CTE Career Pathways

Swain County CTE offers a wide variety of classes to explore while attending Middle School and High School. Students can earn valuable credentials in most CTE classes that they can carry with them into their careers.

There are several things to consider when signing up for classes.

Are you on the four year university track?

Are you wanting to start your career after high school?

What type of classes do you need vs what type of classes to you want to take?

Honors Level

More rigorous than standard classes but not as rigorous dual enrollment or AP courses. Demonstrates the ability to take challenging coursework. Weighted GPA point increase = .5 point

Dual Enrollment

Transfer credit to NC Public Colleges and Universities, May not transfer to private or out-of-state schools, Must score a C or better in the course with eligibility requirements, Weighted GPA point increase= 1 point

AP Courses

Widely recognized and accepted by colleges, Academically rigorous, Must take a test and score 3 or better to receive college credit, Demonstrate on college applications challenging curricula, Weighted GPA point increase = 1 point

Students who are considering a four year college must take an advanced fourth Math course, as well as recommended two units of a second language. SCHS Offers Cherokee and Spanish as second language options. SCHS also recommends that students take Chemistry during 10th or 11th grade to help them prepare to take the ACT and be better prepared for college. The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges to make admissions decisions. All juniors will take the ACT and there are additional optional testing dates that students may register to take on Saturday's throughout the school year within Western North Carolina.