An admission process is necessary for vocational-technical schools where space is a limiting factor.  Vocational technical laboratories (shops) are designed and equipped to serve a specific maximum number of students safely. Consequently, a complex of such laboratories lacks both space and flexibility to accommodate all applicants’ possible needs and interests.  Therefore, when the number of applicants exceeds the student capacity in a given program, a selection process is required to determine which applicants will be offered admission and which applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

On June 22, 2021, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted new regulations for admissions to vocational-technical schools and vocational programs at comprehensive high schools. This policy was developed for the 2022-2023 admissions process to ensure transparency for students, families, and sending districts. The Worcester Public School Committee originally approved the policy on December 16, 2021 and approved a revision on October 6, 2022 and then another revision October, 2024. The policy is in effect for the students applying for admission to enroll from the 2025-2026 school year going forward. The School Committee will review this policy annually; the District will re-submit the policy (including any approved revisions) to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) by October 1. 

Worcester Technical High School (WTHS) and the Chapter 74 programs at WPS comprehensive high schools admit students and make available to them their advantages, privileges, and courses of study without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. 

Students who lack proficiency in English (who are classified as “English Learners”) and parents of students who lack proficiency in English can request assistance from staff at the middle school they are enrolled in, WTHS or the appropriate comprehensive high school to complete the application process. Online application materials for WTHS and comprehensive programs will be accessible in at least the eight most commonly used languages within the district, and a qualified representative from Worcester Technical High School will assist the applicant in completing the necessary forms and assist in interpreting/translating during the entire application and admission process upon the request of the applicant.

Students with disabilities may voluntarily self-identify to request reasonable accommodations during the entire application and admission process. Information on limited English proficiency and disability disclosed voluntarily by the applicant to receive assistance and accommodations during the application and admission process will not affect their admission to the school.

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Worcester Technical High School (23 Programs)

Doherty Memorial High School (4 Programs)

North High School (2 Programs)

South High Community School (3 Programs)