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About Our School

Our Students Succeed Here

At Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, students earn more than a high school diploma—they gain the academic knowledge, technical skills, and real-world experience they need for college, apprenticeships, military service, or a career.

Our unique program combines strong academics with hands-on career and technical education. Students rotate between academic and trade instruction on an approximately two-week cycle, giving them the opportunity to focus on their academic studies while also building valuable technical skills in industry-standard shops and labs.

During their freshman year, students explore our career and technical education programs before choosing a trade that matches their interests and goals. Oliver Wolcott offers 12 career and technical education programs, from Automotive Technology, Carpentry, and Culinary Arts to Health Technology, Manufacturing, and Plumbing and Heating.

Students also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and gain real-world experience through Work-Based Learning. 

Serving students from more than 30 communities in Northwest Connecticut, Oliver Wolcott Technical High School provides a hands-on education that prepares students for success after graduation—whatever path they choose.

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

We envision CTECS as the primary pipeline for Connecticut’s skilled labor workforce.

Our Mission

Through exemplary trade and academic programming, CTECS prepares trade-bound students to meet the skilled workforce needs in Connecticut.

Our Vision of a Graduate

The Vision of a Graduate (VoG) at the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) embodies our commitment to preparing students for success in Connecticut’s workforce. Developed in collaboration with students, parents, staff, and employers, the VoG ensures that CTECS students are not only job-ready but also equipped to lead, innovate, and adapt in a dynamic world. As educators, we are dedicated to developing these qualities by providing a comprehensive education that empowers our students to achieve their fullest potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Work-Ready

To be work-ready includes a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and personal qualities that ensure a graduate can effectively contribute to the workplace from day one.

Respectful

Graduates who embody respectfulness emphasize the importance of treating others with dignity, valuing diversity, and fostering an inclusive and positive environment, both personally and professionally.

Problem Solver

Problem solvers tackle challenges by identifying root causes of issues, brainstorming solutions, implementing effective strategies, and demonstrating adaptability.

Critical Thinker

Critical thinkers approach problems systematically by analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make well-informed decisions and contribute to innovative solutions.

Effective Communicator

Effective communicators convey ideas, information, and emotions accurately and persuasively, fostering understanding and collaboration.

Skilled Socially

Graduates who are skilled socially are equipped to navigate social environments, build relationships, and contribute positively to their communities and workplaces.

Where Our Students Come From

We attract a diverse student population from across Connecticut because of our extensive Career and Technical Education programs, rigorous academics, opportunities for real-world work experience and the chance to earn college credit. Below are the towns our students frequently come from, but others are encouraged to apply. Learn more about our application process.

Avon, Barkhamsted (Riverton), Bethlehem, Burlington, Canaan, Canton, Colebrook, Cornwall, Goshen, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, Middlebury, Morris, New Hartford, Norfolk, North Canaan, Plymouth, Salisbury, Sharon, Simsbury, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Washington (Washington Depot), Winchester, Woodbury

Map of Connecticut with a green circle highlighting a location marked by a graduation cap icon.