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About Our School

Our Students Succeed Here

At Eli Whitney Technical High School, students prepare for their future by combining strong academics with hands-on career and technical education. They graduate with a high school diploma, valuable technical skills, and real-world experience that can lead to college, apprenticeships, military service, or a career.

Students rotate between academic and trade instruction on an approximately two-week cycle, giving them time to focus on their academic studies while building practical skills in their chosen career area. In their trade programs, students learn with industry-standard equipment and gain experience that prepares them for the workplace.

During their freshman year, students explore our 11 career and technical education programs before choosing a trade that matches their interests and goals. Programs range from Automotive Technology and Manufacturing to Graphics and Hairdressing, giving students a variety of ways to turn their interests into career skills.

Students can also take electives as they work toward graduation and may earn industry-recognized credentials along the way. Beginning in their junior year, eligible students can participate in Work-Based Learning, earning school credit while gaining hands-on experience in their trade during the school day.

Eli Whitney Technical High School provides a supportive, hands-on learning environment where students graduate ready for whatever comes next.

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

We envision CTECS as the primary pipeline for Connecticut’s skilled labor workforce.

Our Mission

Through exemplary trade and academic programming, CTECS prepares trade-bound students to meet the skilled workforce needs in Connecticut.

Our Vision of a Graduate

The Vision of a Graduate (VoG) at the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) embodies our commitment to preparing students for success in Connecticut’s workforce. Developed in collaboration with students, parents, staff, and employers, the VoG ensures that CTECS students are not only job-ready but also equipped to lead, innovate, and adapt in a dynamic world. As educators, we are dedicated to developing these qualities by providing a comprehensive education that empowers our students to achieve their fullest potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Work-Ready

To be work-ready includes a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and personal qualities that ensure a graduate can effectively contribute to the workplace from day one.

Respectful

Graduates who embody respectfulness emphasize the importance of treating others with dignity, valuing diversity, and fostering an inclusive and positive environment, both personally and professionally.

Problem Solver

Problem solvers tackle challenges by identifying root causes of issues, brainstorming solutions, implementing effective strategies, and demonstrating adaptability.

Critical Thinker

Critical thinkers approach problems systematically by analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make well-informed decisions and contribute to innovative solutions.

Effective Communicator

Effective communicators convey ideas, information, and emotions accurately and persuasively, fostering understanding and collaboration.

Skilled Socially

Graduates who are skilled socially are equipped to navigate social environments, build relationships, and contribute positively to their communities and workplaces.

Where Our Students Come From

We attract a diverse student population from across Connecticut because of our extensive Career and Technical Education programs, rigorous academics, opportunities for real-world work experience and the chance to earn college credit. Below are the towns our students frequently come from, but others are encouraged to apply. 


Ansonia, Bridgeport, East Haven, Hamden, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, West Haven Map of Connecticut with a graduation cap icon marking a location.