Law and Public Safety

Here you can find answers to some of our most popular questions. You may submit a question at the bottom of this page.

1. What is Career Technical education?

   It is planned programs of study designed to provide students with the technical and social skills needed for employment. These skills increase an individual's chances of securing a good paying job in an area of interest to them.
   

2. What can Tri Star offer me as a high school student?

   1. The best Career-Technical training in facilities with up-to-date equipment and software.
   2. Instructors who are caring individuals with special training and "on-the-job" experience in the areas they teach
   3. College credit and scholarship money for qualified students who want to go on to college.
   4. Job seeking assistance.

3. What does it cost to attend Tri Star classes?

   There is no charge for attending a Tri Star class. However, most classes have lab fees AND, some programs require students to purchase tools (e.g. automotives, welding, construction).
   

4. How does Career-Technical education compare to regular education programs?

   In some respects it is similar to regular education classes in that students spend time in a classroom setting (with textbooks, etc.), however, Career Technical education programs devote a larger portion of class time (lab ) to hands-on application of the skills learned.
   

5. How does a Career-Technical student's day differ from a regular student's day?

   A student attends their chosen Career-Technical program for one half of the school day. The other half of their day is spent at their home school completing required academic classes. All students must take required courses needed for graduation at their home school. Check the Ohio Department of Education's website for graduation requirements (www.ode.state.oh.us).
   
6. Are there requirements for enrollment in a Tri Star program?
   Yes, students are required to have accumulated a minimum nine (9) credit hours to be admitted. It should also be noted that enrollment is based on a student's attendance (weighted 70%) and GPA (weighted 30%) from their freshman and sophomore year.
   

7. If I choose a Career-Technical program, can I still go to college once I graduate?

   Yes, approximately 60% of Tri Star graduates go on to attend 2 or 4 year colleges or other post-secondary training.
   

8. Is it true you can earn free college credit by taking a Tri Star class?

   Yes, you can... if you enroll in a Tri Star program that has an articulation agreement with a college you plan to attend, AND you meet the specific requirements for that agreement (see the "college" tab located at the top of the page). Students can also earn college credits by way of CTAVs (or the Career Technical Articulation Verification). Students who earn CTAVs will see the actual credit on a transcript.
   

9. What is College Tech Prep?

   College Tech Prep is a curriculum of study designed to prepare a student for a "high tech" career by blending academic and technical subjects. The goal of a Tech Prep program is to prepare a student to enter a two-year and/or four-year college through coursework which includes a combination of academic, job readiness, and technical skill development.
   1. Project-based learning with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving
   2. Providing opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in high demand careers.
   3. STEM programs are identified with the STEM logo in the Tri Star catalog.

10. Is transportation provided to a Tri Star class that is not held at my home school?

    Yes! Bus transportation is provided to Tri Star however, students may provide their own transportation. Students enrolled in work-study programs must provide their own transportation to and from school or work. Students, who choose to drive or students who ride with student drivers are required to complete a Transportation Authorization form. Drivers must also provide proof of coverage by motor vehicle liability insurance (at the applicable state minimum level) in order to be able to drive to school. PLEASE NOTE: Driving is a privilege. Students who drive irresponsibly or recklessly may lose their privilege to drive and be required to ride the bus or find other transportation.
    

11. Can Tri Star students participate in home school extracurricular activities?

    Yes! Tri Star only requires students to leave their home school for half-a-day, thus enabling them to participate in activities and remain in close contact with peers and teachers at their home school.
    

12. How do I apply?
    It's easy! Applications are available on this website, in your high school guidance office, from a Tri Star instructor or at the Tri Star office. Just complete your portion of the application and turn it in to your high school guidance counselor before the posted deadline. Counselors must then complete their portion of the application before sending it on to the Tri Star office for processing.
    
    

13. Can my son or daughter be enrolled if he is home schooled?
    Yes, but certain stipulations apply. Call the Tri Star Office (419-586-7060) for information.
    

14. Can I take more than one Tri Star program in the same year?

    Under certain circumstances this is possible, however for most students it cannot be done due to scheduling issues. A Tri Star program will take up one-half day of the student's school schedule and the other half is needed to complete academic requirements (e.g. math, English, government, science) at their home high school. Call the Tri Star Office (419-586-7060) for help in making this determination.
    

15. Does Tri Star offer adult career technical classes?

    Welding, precision machining, Servsafe, and FANUC robotics certification classes are offered for adults at various times throughout the year. For more information click on Adult Education or contact Marcia Helentjaris at marcia.helentjaris@tristarcc.org or call 419-586-7060.