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About Our School

Our Students Succeed Here

At E.C. Goodwin Technical High School, students have the opportunity to turn their interests into real skills and prepare for a successful future. By combining strong academics with hands-on career and technical education, students graduate with a high school diploma, technical skills, and real-world experience that can lead to college, apprenticeships, military service, or a career.

Students rotate between academic and trade instruction on an approximately two-week cycle. This gives them dedicated time to focus on their academic courses while also building practical skills in their chosen trade. In hands-on shops and labs, students work with industry-standard equipment and learn the skills and workplace habits they will need after graduation.

During their freshman year, students explore our career and technical education programs before choosing a trade that matches their interests and goals. Throughout high school, students develop technical skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and gain experience that helps prepare them for the workplace.

Goodwin Tech also offers a strong academic program designed to prepare students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. Beginning in their junior year, eligible students can participate in Work-Based Learning, earning school credit while gaining valuable experience in their trade during the school day.

At E.C. Goodwin Technical High School, students graduate ready to put their skills to work and confident in their ability to build a future that fits their goals.

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

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.

Berlin, Bristol, Farmington, Hartford, Newington, New Britain, Plainville, Southington

Map of Connecticut with a green graduation cap icon centered in the state.

Our Learning Norms - Gladiators Defend

This is the acronym we use to present and highlight our school norms for both learning and behavior. Posters are displayed in every classroom to remind us of the standards that make our school a great school.

Gladiators Defend

D – Defend
E — Every voice is valued
F — Foster constructive feedback to help us learn
E — Effort to take responsibility for my own learning
N — Nurture a life-long learning process
D — Dare to view mistakes as opportunities to learn

Gladiators Defend

D – Defend
E — Electronics are used for professional use only
F — Food and beverages stay in the cafe
E — Expected to be here and on time
N — Need to wear uniform every day
D — Demonstrate professional language and respect