Student Services

Here you can find answers to some of our most popular questions.

1. WHAT IS CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION?

Ohio’s current Department of Education and Workforce defines Career-Technical Education (CTE) as education that inspires students to identify paths to future success and provides students opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for high school graduation and beyond. Students learn through career exploration, taking college courses and earning industry credentials. They receive customized learning that aligns their passions and interests to their career aspirations.

2. WHAT CAN TRI STAR OFFER ME AS A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT?

1. Learn from Industry-Experienced Teachers – Gain knowledge from instructors with real-world industry experience and current workplace expertise.

2. Gain Hands-On Career Training – Practice using the tools, equipment, and technology used in today’s workplaces.

3. Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) – Graduate with certifications that demonstrate job-ready skills and give you an edge with employers.

4. Earn College Credit – Get a head start on college through CTAGs and college articulation agreements.

5. Build Industry Connections & Gain Real-World Experience – Connect with employers through internships, apprenticeships, jobs, and other work-based learning opportunities.

3. WHAT DOES IT COST TO ATTEND TRI STAR?

There is no tuition charge for attending Tri Star. However, most classes have lab fees and some programs require students to purchase tools (automotive, welding, and construction). The current class fees can be found under the Student Resources Tab at the top of the Home screen.

4. HOW DOES A TRI STAR STUDENT’S DAY DIFFER FROM A REGULAR STUDENT’S DAY?

A student attends Tri Star’s Career Technical program for one half of the school day. Juniors in the morning and seniors in the afternoon. The other half of the student’s day is spent at their home school completing required academic courses. All students must complete graduation requirements, which can be found on the Ohio Department of Education’s Website.

5. ARE THERE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT IN A TRI STAR PROGRAM?

Yes, students are required to have accumulated a minimum of nine (9) credit hours by the end of their sophomore year to be admitted. Students should also be aware that the criteria used for being selected into a program is based on a student’s attendance, which is weighted 70% and their Grade Point Average (GPA) which is weighted at 30%.

6. IF I CHOOSE A CAREER TECHNICAL PROGRAM, CAN I STILL GO TO COLLEGE WHEN I GRADUATE?

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

7. IS IT TRUE YOU CAN EARN FREE COLLEGE CREDIT BY TAKING TRI STAR CLASSES?

YES, you can through Articulation Agreements and CTAGs. Students enrolled in a Tri Star program that has an articulation agreement with a college they plan to attend, and you meet the specific requirements of that agreement. CTAGs award college credit for career-technical coursework taken in high school or at a career-technical institution. You are eligible to earn college credit at an Ohio public college or university if you have completed approved CTE courses.

8. IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO A TRI STAR?
Yes! Bus transportation is provided to Tri Star. Students in work-based learning programs must provide their own transportation to and from school or work. Students who drive or ride with a student driver must complete a Transportation Authorization form in Final Forms and the Parking Registration form on the school Website. Please note: Driving is a privilege. Unsafe or reckless driving may result in loss of driving privileges, requiring students to ride the bus or arrange other transportation.

9. 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.

10. HOW DO I APPLY?
It’s easy! Visit the Application tab on our website to apply to Tri Star Career Compact for the upcoming school year. Applications open in mid-December, with a priority application deadline in January (TBD). If a program receives more applications than available seats, students who apply by the priority deadline will be considered based on their attendance record and GPA. Students may still apply after the priority deadline. Placement will be based on available program seats and students being in good academic standing and on track for high school graduation.

11. DOES TRI STAR OFFER ADULT CAREER TECHNICAL CLASSES?
Yes! Tri Star offers 30-hour adult education courses in welding, machining, PLC, and FANUC Robotics every fall and spring. Classes run over a three-week period. For more details, click Adult Education under the About Us tab on our website, or contact Mandy Diller at mandy.diller@tristarcc.org / 419-586-7060.