Attalla City Schools Cosmetology Career Technical Education Program

The Cosmetology Career Technical Education (CTE) Program at Attalla City Schools provides students with an engaging, hands-on pathway into one of the most in-demand and creative industries. Designed to equip learners with both technical expertise and professional skills, the program prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce as well as continued education at postsecondary institutions.

Program Overview

The cosmetology program blends classroom instruction with extensive practical application. Students gain knowledge in hair design, cutting, styling, chemical texturizing, coloring, skin care, nail technology, and salon business operations. Through a sequenced curriculum, students progress from foundational concepts to advanced techniques, ensuring they build confidence and proficiency in a variety of services.

Industry-Recognized Skills & Credentials

Students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials, including hours toward Alabama State Board of Cosmetology licensing requirements. By completing the program, students graduate with the technical training necessary to pursue licensure as a professional cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician. They also develop essential workplace readiness skills such as communication, customer service, time management, and professionalism.

Hands-On Experience

A cornerstone of the program is its emphasis on real-world application. Students practice their skills in a fully equipped, school-based salon lab where they work with mannequins and live models under the supervision of licensed instructors. This setting mirrors the expectations of a professional salon environment, fostering responsibility, safety, and attention to detail.

Career & Postsecondary Opportunities

Graduates of the cosmetology program are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Licensed cosmetologist

• Hairstylist or barber

• Nail technician

• Esthetician

• Salon owner or manager

• Makeup artist

• Product sales or education specialist

In addition to direct entry into the workforce, students may choose to further their education in cosmetology, esthetics, or related fields at technical colleges and universities.

Community Impact

The program also benefits the local community by offering affordable salon services performed by students. This not only provides valuable practice but also strengthens school-community partnerships and showcases student talent.

Preparing Students for Success

Through rigorous instruction, hands-on training, and credentialing opportunities, the Attalla City Schools Cosmetology CTE Program empowers students to graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in a creative, client-focused industry. By connecting passion with profession, the program opens doors to sustainable careers and lifelong success.

Attalla City Schools Education & Training Career Technical Education Program

The Education and Training Career Technical Education Program at Attalla City Schools provides students with a solid foundation for pursuing careers in the field of education. Through classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, and workplace learning, students develop the skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessary to succeed as future teachers, child care professionals, and leaders in education. The program is divided into two distinct pathways: Early Childhood Education and Teaching and Training.

Early Childhood Education Pathway

Program Overview

The Early Childhood Education pathway prepares students to work with infants, toddlers, and young children in a variety of settings. Students learn about child growth and development, learning environments, health and safety, family engagement, and curriculum planning.

Hands-On Experience

A hallmark of the program is its emphasis on practical learning. Students gain field experience in school-based preschool and child care settings, where they practice lesson planning, classroom management, and interactive play. This real-world exposure helps students build the patience, creativity, and communication skills essential for working with young children.

Credentials & Opportunities

Students in Early Childhood Education may earn industry-recognized certifications, such as Teaching Strategies GOLD, Google Educator Level 1 and 2, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce. Program completers are prepared for careers in child care centers, preschools, and Head Start programs, as well as for postsecondary study in early childhood education or related fields.

Teaching and Training Pathway

Program Overview

The Teaching and Training pathway provides students with a structured introduction to the teaching profession. Coursework covers educational foundations, learning theories, instructional strategies, technology integration, classroom management, and leadership in education.

Hands-On Experience

Students participate in field-based learning by assisting in K–12 classrooms under the supervision of certified teachers. They gain practical skills in lesson planning, tutoring, classroom support, and instructional delivery. This pathway provides a clear understanding of the responsibilities and rewards of teaching.

Credentials & Opportunities

Students may earn workplace readiness credentials and build portfolios that showcase their teaching experiences. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue degrees in elementary, secondary, or special education at colleges and universities. They also develop transferable skills such as public speaking, leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Preparing Tomorrow’s Educators

Together, the Early Childhood and Teaching pathways create a comprehensive program that equips students with both technical skills and professional competencies. By engaging in meaningful, hands-on experiences, students gain early exposure to the teaching profession, affirming their career goals and preparing them for success in postsecondary education and beyond.

Attalla City Schools Agriculture Career Technical Education Program: Plant Science Pathway

The Agriculture CTE Program at Attalla City Schools provides students with a dynamic learning experience focused on the science, technology, and practices of modern agriculture. Within the Plant Science Pathway, students gain valuable skills in crop production, horticulture, greenhouse management, and sustainable agriculture, preparing them for a wide range of careers and postsecondary opportunities.

Program Overview

The Plant Science pathway equips students with knowledge of plant biology, soil science, agribusiness, and environmental stewardship. Students study the life cycles of plants, propagation methods, pest management, and conservation practices. The program emphasizes both traditional farming methods and emerging technologies that drive today’s agricultural industry.

Hands-On Experience

Learning is highly experiential. Students participate in greenhouse operations, school-based gardens, and land-lab projects where they apply classroom knowledge to real-world agricultural production. They gain experience in plant propagation, landscaping, crop maintenance, and laboratory testing for soil and plant health. Many also engage in supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and leadership activities through FFA (Future Farmers of America), building responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Credentials & Opportunities

Students in the Plant Science pathway have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials such as OSHA-10, pesticide safety training, or other agricultural certifications aligned with state and national standards. Program completers are prepared for careers in:

• Crop production and farm management

• Greenhouse and nursery operations

• Landscaping and turf management

• Agricultural research and environmental science

• Agribusiness and sales

Additionally, students gain a strong foundation for pursuing agricultural science degrees at colleges, universities, or technical schools.

Community & Career Impact

The Plant Science program not only prepares students for employment but also strengthens ties with the local community. By maintaining school gardens, contributing to beautification projects, and supporting local agricultural initiatives, students demonstrate the real-world impact of agricultural education.

Preparing Students for Success

Through rigorous coursework, hands-on training, and leadership development, the Plant Science pathway empowers students to become innovators in agriculture. The program nurtures problem-solvers who are ready to meet the challenges of feeding a growing population, conserving natural resources, and advancing sustainable practices for future generations.

Attalla City Schools JROTC Career Technical Education Program

The JROTC Program at Attalla City Schools is designed to motivate young people to become better citizens while building leadership, character, and career-ready skills. Rooted in discipline, service, and responsibility, the program provides students with opportunities to grow academically, socially, and personally through structured instruction, hands-on training, and community involvement.

Program Overview

JROTC is not a military recruitment program, but rather a leadership and citizenship development course that equips students with life skills. The curriculum includes instruction in leadership principles, communication, physical fitness, civics, first aid, and history. Students also learn about teamwork, problem-solving, and career planning, all within a supportive and structured environment.

Hands-On Experience

The program emphasizes learning by doing. Cadets participate in:

• Drill and ceremony to build discipline and teamwork

• Physical training to promote health and resilience

• Community service projects that encourage civic responsibility

• Field trips and leadership exercises that expose students to real-world applications

• Color guard and competitive drill teams that represent the school at local and regional events

Through these experiences, cadets develop confidence, self-motivation, and leadership skills that benefit them in any career field.

Credentials & Opportunities

Students have opportunities to earn leadership positions within the corps, recognition through awards and ranks, and workplace readiness credentials that strengthen their postsecondary and career pathways. JROTC also supports students who wish to pursue military service by offering advanced placement benefits, but it equally prepares students for civilian careers, college, and technical training programs.

Community & Career Impact

The JROTC program strengthens ties between Attalla City Schools and the broader community. Cadets regularly contribute through volunteer service, civic engagement, and participation in school and community events. These experiences reinforce responsibility, teamwork, and a commitment to service—qualities valued by employers, colleges, and the military alike.

Preparing Students for Success

The Attalla City Schools JROTC Program empowers students to graduate with more than just academic knowledge. Cadets leave the program with discipline, leadership experience, and the confidence to succeed in college, careers, and life. Whether their future path leads to military service, higher education, or the workforce, JROTC instills the values of leadership, citizenship, and service that prepare students for lifelong success.

Attalla City Schools Health Science Career Technical Education Program

The Health Science CTE Program at Attalla City Schools prepares students for one of the fastest-growing and most essential career fields: healthcare. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences, the program equips students with the knowledge, technical skills, and professional attributes needed to succeed in health-related careers or pursue advanced study at colleges and universities.

Program Overview

Students in the Health Science pathway explore the fundamentals of the healthcare system, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, and health and safety practices. The curriculum is aligned to state and national standards and provides students with a solid foundation for understanding how the human body functions and how healthcare professionals provide care across diverse settings.

Hands-On Experience

The program emphasizes experiential learning. Students participate in laboratory simulations, skills practice, and clinical shadowing experiences in local healthcare facilities. Under the supervision of qualified instructors, they learn to take vital signs, assist with patient care, maintain infection control procedures, and use medical equipment. This hands-on approach builds confidence and ensures students are prepared for real-world healthcare environments.

Credentials & Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials such as:

• CCMA-Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
• CHW-Community Health Worker
• NST-Nursing Support Technician

These certifications provide immediate employability upon graduation and strengthen applications for postsecondary health programs. Program completers are well-prepared for careers such as nursing, medical assisting, emergency medical services, dental assisting, physical therapy, and other allied health professions.

Career & Postsecondary Pathways

The Health Science program opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, including:

• Entry-level employment in healthcare facilities

• Technical training programs for specialized healthcare roles

• Two- and four-year college degree programs in nursing, pre-medicine, pharmacy, public health, and more

By completing the pathway, students gain a competitive advantage for both immediate employment and long-term career advancement.

Community & Career Impact

The program also benefits the local community by supporting healthcare facilities with trained, motivated student interns and volunteers. Students learn the importance of service, ethics, and compassion, reinforcing healthcare’s mission of improving the quality of life for individuals and families.

Preparing Students for Success

Through rigorous academic study, practical training, and credentialing opportunities, the Health Science CTE Program at Attalla City Schools provides students with a strong foundation for careers in healthcare. By cultivating technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a service-oriented mindset, the program empowers students to thrive as future healthcare professionals dedicated to improving lives.

Attalla City Schools Work-Based Learning Program

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program at Attalla City Schools connects classroom learning with real-world workplace experiences, providing students with opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to transition successfully from school to careers or postsecondary education. By partnering with local businesses, industries, and community organizations, WBL gives students authentic experiences that prepare them for both immediate employment and long-term career advancement.

Program Overview

Work-Based Learning serves as the capstone experience for Career Technical Education (CTE) students. Eligible juniors and seniors apply academic knowledge and technical training in professional settings while earning high school credit. The program emphasizes employability skills, personal responsibility, and career exploration, aligning with Alabama’s College and Career Readiness standards.

Hands-On Experience

Students participate in on-the-job training and career mentorships tailored to their career goals. Opportunities may include:

• Paid and unpaid internships

• Cooperative education placements

• Apprenticeships or job shadowing

• Community service and career-related projects

Through these experiences, students develop workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving while gaining exposure to industry expectations.

Credentials & Opportunities

WBL students may earn workplace readiness credentials and document their growth through portfolios and employer evaluations. The program strengthens resumes, enhances college and scholarship applications, and provides students with a professional network that supports future success.

Community & Career Impact

The program creates strong school-to-career connections by building partnerships with local employers. Businesses benefit from motivated, well-prepared student workers, while students gain hands-on experiences that clarify career goals and build confidence. This reciprocal relationship fosters community growth and ensures a stronger local workforce.

Preparing Students for Success

The Attalla City Schools Work-Based Learning Program empowers students to graduate with more than just academic knowledge. By combining classroom instruction with meaningful workplace experience, WBL equips students with the career readiness, professionalism, and adaptability needed to thrive in today’s evolving economy. Whether students choose to enter the workforce immediately or continue their education, Work-Based Learning ensures they are prepared for success.

Middle School Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS)

Grades 6–8

What is Family & Consumer Sciences?

Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) introduces middle school students to essential life skills that prepare them for success at home, in school, and in future careers. Students in grades 6–8 explore engaging, hands-on projects that connect learning to real-world experiences.

What Students Learn

• Personal & Family Well-Being
  Building responsibility, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.

• Nutrition & Food Preparation
  Hands-on cooking and kitchen safety while learning about healthy lifestyles.

• Child Development & Care
  Understanding how children grow and how to support their needs.

• Consumer Skills
  Basics of money management, budgeting, and wise decision-making.

• Career Exploration
  Early introduction to pathways in education, health sciences, human services, and more.

Why Take FACS?

✅ Gain valuable life skills for home and school
✅ Develop teamwork and leadership abilities
✅ Learn practical knowledge for healthy living
✅ Explore career pathways in high-demand fields
✅ Have fun with hands-on projects and activities

Program Availability

Offered at Etowah Middle School (Grades 6–8) as part of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program.