There is a growing need in the U.S. workforce for well-trained employees who are prepared with the 21st Century skills that businesses and corporations have identified as critical for the challenges of our global economy. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Virginia public schools prepare today's students for their future education and workplace experiences by offering quality hands-on learning in a "real-world" context.

The mission of CTE is to ensure that every graduate is prepared for the challenges of post-secondary education and the workplace. Workplace readiness skills emphasized within Rock Ridge CTE programs include:

• critical and high order thinking

• collaboration and teamwork

• creativity

• personal and social responsibility

• communication

• decision-making skills and more!

The Career & Technical Education department at Rock Ridge High School consists of four program areas:

• Business & Information Technology

• Family & Consumer Sciences

• Marketing Education

• Technology & Engineering Education

All program area classes incorporate hands-on learning activities that actively engage students in applying knowledge to real world scenarios through project-based learning. Some courses also provide laboratory learning experiences, such as work in the school store, foods lab, preschool, production lab, research & design lab, and more. All students are provided with opportunities to earn industry certifications and credentials aligned with the state competencies for the course.

Business & Information Technology

Family & Consumer Sciences

Marketing Education

Technology & Engineering Education

Students enrolled in CTE courses follow a competency-based curriculum as established by the Virginia Department of Education and in accordance with the sixteen career clusters.  Details are available on the CTE Resource Center website, which outlines the complete task list for each VDOE course (site in in process of moving to a new location).

Additional information regarding CTE programs in Loudoun County Public Schools, including the Monroe Advanced Technical Academy (MATA) and the Academy of Engineering & Technology (AET) programs, can be accessed here. 

Graduation Requirements

• Students must complete at least two sequential electives (completer courses).

• Student credits earned shall include one credit in fine arts or CTE.

• Students must earn one-credit in Economics and Personal Finance.

• Students must earn a CTE credential (industry certification) for a Standard Diploma.

• Students may utilize credential tests in CTE for earning verified credit.

Awards for Exemplary Student Performance

The Career and Technical Education Seal may be earned by students receiving the Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma who (1) complete a prescribed sequence of courses in a CTE concentration or specialization that they choose and (2) maintain a “B” or better average in those courses or pass an examination that earns certification from a recognized industry, trade, or professional association.

Career & Technical Student Organizations

Enrollment in CTE courses also affords students the unique opportunity to participate in career & technical student organizations at the local, state, and national levels.  These co-curricular student organizations are integrated into the classroom experience to provide additional learning opportunities for developing leadership skills and enhancing the student's perspective of the world through field trips, guest speakers, competitive events, and conferences.

CTSOs at Rock Ridge include:

• DECA

• Educators Rising

• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

• Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

• Technology Student Association (TSA)

Additional information can be found on the Activities page.