourism, and guest services. 

In addition, the technical high schools listed below are available to students in Westport and may offer other programs of interest:

• Bullard-Havens Technical High School (Bridgeport)

• Henry Abbott Technical High School (Danbury)

• Platt Technical High School (Milford) 

• Academy of Information Technology and Engineering (Stamford) 

AITE is committed to providing a rigorous, STEAM-focused, college preparatory curriculum designed to prepare and inspire students to reach their highest potential and contribute positively to the global community. The following academic concentrations are offered: Architectural & Engineering, Biomedical 25 Sciences, Business, Fine Arts, and Information Technology.

• Center for Global Studies (Norwalk) 

The Center for Global Studies is an interdistrict magnet school committed to preparing students to become citizens of a global society. Students learn Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese, study the cultures and history of Asia or the Middle East, read literature from around the world, and travel on two-week study tours to broaden their understanding of the world. 

The Center for Global Studies offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, a two-year liberal arts course of study that begins in 11th grade and serves as rigorous preparation for college. Students may enroll in the entire program or opt to take individual IB classes. 

• Interdistrict Science Magnet Schools at the Fairchild Wheeler Campus (Bridgeport) 

The Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Magnet Campus is an institution made up of three distinct magnet schools that embrace diversity, civility, and multiculturalism and prepare graduates to solve problems and apply new technologies within an interconnected and evolving global environment. Each of the schools on the Fairchild Wheeler Campus has a unique focus including Aerospace/Hydrospace Engineering & Physical Science, Biotechnology Research and Zoological Sciences, and Information Technology & Software Engineering.

• Regional Center for the Arts (Trumbull) 

The Regional Center for the Arts is a part-time, public interdistrict magnet high school for Fairfield County students interested in the performing arts. Students attend Staples in the morning for core academic subjects, then attend RCA in the afternoon from 1:30-4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday to pursue their interest in the areas of dance, music, theater, creative media/filmmaking, tech theater, and musical theater. Based on 450 instructional hours from September to June, Staples students attending RCA are eligible to earn 3.0 credits per school year, which count toward their Staples graduation requirements. Credits are listed on the Staples transcript along with the letter grade assigned by RCA. The grade will be factored into the grade point average as an elective course (no level weight). 

In addition, the interdistrict magnet schools listed below are available to students in Westport and may offer other programs of interest:

• Career High School (New Haven)

• Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School (New Haven)

• Engineering and Science High School (New Haven) 

• High School in the Community (New Haven)

• Metropolitan Business Academy (New Haven) 

• Common Ground High School, Urban Farm and Environmental Education Center (New Haven) 

The Common Ground High School curriculum challenges and supports all students on their journey to college success, powerful environmental leadership, meaningful careers, and healthy, happy, sustainable lives. At all grade levels, students can join in unique electives and a wide range of out-of-school programs including credit-bearing internships and green jobs opportunities. 

• The Sound School (New Haven) 

The Sound School is the first full-time ASTE center in the state to concentrate on the study of aquaculture and marine trades. The comprehensive academic program prepares students for a post-secondary life that may include college, technical school, the military, or entering employment upon graduation. The curriculum includes extensive exposure to on-the-water and water-related activities and coursework such as nautical drafting, marine research, aquaculture production, and vessel handling and safety at sea.