Career and Technical Education Pathways
What Is a CTE Pathway?
A Career and Technical Education pathway is a structured sequence of courses that combines academic rigor with real world professional skills. Students who complete a CTE pathway at OCS graduate with industry recognized credentials, work based learning experience, and a head start on college or career in their chosen field.
CTE pathway exploration begins in middle school, giving students early exposure before they commit to a pathway in high school. Students who complete a CTE pathway participate in the Work Based Learning Internship during their senior year.
The OCS Advantage
- Earn early college credits and industry credentials while still in high school.
- Gain real world Work Based Learning experience during senior year.
CTE Advantage
6 Pathways
The Six OCS CTE Pathways
Biomedical Science
Prepares students for careers in healthcare, medicine, research, and public health. Students explore human body systems, disease, genetics, and medical interventions through a project based learning approach.
Coming Soon
[SCHOOL TO CONFIRM] — Full course sequence, certifications available, and industry partners for 2025 to 2026.
Business Information Management
Prepares students for careers in business operations, information technology, and management. Students develop skills in business communication, data management, and organizational leadership. OCS students in this pathway have the opportunity to intern within the operations side of the school.
Coming Soon
[SCHOOL TO CONFIRM] — Full course sequence, certifications available, and industry partners for 2025 to 2026.
Computer Science
Prepares students for careers in software development, cybersecurity, data science, and technology innovation. OCS offers Project Lead The Way curriculum as part of its technology programming.
Coming Soon
[SCHOOL TO CONFIRM] — Full course sequence, certifications available, and industry partners for 2025 to 2026.
Digital Communications Technology
Prepares students for careers in media production, graphic design, web development, and digital marketing. Students learn packaging and promotional design, copyright and fair use, image manipulation, raster image editing, HTML coding, web development, and the delivery of digital products.
Coming Soon
[SCHOOL TO CONFIRM] — Full course sequence, certifications available, and industry partners for 2025 to 2026.
Food Studies
A Delaware state approved CTE career pathway and one of the most distinctive programs in the state. Students explore plant science, environmental sustainability, food justice, nutritional science, and advocacy. The OCS hydroponics and aeroponics program produces more than two tons of fresh produce annually.
Coming Soon
[SCHOOL TO CONFIRM] — Full course sequence, additional certifications, and industry partners for 2025 to 2026.
K-12 Teacher Academy
Prepares students for careers in education. Students explore the role of the teacher in the past, present, and future, examine the historical significance and social impact of teaching, and develop instructional materials. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to serve as interns within OCS classrooms.
Coming Soon
[SCHOOL TO CONFIRM] — Full course sequence, certifications available, and industry partners for 2025 to 2026.
Work Based Learning
Every student who completes a CTE pathway at OCS participates in the Work Based Learning Internship during their senior year. This gives every OCS graduate real world professional experience in their chosen field before they leave high school.
Hands-on Internships
- OCS students have served as business, human resources, and marketing interns working directly with senior school leadership.
- Students contribute to grant proposals, serve as school ambassadors at community events, and advocate for school initiatives at the state level.
Notice
[SCHOOL TO CONFIRM] — Full list of Work Based Learning partner organizations and internship placement details for 2025 to 2026.
Career Ready
Senior Fall
Beyond High School
CTE and College Credit
Completing a CTE pathway at OCS can lead directly to college credit. Students in the Food Studies pathway earn credits at Delaware Technical Community College upon successful completion. Students in other pathways may also earn industry recognized credentials that can be applied toward post secondary education.
OCS students can earn more than 60 college credits before graduation through a combination of AP courses, dual enrollment, and CTE pathway completion.
Start Exploring in Middle School
CTE pathway exploration begins in middle school at OCS. Students in Grades 6 through 8 are introduced to career pathway concepts through the Greek Exploratory course and other program offerings.
Giving them early exposure before they commit to a pathway in high school. This approach allows students to discover their passions, test different fields, and make informed decisions about their High School educational journey.
Questions? Contact Our Guidance Team
High School Guidance
CTE Coordinators
Ready to Take the Next Step?
A structured pathway to college, career, and life beyond graduation. The next step is yours.