Delaware County Technical High Schools (DCTS)

What does a typical day look like?

Students spend half the day in their DCTS program and half the day in their high school for core classes like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

At DCTS, students learn in labs that simulate real workplaces:

• Culinary Arts students learn in a commercial kitchen.
• Advertising & Design students spend time creating and designing.
• Automotive students work with real tools and equipment.

Students also have the chance to join Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), which offer leadership opportunities, competitions, and fun experiences.

Students can also still stay involved in activities and sports at their home high school.

Students have the chance to gain additional skills in communication, civic responsibility, and competition in all phases of career and technical education through the following organizations:

• SkillsUSA
• Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
• Family, Careers, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
• National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)

At DCTS learning goes beyond the classroom.

Our School to Career Programs give students the chance to explore careers, build real-world skills, and connect classroom learning with hands-on experience. These opportunities are made possible through partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

Through activities like job shadowing, mentoring, internships, cooperative education, company visits, guest speakers, and career fairs, students see what their future could look like and start building the skills employers want.

These experiences help students:

• Develop a positive work attitude 
• Gain confidence and responsibility
• Refine career goals
• Strengthen problem-solving skills

Program Options

Job Shadowing

Spend a day at a workplace and see what professionals in your chosen field do every day.

Mentoring

Spend about two weeks alongside a trained professional, learning more in-depth about the career you're interested in.

Cooperative Work Experience (Co-Op)

A capstone experience for eligible seniors. Co-op allows students to work in paid, supervised positions related to their program of study while still in high school, earning both money and valuable career experience.

At DCTS, we're committed to supporting every student's success, both in their technical program and beyond. Our services are designed to make sure students build strong academic skills, get the support they need, and feel prepared for the future.

Integrated Math & Literacy

Math and Literacy coaches work directly with students and instructors to connect these subjects to each technical program. By blending academics with career training, students see how math and literacy skills apply to their chosen field, whether it's calculating measurements in Construction or writing a menu in Culinary Arts.

Student Support Services

DCTS provides a range of supports for students with special needs. Special education teachers and instructional assistants partner with CTE instructors to deliver individualized accommodations and strategies based on each student's IEP. Our Student Support staff also help with transition planning, progress reviews, and ensuring students have what they need to thrive in their technical program.

School Counseling

DCTS counselors work with families, sending schools, and community partners to guide students toward their career goals. Counselors help students strengthen their workplace skills, explore career pathways, and prepare for post-secondary education or employment.

Students can get a head start on college at DCTS.

Through statewide initiatives, local partnerships, and special agreements, many of our programs allow students to earn college credits while still in high school. 

SOAR Credit (Students Occupationally & Academically Ready)

SOAR is a statewide program that connects CTE high school courses to college programs. Students who complete certain DCTS programs may be eligible for college credit at participating schools.

See how your program may transfer

Dual Enrollment

Through partnerships with local colleges, students can take college-level courses while still enrolled at DCTS.

• Delaware County Community College (DCCC): Several programs offered through dual enrollment.
• Immaculata University: Dual Enrollment options in Medical Careers and Exercise Therapy & Sports Science.
• Widener University: Students can earn up to 15 college credits in specific courses.

College & University Partners

Every DCTS program offers college credit opportunities. Through articulation agreements, all 22 of our programs are connected to at least one college or university partner, meaning every student has the chance to get a head start on their post-secondary path.

Credits will only transfer to the school the agreement is with. These are not transferable credits.

Have questions about DCTS?

We know choosing whether to attend technical school is a big decision. To help you get the information you need, we've put together answers to the questions students and families ask most often about applying and what to expect at DCTS.