Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools and programs, traditionally called vocational schools, provide academic courses, as well as technical education that meets industry standards. The vision of these programs is to connect high school students with educational and occupational opportunities upon graduation. Some high schools are full CTE schools, where everyone selects a trade, while other high schools offer select programs to interested students.

CTE high schools offer a variety of programs, including information technology, cosmetology, nursing, legal studies, automotive, aviation, arts and communication, fashion, health services and tourism, among others. Programs vary in difficulty and competitiveness, so be sure to carefully read the description of each school and its requirements.

The School of Cooperative Technical Education (Co-op Tech) is a Department of Education program that provides additional CTE training for public high school students who are at least 16 years old, or who are enrolled in a GED program. Students spend half the day at their regular high school and the other half at Co-op Tech. Co-op Tech also has some programs for adults.