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About Our School

Our Students Succeed Here

At Ella T. Grasso Technical High School, students earn more than a high school diploma—they gain the knowledge, technical skills, and real-world experience needed for success after graduation. Grasso Tech combines rigorous academics with hands-on career and technical education, preparing students for Connecticut's workforce and a rapidly changing world.

Students can explore 12 career and technical education programs, including Automotive Technology, Bioscience-Environmental Technology, Culinary Arts, Digital Media, Electrical, Hairdressing and Cosmetology, Information Technology, Plumbing and Heating, Welding and Ship-Fitting, and more. They learn using industry-standard equipment while building the skills employers and colleges value.

After graduation, students are prepared for college, apprenticeships, military service, or careers in their chosen fields. Through Work-Based Learning, students can gain paid, real-world job experience before they graduate. They can also earn college credit through partnerships with Connecticut's community colleges and challenge themselves with Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English, history, science, and art.

 

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

We envision CTECS as the primary pipeline for Connecticut’s skilled labor workforce.

Our Mission

Through exemplary trade and academic programming, CTECS prepares trade-bound students to meet the skilled workforce needs in Connecticut.

Our Vision of a Graduate

The Vision of a Graduate (VoG) at the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) embodies our commitment to preparing students for success in Connecticut’s workforce. Developed in collaboration with students, parents, staff, and employers, the VoG ensures that CTECS students are not only job-ready but also equipped to lead, innovate, and adapt in a dynamic world. As educators, we are dedicated to developing these qualities by providing a comprehensive education that empowers our students to achieve their fullest potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Work-Ready

To be work-ready includes a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and personal qualities that ensure a graduate can effectively contribute to the workplace from day one.

Respectful

Graduates who embody respectfulness emphasize the importance of treating others with dignity, valuing diversity, and fostering an inclusive and positive environment, both personally and professionally.

Problem Solver

Problem solvers tackle challenges by identifying root causes of issues, brainstorming solutions, implementing effective strategies, and demonstrating adaptability.

Critical Thinker

Critical thinkers approach problems systematically by analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make well-informed decisions and contribute to innovative solutions.

Effective Communicator

Effective communicators convey ideas, information, and emotions accurately and persuasively, fostering understanding and collaboration.

Skilled Socially

Graduates who are skilled socially are equipped to navigate social environments, build relationships, and contribute positively to their communities and workplaces.

Where Our Students Come From

Map of Connecticut with a graduation cap icon highlighting a specific location.

We attract a diverse student population from across Connecticut because of our extensive Career and Technical Education programs, rigorous academics, opportunities for real-world work experience and the chance to earn college credit. Below are the towns our students frequently come from, but others are encouraged to apply. Learn more about our application process

Bozrah, Colchester, East Lyme, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Groton Long Point, Jewett City, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Lyme, Montville, New London, North, Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Preston, Salem, Sprague, Stonington, Voluntown, Waterford, Westbrook.