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About Our School

Our Students Succeed Here

At Howell Cheney 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 both their studies and their career training. In their trade programs, students learn with industry-standard equipment and take part in authentic work experiences that prepare 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. From Carpentry, Electrical, and HVAC to Automotive, Welding, Manufacturing, and Media Production, students gain skills they can put to work in the real world. Many programs give students the opportunity to work on actual projects, customer vehicles, construction sites, or other hands-on assignments.

Students can also earn industry-recognized credentials and gain valuable workplace experience through Work-Based Learning. With a strong academic program and career-focused training, Cheney Tech gives students the skills and opportunities they need to take their next step with confidence.

 

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.

High Reliability School

Howell Cheney Technical High School is pleased to announce the achievement of Level 1 certification in Marzano High Reliability Schools™. Level 1 certification means Cheney Technical High School has created a “Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture,” which is the foundation for every level that follows. Without such a culture, student achievement will be compromised. Day-to-day school operations are addressed and evaluated in Level 1. The high reliability school (HRS) program was created by Marzano Resources to help transform schools into organizations that take proactive steps to ensure student success. Using a research-based five-level hierarchy, along with leading and lagging indicators, educators learn to assess, monitor, and confirm the effectiveness of their schools.

Logo for Marzano High Reliability Schools Network, Level 1 Certified, 2020.

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. Learn more about our application process.

Bolton, Bloomfield, Columbia, Coventry, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Glastonbury, Hartford, Manchester, Marlborough, New Britain, Newington, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor, Stafford (Stafford Springs), Suffield, Tolland, Vernon (Rockville), Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks

Map of Connecticut with a graduation cap icon highlighting a central location.