Cohasset Middle School Pathway Exploration

The Cohasset Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all middle school students and their families are well informed about the wide range of educational options available to them for high school, including Career and Technical Education (CTE), vocational, and agricultural programs. In compliance with Massachusetts state regulations (603 CMR 4.00) and guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this procedure outlines how the district provides students with awareness and exposure to CTE, vocational, and agricultural opportunities at local and regional public high schools.    

High School Pathway Options for Cohasset Middle School Students

Career and Technical Education

Cohasset Middle School students interested in a CTE education opportunity can apply for enrollment in South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School (476 Webster Street, Hanover, MA 02339). South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School offers CH74 Programs such as Allied Health, Automotive, Carpentry, Computer Information Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Graphic Design & Visual Communications, HVAC & Refrigeration, Horticulture & Landscape Construction, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and Metal Fabrication & Welding. 

Agricultural Education

Cohasset Middle School students interested in an agricultural education opportunity can apply for enrollment in either Norfolk County Agricultural High School (400 Main Street, Walpole MA 02081) or Bristol County Agricultural High School (135 Center Street, Dighton MA 02715). Norfolk County Agricultural High School offers programs such as Agricultural Mechanics, Animal & Veterinary Science, Environmental Science, and Horticultural (Plant) Science. Bristol County Agricultural High School offers programs such as Agricultural Mechanics, Animal Science, Arboriculture, Environmental Conservation, Floriculture, and Landscape Design & Contracting.

Cohasset Middle School Career Exploration

The district's implementation of a 6-8 guidance curriculum (MASS Hire 360) directly connects the exploration of CTE schools and programs to a student's broader academic and career goals. This structured curriculum helps students explore their interests, skills, and values starting in middle school. This self-discovery process guides students as they research high school pathways and make informed decisions about which school environment–whether a traditional high school, a specialized CTE or vocational program, or an agricultural program–best aligns with their emerging goals. Annual, school-day presentations to 8th graders will include information about secondary, career-connected learning opportunities, like CTE, advanced coursework, early college opportunities, internship opportunities, and certification programs. Presentations will be made by Cohasset High School, South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School, and Norfolk County Agricultural High School as available.

Collaboration with Member Vocational Schools

Cohasset Middle School (CMS) actively collaborates with member CTE/vocational and agricultural schools to inform students about the opportunities available to them. This collaboration includes: 

• Information Sharing: Annually by October 15th, CMS will provide member CTE/vocational and agricultural schools with the names, addresses, and email addresses of all enrolled seventh and eighth-grade students. CMS parents/caretakers will be given notice of the release of information and may request that the information not be released without their express prior consent. 
• On-Campus Assemblies: An invitation to present will be extended to South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School and Norfolk County Agricultural High School annually, and all eighth-grade students will have the opportunity to attend these assemblies on campus at Cohasset Middle School by October 15th each year. These events will provide students with information about CTE/vocational and agricultural programs and the application process. 
• School Tours: Each fall, eighth-grade students will have the opportunity to tour South Shore Regional Vocational Technical School, and Norfolk County Agricultural High School if and when these schools choose to offer tours. Transportation expenses will be covered by the host schools. These tours will be scheduled during the school day, will be chaperoned by CMS staff, and participation in the tour will not be recorded as an unexcused school absence.

Promotion of Events

CMS will share information about any open houses and informational events regarding the above CTE/vocational, and agricultural programs on the school website and through regular communication channels, such as newsletters and communication from the guidance office. 

• Application Interviews: Cohasset Public Schools will provide opportunities at the middle school during the school day for CTE/vocational and agricultural schools to schedule in-person interviews with students who have applied. 
• Online Resources: By October 15th each year, the Cohasset Public Schools website will publish pertinent information about CTE/vocational and agricultural school options, including application information, admissions policies, and open house/informational event schedules. 
• Providing Admissions Records to CTE Schools: Cohasset Public Schools will provide relevant information to member CTE/vocational and agricultural schools for students who have applied. This may include documentation of student interest, attendance records, and discipline records in accordance with the vocational school's approved admissions policy and DESE guidance.

Maintenance of Records

The Cohasset Middle School will maintain a record of all on-site presentations, assemblies, and student tours to CTE/vocational and agricultural schools, along with other relevant information about collaboration between the district and member CTE/vocational and agricultural schools. These records will be made available to DESE upon request.