Frequently Asked Questions about our career and technical training and alternative high school programs

Q: Can i attend Tech?
Q: Why Go to tech?
Q: What If I am not in the 11th or 12th grade ?

Q: How do I apply to Tech?
Q: Can I visit a class at Tech?

Q: Can I take academic courses at Tech?
Q: How many credits can i earn from tech?
Q: Will a Tech course satisfy the foreign language requirement?
Q: Does Tech offer classes that are moderately paced and in a
     smaller setting?
Q: Does Tech offer classes with an individualized curriculum and in a
     smaller setting?
Q: Does Tech offer alternative high school programs?


Q: Can I go to work while in school?
Q: Will Tech prepare me for a career?
Q: Will I leave Tech with any credentials?
Q: How important is attendance?
Q: Will Tech help me find a job?
Q: Will Tech help prepare me for college?

Q: Does Tech have any special recognition programs?
Q: Does Tech offer any clubs?

Q: Can a Wilson Tech student drive to Tech?

Q: How can I get to the Wilson Tech Campus?

 

Q: Can I attend Tech?
A: Wilson Tech's career and technical training is available to high school students living within the townships of Babylon, Huntington and Smithtown. The following schools send students to Tech:

Amityville John Glenn North Babylon
Babylon Half Hollow Hills Northport/E. Northport
Cold Spring Harbor Harborfields Smithtown
Commack Huntington South Huntington
Copiague Kings Park West Babylon
Deer Park Lindenhurst Wyandanch
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Why go to Tech?
A: Learn skills for a career after graduation or continue your studies in college. Students typically attend during the 11th and 12th grade and spend 1/2 day at Tech and 1/2 day at their home schools.


Q: Does Tech offer classes that are moderately paced and in a smaller setting?
A: Yes! Tech offers CTE Skill Programs that provide the same curriculum as their respective CTE Program counterparts, except at a moderate pace and in a smaller setting. Students will receive preparation for entry-level employment and / or post-secondary education and are expected to function autonomously. Evaluative tests will be based upon students' academic knowledge and practical experience. Employability Profiles will be utilized to evaluate students' universal soft skills and work-based technical skills. Transfer into more advanced programs (CTE Programs) is contingent upon a student's progress.


Q: Does Tech offer classes with an individualized curriculum and in a smaller setting?
A: Yes! Tech offers Exploratory Programs that provide students with a more individualized curriculum and structured setting and the opportunity to familiarize themselves with workplace skills. As in all of our programs, students will be provided with instruction and have opportunities to practice work-place skills on a regular basis. Ongoing evaluations will be utilized to assess a student's progress. Transfer into more advanced programs (CTE Skill Programs) is contingent upon the student's progress.

Currently Tech offers the following Exploratory Programs:

Hospitality & Office Procedures
Maintenance / Repair
Retail / Customer Service


Q: What If I am not in the 11th or 12th grade yet?
A: SURF TECH (TO FIND YOUR CAREER PATH)

9th and 10th Graders
This free program is open to all 9th and 10th graders to introduce career paths in technical and vocational fields. Tech's expert instructors will help you evaluate a career at no charge. Learn the skills and education necessary to succeed in these fields. Classes are held after school once a week from 2:50 - 4:15 PM (usually at Tech's Dix Hills campus). Round trip transportation is available from your home school to Tech.

For course descriptions, dates, times and registration: Contact your high school counselor or call the SURF TECH counselor at 631-425-9050.

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Q: How do I apply to Tech?
A: Applying to Tech is easy! Just speak with your home school counselor and fill out a Tech application with the appropriate signatures. Wilson Tech is available to high school students living within the townships of Huntington, Smithtown and Babylon.

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Q: Can I visit a class at Tech?
A: Yes. Interested students and parents may schedule an individual visit, at anytime, with approval from their home school. Group visitations are arranged through the high schools during February and March.

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Q: Can I take academic courses at Tech?
A: Yes. Students can choose from classes in English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Language, Health, Phys. Ed., and Art to meet graduation requirements. You can take these academic classes during your regularly scheduled time at Tech. Students can also receive help to prepare for state assessments while they are at Tech.

Discuss these opportunities with your home school counselor who will register you for the classes you require.

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Q: How many credits can I earn from Tech?
A: Wilson Tech classes are approved by the State Education Department and apply toward the 22 credits needed for graduation. Students can earn up to 4-1\2 credits for a one-year program and up to 9 credits for a two-year program, depending upon your school district.


Q: Will a Tech course satisfy the foreign language requirement?
A: Yes. Five tech credits can substitute for the foreign language requirement for the Advanced Regents diploma. Only the district CSE can waive the foreign language requirement.

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Q: Does Tech offer any clubs?
A: Yes. Tech offers two clubs that are popular with our students. They are: SkillsUSA and FFA. These clubs foster leadership skills and sponsor competitions on a local, regional, state and national level.

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Q: Can I go to work while in school?
A: Yes. Tech offers opportunities to "learn" on the job.

  • Cooperative (Co-op) Education Program - combines work-related classes with work experience and is offered at participating school districts.
  • Work/study Internships - Students acquire academic credits and may earn a salary while they receive on-the-job training.

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Q: Will Tech prepare me for a career?
A: Yes. Tech programs are taught by teachers who have worked directly in their respective industries. Students begin their days with classroom lessons followed by practicing hands-on skill in our state-of-the-art labs. Wilson Tech students are in great demand and find work on Long Island and throughout the country. Whether you choose to go directly into a career or further your education, you will be provided with opportunities to become well-prepared.

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Q: Will I leave Tech with any credentials?
A: Yes. Students who successfully complete a Tech program leave with a Certificate of Completion and upon fulfilling the criteria, may earn the prestigious Career & Technical Education endorsement seal on their diplomas. Many of Tech's programs also prepare students to sit for a nationally recognized certificate or license. The Nursing Assisting and Cosmetology programs have been approved by NYS to offer qualified students the opportunity to become Certified Nurse Assistants and Licensed Cosmetologists. Those who complete the entire program in Professional Health Careers who are Certified Nurse Assistants will qualify to take the NCCT Certification exam for Patient Care Technician.


Q: How important is attendance?
A: Attendance matters! It plays an essential role in the grades you earn, the Certificate you receive, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), Work-Study, Scholarships, Technical Endorsement and other benefits. Check with your Wilson Tech counselor regarding our attendance policies which may differ from your home school.

 

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Q: Will Tech help me find a job?
If you have attended Wilson Tech--either as a high school student or as an adult--you have lifetime access to Tech's job placement services. We maintain a large database with career opportunities at many local firms. Our experienced counselors will also help you craft your resume and give you interview tips.

Search Tech's Job Bank

Q: Will Tech help prepare me for college?
A: Yes. More than half of Tech graduates continue their education at colleges or technical schools. Through Tech's Career Pathways program, students may benefit from the following opportunities while they are at Tech (at no additional charge except for book fees):

  • PSAT/ SAT Preparation - Get the preparation you need to raise your college entrance test scores.
  • College Preparation - Learn organizational and study skills that will help you succeed in college.
  • College Credits - You can earn college credits by successfully completing classes through local colleges.
  • Articulation Agreements - Our agreements with select colleges can waive college credits and provide you with advanced standing.

Click here for a copy of our current Articulation Agreements.

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Q: Does Tech offer alternative high school programs?
A: Yes. Tech's Center for Alternative Education (CAE) offers a variety of programs that prepare students to meet academic and career goals:

  • TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) (English or Spanish) - Prepares students for the high school equivalency examination.
  • High School Diploma - Take an academic curriculum at the Alternative High School and receive a high school diploma issued with the student's home school's name.
  • 9th Grade "Turn Around Program" - A 1-year program to "turn around" those students entering 9th grade who are academically at risk.
  • Online High School - Provides students in the western Suffolk region with opportunities to earn academic credits for graduation.

Supportive services, including a licensed child care center, are available for pregnant and parenting teens.

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Q: Does Tech have any special recognition programs?
A. Yes. Tech acknowledges those students who meet the grades, attendance, professionalism and disciplinary criteria of Renaissance (quarterly) and the National Technical Honor Society (a one time induction ceremony at the end of Quarter 3).


Q: Can a Wilson Tech student drive to Tech?
A. A Wilson Tech Student with a senior Class D driver's license, whose district allows driving to Tech, will be eligible to receive a Student Parking Pass Application. When an application has been completed, including appropriate signatures from the district, parent/guardian and Tech, a student will be eligible to receive a parking pass from Wilson Tech. Under no circumstances may students drive to or from Tech with another student.

Parking permit applications may be obtained from the Main Office.


Q: How can I get to the 4 Wilson Tech campuses?
A. Your home school will provide bus transportation to Wilson Tech and back to your home school. Wilson Tech Campus Directions can be found through these links:

DIX HILLS - NORTHPORT - HUNTINGTON - REPUBLIC

 


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