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PROGRAM OF STUDIES

The program of studies can assist prospective students and their parents in determining the sequence of courses required in both academics and the specific program majors.

All students follow a program of studies in academics that is consistent with the recommendations of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

It is the policy of the Essex Agricultural and Technical High School not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the Educational Acts of 1972, Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971, Chapter 766, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.     

Essex Agricultural and Technical High School is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

In addition to traditional ACADEMIC COURSES, students begin their vocational experience by taking a Vocational Survey program of studies in which a thorough overview of the vocational majors and career opportunities are presented. Survey courses in Grade 9 have been designed to give students a broad based understanding of agriculture and the necessary information and experiences to choose a vocational department in which to expand their future studies. 

At the end of the freshmen year, with the assistance of the Guidance Department, students choose a vocational department that is consistent with their interests, abilities and career goals. Once a student chooses between Plant Science, Animal Science, or Environmental Science, the Grade 10 courses are considered introductory and students study four major aspects of the department. 

At the end of Grade 10 students have both the knowledge and the skill to choose one of the vocational majors that are further developed through in depth courses in Grades 11 and 12 in the following programs:


Animal Science is comprised of three major programs, Agribusiness, Horse Management and Veterinary Technology. Animal Science majors take courses that prepare them for careers such as; grooming, animal care provider, veterinary assistant, laboratory animal research technician, horse facility manager and employment in a small animal business. Students will get “hands-on experience” working with the many different animals at the school and will develop skill and competencies expected in the different areas of the animal science industry.

Environmental Technology  is comprised of courses that will enable the students to acquire basic skills used by Field Biologists and Ecologists. Water resources, including freshwater and marine, are a central focus of the curriculum. Students choosing Environmental Science will be introduced to" Expeditionary Learning." They will take yearly trips that will allow students to practice, in the field, the skills they have learned, just as they would as part of a field research team. Students, by senior year, will be prepared for college programs in Environmental Science. 

Plant Science is comprised of three major programs: Floriculture, Natural Resources, and Ornamental Horticulture. Junior and Senior students take in-depth courses in their major areas, gaining the skills necessary to be successful in the job market. Examples of the courses are Floral Design, Greenhouse  Management, Turf Management, Landscape Construction and Small Business. These courses can lead to jobs in areas such as Florists, Landscape Designers and Golf Course Management. All students in Plant Science are eligible for certificates of competency in the selected major.

Within these 3  vocational disciplines, Essex Agricultural and Technical High School presently offers majors in :

Agribusiness
Horse Management
Floriculture
Ornamental Horticulture 
Natural Resources
Environmental Science
Veterinary Technology

Click Here for a complete listing of course offerings

 

PROGRAM OF STUDIES LISTED BY GRADE LEVELS

All grade 9 students must take a vocational survey program of studies in which a thorough overview of the vocational majors and career opportunities are presented. At the end of the year and with the assistance of the Guidance Department, students choose a vocational major that is consistent with their interests, abilities, and career goals. Grade 9 students also take a program of studies in academics that is consistent with the recommendations of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

ACADEMIC COURSES  GRADE 9

VOCATIONAL COURSES  GRADE 9

The Grade 10 courses follow a program of studies in their selected major of Plant Science, Animal Science, or Environmental Science. A complete overview of the field is presented. At the end of Grade 10 students have both the knowledge and the skill to continue their vocational studies that are further developed through in depth courses in Grades 11 and 12. The academic course offerings again follow the recommendations of the frameworks and continue the subjects presented in Grade 9.

ACADEMIC COURSES GRADE 10

Click here for Sophomore Academic course descriptions

ANIMAL SCIENCE MAJOR  GRADE 10

PLANT SCIENCE MAJORS GRADE 10

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MAJORS  GRADE 10

By Grade 11 all students have selected a vocational major and their program of studies for their vocational courses is sequential, in depth, and extensive. The academic program is also subject specific and is determined by a student's future plans and interests.

ACADEMIC COURSES GRADE 11

  ACADEMIC COURSES  GRADE 12

Click Here for Senior Academic Course Descriptions

GRADE 11 and 12 VOCATIONAL COURSES

AGRIBUSINESS MAJOR

HORSE MANAGEMENT MAJOR

GRADE 11

GRADE 12

VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY MAJOR

GRADE 11

VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY I
ALAT I
SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT I
AGRISCIENCE I

GRADE 12

VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY II
ALAT II
SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT II
AGRISCIENCE II
SENIOR ROTATION
 

FLORICULTURE MAJOR

ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE MAJOR

NATURAL RESOURCES MAJOR

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MAJOR

GRADE 11 

GRADE 12