Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Capital Region Career & Technical School?
The Capital Region Career & Technical School, through our campuses in Schoharie and Albany, offers more than 40 career and technical education programs to high school and adult students in Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie and southern Saratoga counties. We also offer an Alternative High School, Regents academic courses, and an Adult & Continuing Education program which includes GED and ESOL classes.

The Capital Region Career & Technical School is operated by the Capital Region BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) and regulated by the NYS Education Department. 

The Capital Region Career & Technical School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

What is a BOCES?
BOCES provide a range of educational and support services to school districts across New York State on a cooperative basis. Many times, these are services that an individual district may not by itself be able to provide. Each BOCES is led by a district superintendent. The district superintendent of the Capital Region BOCES is Charles S. Dedrick.

What types of students attend?
Students of all interests, talents and ability levels attend. The Capital Region Career & Technical School offers programs in the traditional trades and licensed professions, honors-level and college-level programs, and programs for students pursuing IEP diplomas.

We also offer an Alternative Education (Alternative High School), a Regents-based, academic program for students who desire an educational option other than the traditional high school experience. Students and their families may learn more about Alt Ed, which is a program of choice, through their high school guidance counselors.

Adults attend Career & Tech to learn new careers, upgrade their skills, pursue special interests, and earn their GED, among other goals. In fact, one of our largest programs is our Practical Nursing program for Adult Students.

What's the class schedule?
Most Career & Technical School students attend for a half-school-day (2 1/2 hour) session. Albany campus sessions run from 8:10-10:34 a.m. and from 11:10 a.m.-1:34 p.m.; Schoharie campus sessions run from 8:35 a.m.-11:05 a.m. and from 11:50 a.m.-2:25 p.m. Alternative High School and some adult students attend for a full school day. New Visions programs meet from 8-11:30 a.m. off campus at business locations in Albany and Schenectady. Some Adult Education programs are held off campus as well. The Practical Nursing and Nurse Assistant part-time-study programs for Adults meet in the afternoon and evening.

How long are the programs?
Career and technical programs may run one or two years. Because of state licensing exam requirements, students in the Cosmetology program must attend for two school years and a summer school session. The AYES Automotive Technician program requires a paid summer internship. The Practical Nursing program for adults follows a full-day and part-time schedule.

How are your programs different from traditional high school?
Hands-on learning is a hallmark of the Career & Technical School experience. While academics are part of all programs, and students learn via traditional lecture, reading and writing projects, the majority of their time is spent actually experiencing their career field.

May I begin a two-year program in my senior year of high school?
Yes. After graduation from high school, you would return as an adult student.

Is there tuition?
Students' home high schools pay for their attendance at the Career & Technical School. Adult students pay their own tuition. Some financial aid is available for the adult student Practical Nursing program. 

Do students earn credit?
Yes. Students also may earn a Career and Technical Education Endorsement to their NYS Regents diploma.

How do students get to the school?
High school students are provided with transportation by their home school. Students wishing to drive themselves must apply for permission.

What about college-bound students?
Not only do Career & Technical School programs prepare students for further study, but several also allow students to earn college credit or enter college in advanced standing. Nationwide, 60% of career and technical students pursue further education through college, specialized or trade schools, or career-specific programs.

How do I sign up for a program?
High school students should work with their home school guidance counselor. Adults may contact the Adult and Continuing Education office at (518) 862-4707. Adults interested in Nursing and Nurse Assistant should call (518) 862-4709.

What are the teachers' qualifications?
Career & Technical School teachers are certified by the State of New York and are also experienced professionals in their fields. Many hold national credentials or accreditations in their areas of expertise.

Who tells you what to teach? 
We work closely with our component school districts; the State Education Department, which approves all of our programs; area colleges and specialized technical schools; and the businesses and industries we serve. In fact, more than 300 regional employers advise the Career & Technical School about our courses and curricula.

How do I become involved in an advisory committee?
Contact the principal of the Albany or Schoharie campus.

Does your school accept donations of vehicles or equipment?
Yes, but you must first contact the campus principal.

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