I grew up needing hands-on experience.

My best classes were science classes. I knew that I needed a different experience than a regular academic high school. While there were many different pros and cons of going to the Vocational High School I went to, the pros outweighed the cons. I wanted to get into drafting. However, I determined computer programming and web design was for me. For someone who was bad at math, I was good at programming.

There are many different reasons to choose a Vocational-Technical High School. Here are a few reasons to choose Voc. Tech. Education.

1. You graduate with more than just a high school diploma

Vocational-Technical High Schools graduate students with more than just a high school diploma. Students graduate with a certificate of completion in their chosen Vocational-Technical program. I have a high school diploma and a certificate of completion in Programming & Web Design. I also received college credit!

2. You are able to go to college

Originally, Vocational High Schools were designed to give students a place to learn a trade for careers that do not require a college degree. Now, students attend a Vocational-Technical High School to get a backup plan, or to still learn a trade. Many vocational programs have articulation agreements with local community colleges, so you can get credit for your high school vocational experience.

3. You get real world experience

Voc. Tech schools have many different programs. The smallest one I've seen had 13 programs. The largest I've seen had 20 programs, and more that were in the works. Each program is based on real world experience. In fact, many students get Co-Op jobs and get paid to do what they've learned in shop class outside of the classroom.

4. Academics are just as good as a regular high school

Academic classes are just as challenging as a regular academic high school, if not better. Vocational Academic teachers have to jam two weeks of academics into one week. Vocational-Technical High Schools have college prep classes, honors classes, and AP courses. We get two weeks of academics, in one week. It's hard!

5. Many school districts have some sort of Voc. School

Many, if not all, school districts have a Vocational-Technical High School. Here is a map of Massachusetts, and where each town sends their Voc. Tech. studentsto.

Source: www.doe.mass.edu

Don't make fun of someone based on going to on them going to a Vocational High School. They are trying to make their lives better.