For School Counselors

Is P-TECH right for a student you know?

Following are answers to frequently asked questions
about P-TECH:

How does P-TECH work?

• P-TECH is a six-year, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, which begins in Grade 9 and offers a rigorous academic curriculum, targeted technical training and comprehensive workplace learning
• Students earn their high school diploma and an Associate degree AT NO COST
• P-TECH features an intimate and dynamic project based learning environment
• Students work with local business partners through mentorships, internships and apprenticeships to acquire the skills they need to maximize their employability
• Business partners commit to giving P-TECH grads priority over other candidates for interviews and
  entry-level jobs

What type of students are best suited for P-TECH?

• Incoming ninth-graders
• Capable, but underachieving students who would benefit from a dynamic, hands-on learning environment
• Students who are able to collaborate in a respectful way with peers
• Those whose college and career aspirations are at risk because they are not performing to their full potential in their current school
• Focused students who are interested in STEM

What does a typical day look like?

P-TECH features an interdisciplinary, STEM-focused approach. Teachers collaborate to create “real world,” project-based learning opportunities for students to work both in teams and independently.

The daily schedule is more flexible than a traditional school environment to incorporate field trips, guest speakers and mentor visits that directly connect to what students are learning in the classroom.

What kind of internships are available?

Mentorships begin in 9th grade; formal, work-based learning internships with business partners begin in 11th grade.

What does “extended school year” entail?

P-TECH’s school calendar generally follows the Rockland BOCES calendar. However, the P-TECH school year also includes a two-week summer program for returning students and a one-week orientation for incoming freshmen.

Can students participate in sports, clubs or other extracurricular activities?

Some students have been successful in making arrangements to participate in afterschool sports and activities in their home districts after their P-TECH school day.

Is transportation provided?

Yes. Home school districts provide transportation to P-TECH. Students may also drive with permission from their parent/guardian and the P-TECH principal.

Is P-TECH’s graduation criteria different from other public schools?

The P-TECH curriculum follows the same New York State standards as all public high schools. Students must meet state high school graduation requirements, including successful passage of Regent Exams.

However, since P-TECH’s six-year program integrates college and high school, students graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate degree.

I have a possible P-TECH candidate. What do I need to do?

Please contact the P-TECH principal to set up an interview. An application completed by you, the student and the student’s parent must be completed prior to the interview.

If a student has an IEP, please also contact your district’s CSE chairperson. While P-TECH welcomes a diverse group of students, special education services are limited to Resource Room and counseling at the present time. Access to the student’s current IEP must be provided prior to moving forward with the admissions process.

When are students eligible to apply to P-TECH?

Students apply to P-TECH during the spring of eighth-grade for admission to the incoming freshman class. Click here to download the application.

Who submits the application?

Students and their parents should work with their guidance department during the application process. Once the application is complete, all materials should be submitted by the guidance counselor to P-TECH.

Can older students transfer to P-TECH?

In certain cases, ninth-graders may be able to transfer to P-TECH at the start of the school year with arrangements made through their home school.