The purpose of all education is to prepare students to join the workforce and become successful in a career. The CTC programs of study provide students the opportunity to explore and experience careers while in high school and apply their academic and technical skills in relevant real-world settings. Students that attend the CTC in their 11th and 12th grade years receive their academic core classes and technical training at the CTC on a full-time basis.
However, any academic course not offered at the CACTC can be taken at the high school. Students may also elect to take all their academic courses at the high school and their only program of study at the CACTC. See your Guidance Counselor for scheduling options.
Below is a list of academic courses offered at the CACTC:
English 11 CP - This is an advanced English class which builds on the skills covered in English 10 CP. This one year course is designed to give the student thorough English instruction in literature, including a novel study, and practice in grammar/vocabulary skills in writing. The students will read, evaluate, interpret, and analyze a variety of literature and poetry while discussing such elements as character development, plot, imagery, figurative language, theme, paradox, setting, the short story, narrative poetry, form, and rhyming patterns. Students will also be required to read a number of non-fiction selections in conjunction with the required literature. Students will be expected to complete a variety of writing assignments while reviewing grammar rules. Students will also complete a number of writing assignments related to class and individual reading. Students should expect homework every night. Any student who is college bound should complete this sequence of courses.
English 11 - This is a required course which builds on the skills acquired in English 10. English 11 provides students with a developmental program in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and research. A variety of novels, plays, poetry, short stories, and non-fiction serve as a basis for the study of American Literature and vocabulary study. Students will be expected to complete a variety of writing assignments while reviewing grammar rules, complete a novel study and complete a number of writing assignments related to class and individual reading.
English 12 CP - This is an advanced English class which builds on the skills covered in English 11CP. Writing, thinking and speaking skills will be developed through journaling, essays, and discussion. Intensive study of college vocabulary will be incorporated. Knowledge of British literature will be stressed. Students will learn to read and write aggressively. Any student who is college-bound should complete this sequence of courses. Students will work on a drama, as well as class debates.
English 12 - English 12 is a required course which builds upon skills acquired in Junior English. Writing, thinking and speaking skills will be incorporated into the class work. In this course students will continue to develop knowledge of the basic elements of British literature. Non-fictional writing will be used as a stepping stone to technical writing understanding. Students will work independently and in groups. Students will work on a drama, as well as class debates.
Intermediate Algebra - A course designed to help the student make an easier transition from the Algebra 1 to the Algebra 2 program. Students enrolled in this course have passed Algebra 1, but have experienced some academic difficulties. One of the major objectives of this course is to recognize, isolate, and correct specific problem areas in the student’s algebraic background while introducing basic Algebra 2 material.
Geometry - Geometry helps develop both inductive and deductive thinking skills. Through hands-on activities, graphic calculator technology and dynamic geometry software, students investigate basic figures of geometry: triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and circles. Students will make and test conjectures about mathematical and real world patterns.
Algebra 2 - A course designed to help the student strengthen basic concepts from the Algebra I course and offer insight into the algebraic processes, emphasize more advanced equation‑solving, and introduce more advanced mathematical concepts needed in higher math and science courses.
Technical Communications - This course is based on a scope and sequence of mathematical applications. These applications are initiated through basic math calculations through algebra, geometry applications, calculus, and trigonometry.
Environmental Science - This is the study of how humans interact with the environment and what can be done to improve these interactions. A major focus of environmental science is solving environmental problems. This course is designed to involve students in wise development of resource utilization, which can then be applied to the prevention of deterioration of our natural environment. Major emphasis is placed on studying causes and effects of the major ecological problems confronting the global society. The students are expected to devise possible solutions to these problems for general implementation.
Anatomy and Physiology - This course will include a yearlong program of intense human anatomy and physiology studies. The areas covered will include medical terminology, basic chemistry, cell and tissue structure, and the 11 systems of the human body (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive). Laboratory work will be required, including comparative anatomy dissection labs.
Chemistry - Chemistry I is the study of the physical and chemical properties of matter. Through lecture and lab work, the student is given the opportunity to learn the structure and function of the elements.
Stem Science - This course should provide students with an integrative overview of some of the basic science and technology components associated with their various shops. Building upon basic science knowledge, students will use hands-on inquiry-based projects to make connections between science, technology, and society.
World Cultures - Culture is a common set of beliefs held by a group of people or society. Our religion, our government, even the ground we stand on influences the way our culture presents itself. The differences in the cultural landscape of the world are many, but there are similarities as all humans have similar physical and psychological needs. The focus of this course is to look at both the similarities as well as the differences while we learn about the diverse world in which we live. The course will span the areas of North America, Latin America, Sub-Saharan and North Africa, Europe and the Russian Domain, as well as Southwest, Central, South, Southeast and East Asia, Australia and Oceania. The time frame will focus on modern times but also reach into the past for contextual understanding of the issues at hand.
PA Local History - This course is designed to explore the history of the Keystone State. Local history will be emphasized, especially the railroads, coal, coke, and early iron and steel-making industries in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Psychology - Psychology is an interesting combination of the social sciences and biology. Students will be introduced to the scientific study of psychology, the connection between the body and the mind, the learning and thinking process of the human mind, and the path of human development from infancy through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and finally death.
Physical Education - This course is designed to provide both individual and team sports as well as a variety of lifetime carry-over activities and characteristics. The program stresses individual fitness, sports, competitive games, and dance.
Health - Health is a required course for graduation. It consists of the study of the total individual from infancy through old age. It is the function of health education to initiate a consciousness of and appreciation for the practices that lead to a healthy lifestyle.