· Is the school a free public high school?
Yes, there is no cost to either the parents or to the local school district. Vocational Technical Schools are funded by the State of Connecticut.

· If my son/daughter does not like a vocational technical school program, is it possible for them to transfer back into a regular high school?
Normally there is no problem with a student transferring back to a local high school if in fact Wilcox Tech turns out not to be the "right fit."

· Is the school accredited by the New England Association of Schools and College?
Yes, recently Wilcox Tech completed a successful evaluation review.

· Will my son/daughter have the opportunity to take courses that will prepare him/her for college entrance?
Yes, for each academic subject taught, there are top level classes offered for students who possess both the academic capabilities and /or have the desire to continue their education beyond high school. Eligible students may receive college credit for some of these courses.

· Does a ninth grader have to select an occupational area right away, or can he/she explore career areas first?
Through the freshmen "Exploratory Program", all ninth graders "explore" all the available shops. This program allows the student to experience each shop prior to making a permanent shop choice.

· What is the enrollment ratio of boys to girls?
At Wilcox Tech women represent approximately 40% of the total grade 9-12 population. Also every shop currently has at least one woman enrolled.

· Does the discipline standard or manner of dress at vocational technical school differ from the area high schools?
Generally not in regards to disciplinary standards, however, during the shop cycles students are required to observe shop dress codes and adhere to recommended safety standards.

· What extra-curricular activities are available?
The Student Council sponsors several school-wide dances each year, and there are several class sponsored activities including fundraising activities, class trips and proms. Also listed below are just a few of the more popular clubs available to all students: SkillsUSA, Ski Club, Bowling Club and Drama Club.

· Are there special programs for those who want to cross stereotyped career lines-a young lady who wants to become a mechanic or a young man who wants to become a cosmetologist?
During the exploratory phase of our programs, the shop instructors encourage both males and females to consider all respective shops regardless of stereotyped career lines. That philosophy is also shared by guidance counselors and instructors during their contact with all students.

· What are the class sizes like in the academic classes as well as the shops?
Maximum academic class sizes vary from 25 to 30 students per class depending upon the student's grade level. However classes are generally not filled to a maximum level. The maximum shop size is 18 students.

· May students enter their vocational programs after the freshmen year?
Yes, a limited number of students may be accepted each year as 10th, 11th and 12th or post high school students.

· Does the school have a Cooperative Work Program?
Yes, the school has a work study program available for juniors and seniors. 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 Wilcox Tech?
Yes, listed below are the interscholastic sports routinely offered at Wilcox Tech; baseball, basketball, football, softball, soccer, volleyball, golf, tennis, cheerleading and riflery.

· Are there equitably opportunities for females to participate in interscholastic activities?
Yes, currently Wilcox Tech offers females volleyball, basketball, softball, powderpuff football, tennis, cheerleading and participation in a host of other sports such as riflery, etc. The policy at Wilcox Tech has always been that if there is enough interest expressed toward a particular sport or club not already offered then efforts are made toward providing that sport or club.

· Who is responsible for providing transportation?
Sending towns are responsible for providing transportation to and from Wilcox Tech.

· How much time is spent in shop as opposed to academic classes?
All students spend 91 days in their respective shops as well as 91 days in their academic classes.

· Are special classes of a remedial nature available to students in need of extra attention?
Yes, the school offers a staff of three full-time and part-time special education staff who teach and monitor students both during their academic and during their shop program. A full-time reading instructor is also available.

· Are all teachers employed in the vocational technical schools certified by the State Department of Education?
Yes, all instructors employed in the Connecticut Technical High Schools are certified by the State Departmet of Education.

· What kind of careers do students enter after graduation?
The majority of the graduates at Wilcox Tech still pursue their respective trade upon graduation (approximately 60%). Some choose college (approximately 40%), while others may consider the armed services or another line of employment. However, the advantage of a technical education is that students graduate with several options at their disposal.

· Can I have a tour of the school during the school day?
Yes, the guidance department encourages area schools to schedule visits.

· Does the school have a monitoring system for past graduates?
Each year the guidance department surveys the previous year's graduates in regards to their current employment situation. This information is compiled and is available to anyone upon request.

· Do many students attend college after graduating from a tech school?
At Wilcox Tech, usually approx. 35-40% of the graduating class will immediately pursue further education. Listed below are some colleges attended by recent Wilcox Tech graduates:

· Does Wilcox Tech have any kind of student assistance program for students who might be experiencing some personal difficulties?
Yes, there is a Student Assistance Team composed of guidance counselors, the school nurse, school administrators, a special education instructor and school psychologists. This team provides a method whereby students can receive assistance in working through whatever difficulty they may come up against, whether they be academic or personal in nature.

· How does my child begin the application process?
All students applying for admission to 9th grade at Wilcox Tech must: 1) fill out application, and 2) take the Connecticut Mastery Test.

· Which are Wilcox Tech's "sending schools"?
Wilcox Tech generally receives students each year from the following schools:

Lincoln Middle School Washington Middle School
St. Joseph's School Dodd Middle School
DePaolo Middle School St. Stanislaus School
St. Mary's School Moran Middle School
Dag Middle School St. Laurent's School
Holy Trinity School Kennedy Middle School
Alcott Junior High Mt. Carmel School
McGee Middle School