Connecticut Technical School System link to web site
Kaynor Technical High School
 
43 Tompkins Street, Waterbury, Connecticut 06708  Telephone: (203) 596-4302  Fax: (203)  596-4308

Connecticut State Department of Education link to web site



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the School a free public high school?

 Yes, there is no cost to either the parents or to the local school district.  Technical High Schools are funded by the State of Connecticut.

If my son or daughter does not like a technical high school program, is it possible for them to transfer back into a regular high school?

There is no problem with a student transferring back to a local high school if they decide to leave Kaynor Tech.

Is the school accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges?

Yes, Kaynor Tech is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Will my son/daughter have the opportunity to take courses that will prepare him/her for college?

Yes, for each academic subject taught, there are top-level classes offered for students who possess the academic ability and have the desire to continue their education beyond high school.

 Our  "Tech Prep Program" allows eligible students to earn up to fourteen (14) college credits for course work completed at Kaynor in the advanced track English, Algebra/Trigonometry, Physics and Technology.  Credit is granted by Gateway Community Technical College and is transferable to many other colleges.

Does a ninth grader have to select an occupational area right away, or can he/she explore career areas first?

Through the freshman "Exploratory Program", all ninth graders "explore" all eleven (11) shops.  This program allows students to experience each shop prior to making a permanent shop choice.

What is the enrollment ratio of boys to girls?

At Kaynor Tech girls represent approximately 32% of the total grade 9-12 population.  Also every shop currently has both boys and girls enrolled.

Does the dress code at Kaynor Tech differ from the area high schools?

Kaynor Tech students must adhere to dress codes in both the trade and academic areas.  Students in trades wear a specific uniform designated for their trade area.  The academic students have a choice of three colors solid colored shirts (white, blue and yellow) and dress or khaki style pants/skirts in colors (black, blue, or tan).  No denim, sweat pants, or hooded sweatshirts are allowed.  For more specifics on our dress code please contact the school.

What academic courses are offered at Kaynor Tech?

Algebra I General Science   English I  Global Studies Physical Education
Geometry  Biology English II   Civics    Art
Algebra II Physics I   English III U.S. History Health
Pre Calculus Microbiology English IV    Economics Science of Communication
Calculus Science I  (with lab)     Honors Courses
  Science II  (with lab)      

What extra-curricular activities are available?

The Student Council, National Honor Society, and Classes sponsor several school-wide dances, fundraising activities, class trips and proms.  Also below are a few of the more popular clubs available to all students: SkillsUSA, Drama Club, Walking Club, Martial Arts Club, Computer Club, Writers Club, and the Volunteer Club.

Are there special programs for students who choose a non-traditional career:  a girl who wants to become a mechanic or a boy who wants to become a cosmetologist?

During the exploratory phase of our program, the shop instructors encourage both males and females to consider all shops regardless of stereotypes.  This philosophy is also shared by guidance counselors and instructors during their contact with all students.

How large are academic and shop classes?

Academic class size varies from 20-30 students per class depending upon the student's grade level.  However, classes are generally not filled to a maximum level.  The shop  size is generally 18 students.

May students enter their technical programs after the freshman year?

Yes, a limited number of students may be accepted each year as 10th, 11th, and 12th graders or post high school students.

Does the school have a Cooperative Work Experience Program?

Yes, the school has a work study program available to 11th and 12th graders.  To be eligible students must maintain certain academic standards and generally be in good standing at school.  Since these experiences sometimes lead to future full-time employment, eligible students are encouraged to participate.

Are sports offered at Kaynor Tech?

Yes, listed below are the interscholastic sports offered for boys and girls at Kaynor Tech; baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, golf, tennis, cheerleading, track, cross country.

Who is responsible for providing transportation?

A student's town of residence is responsible for providing transportation to and from Kaynor Tech.

How much time is spent in shop as opposed to academic classes?

All students spend 91 days in their shop and 91 days in academic classes.

Are special or remedial classes available to students in need of extra attention?

Kaynor offers a staff of two special education instructors, who teach and monitor students both during their academic and their shop program, two language arts instructors, one math center instructor, and two bilingual instructors.

Are all teachers certified by the CT State Department of Education?

Yes, all instructors employed by Kaynor Tech are certified by the CT State Department of Education.

What kind of careers do students enter after graduation?

The majority of the graduates at Kaynor Tech pursue their respective trade upon graduation.  Some students choose to attend college, while others may enter the Armed Service, or another line of employment.  However, the advantage of a technical education is that students graduate with several options available to them.

Can I have a tour of the school during the school day?

Yes, the guidance department encourages students and parents to schedule a tour during the school day.

Does the school have a monitoring system for past graduates?

Each year the guidance department surveys the previous year's graduates in regard to their current employment situation.  This information is compiled and available to anyone upon request.

Do many students attend college after graduating from Kaynor Tech?

At Kaynor Tech, approximately 35-40% of the graduating class will immediately pursue further education.  Listed below are some colleges attended by recent Kaynor Tech graduates:

The University of Connecticut                                      Bay Path College

Southern Connecticut State University                        The Culinary Institute of America

Central Connecticut State University                           Johnson & Wales University

Western Connecticut State University                         Mount Ida College

Eastern Connecticut State University                         The Fashion Institute of Technology

Naugatuck Valley Community Technical College       Bauder College

Quinnipiac College                                                     Savannah College of Art and Design

Teikyo Post University                                                 Ohio Diesel Institute

Briarwood College                                                     Gateway Community Technical College

The University of New Haven                                      Morgan State University

The University of Hartford                                           Porter and Chester Institute

Tunxis Community Technical College                         Wentworth College

Does Kaynor Tech have any kind of student assistance program for students who might be experiencing personal difficulties?

Yes, there is a Student Assistance Team composed of guidance counselors, the school nurse, school administrators, a special education instructor, school social worker, school psychologist, and teachers.  This team provides assistance to students who are having difficulty in school or at home.

Which are Kaynor Tech's "sending school"?

Kaynor Tech generally receives students each year from the following schools:

Blessed Sacrament School                Long River Middle School

St. Francis Xavier School                  Memorial Middle School

Rochambeau Middle School             Woodbury Middle School                              

St. Margaret School                          St. Francis Assissi

St. Mary School                                 St. Mary Magdalen

St. Peter and Paul School                 St. John School

Northend Middle School                    Swift Jr. High School

Wallace Middle School                      City Hill Middle School

Westside Middle School                     Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School

Tyrrell Middle School                         Hillside Middle School

Can students who do not live in Waterbury attend Kaynor Tech?

Yes, towns we service are:

Waterbury                     Southbury
Wolcott                         Woodbury
Naugatuck                     Plymouth/Terryville
Prospect                        Middlebury
Watertown

How does my child apply to Kaynor Tech?

A student may apply by completing an application.  Each student will be evaluated on four criteria established by the CT State Board of Education:

1)       7th and 8th grade academic grades

2)       7th and 8th grade attendance

3)       8th grade CT Mastery Test Results

4)       Individual Scored  Student Interview

An application must be completed, academic records forwarded and an interview arranged.  See your guidance counselor for information or contact our Guidance Office at: 203 596-4302 ext. 316.