Admissions
Franklin County Technical School – Admissions FAQs
(last updated 10/21/2024)
What towns are District-Members of the Franklin County Technical School?
1. Bernardston, 2. Buckland, 3. Colrain, 4. Conway, 5. Deerfield,
6. Erving, 7. Gill, 8. Greenfield, 9. Heath, 10. Leyden,
11. Montague, 12. New Salem, 13. Northfield, 14. Orange, 15. Shelburne,
16. Sunderland, 17. Warwick, 18. Wendell, 19. Whately.
No additional tuition is required for students accepted and admitted from District-Member towns.
What Non-District / Non-Member towns typically attend under a Tuition Agreement?
1. Amherst, 2. Ashfield, 3. Charlemont, 4. Leverett,
5. Hatfield, 6. Hawley, 7. Rowe, 8. Shutesbury,
9. Other towns in Franklin County, *Vermont and *New Hampshire
What are the Key Points of Non-District / Non-Member Tuition Agreements?
- Eligibility: Students from non-member towns may apply to attend vocational schools that are part of the Chapter 74 program. This allows them access to vocational education even if their home district does not have a vocational program
- Tuition Costs: Non-member students typically pay tuition to attend the vocational school. The tuition amount is often determined based on the school's per-pupil expenditure, which is set by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Transportation: Non-member students may not be eligible for transportation services provided by the vocational school. It is often the responsibility of the student’s home district or the family to arrange transportation.
- Enrollment Process: Students usually need to complete an application process, which may include requirements such as recommendations, interviews, or assessments, depending on the vocational school's policies.
*Out-of-State applicants are required to submit a letter from their town officials approving payment of the FCTS tuition cost.
When is the application open?
The application for Franklin County Technical School typically opens in the fall. Specific dates are posted on our website, so please check regularly for updates or contact the admissions office for the latest information.
When are the open houses?
We host open houses in the fall and winter. These are great opportunities for prospective students and families to tour the school, meet staff and instructors, and learn more about our technical programs. Open house dates are advertised on www.FCTS.us and our social media channels.
How does the Admissions Process work?
Our admissions process uses a points-based scoring system that evaluates several factors:
- Academic performance
- Attendance
- Conduct
- Interview
Each category contributes to a total score, which helps us determine eligibility for admission.
What does the interview entail?
The interview provides an opportunity for us to get to know you better. We’ll ask questions about your interests, career goals, and why you think Franklin County Tech is the right fit for you. This helps us gauge your commitment and readiness for our programs.
When do you notify students of acceptance?
District Students are typically notified of their acceptance status by mid-spring. Non-Member applicants are notified after District acceptances, Specific dates vary each year, so please check the admissions timeline or contact us for the exact date.
Will we hear if our student is not accepted or placed on the waitlist?
Yes, all applicants will receive communication regarding their application status. If you are not accepted or are placed on the waitlist, you will be notified and given details about the next steps.
How does the waitlist work?
Students placed on the waitlist will be ranked based on their total score from the admissions process. If spots become available, students will be contacted in order of their ranking. Waitlist status can fluctuate as openings occur, and we will keep you informed throughout the process.