The guidance counselors work with all students to help them achieve success in the educational system.  They focus on direct services to students and parents while building a collaborative relationship to help resolve academic and social problems.  Their goal is that each student develops a clear focus and sense of direction to maximize achievement and strengthen their self-concept.  A counselor meets with each student individually to help them make appropriate course selections, emphasizing that the right choices now lead to opportunities in the future.  Counselors identify resources that can help students explore their educational and career goals.  They encourage students to challenge themselves academically and in the extracurricular school setting.  

TORC

The Taunton Occupational Resource Center is available for all types of vocational military and college information.  Students and residents of Taunton are able to explore career and educational opportunities through various forms of computerized programs and reference materials.

  Resources include the Discover Program, designed to assist students in identifying career options that match with their interests, skills, and values.  The College View program is a computerized program that allows a student to look at numerous educational opportunities, request information from colleges, and apply to colleges across the country.  The center also has 2 & 4 year college and vocational and technical school reference materials available, as well as college brochures and applications.

  All students are encouraged to utilize the TORC services at least once a year, in order to formulate a solid career plan that will put them on the road to future success.

COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS

Minimum eligibility for admission to a Massachusetts state college or university includes sixteen units of Academic/Honors course work, a GPA of 3.0 and a passing score on the MCAS tests.  SAT scores are also considered.

English                       4 courses

Mathematics             3 courses (Algebra I & II, & Geometry)

Science                      3 courses (2 with laboratory work)

Social Studies          2 courses (1 in US History)

Foreign Language   2 courses of the same language (3 or 4 for selective colleges)

Electives                   2 courses (including Arts & Humanities or Computer Sciences)

Students should take the PSAT in October of junior year and the SAT I in the spring of junior year.  Students are encouraged to take the appropriate Subject Area Test of the SAT II at the completion of the qualifying course to meet the criteria for selective colleges and the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery.  See particular course descriptions for details.

TECH PREP PROGRAM

Taunton High School is among many area high schools involved in providing technology education studies in conjunction with Bristol community college, New England Institute of Technology and Johnson and Wales University, to name a few.  Because of the changing demands of technology in the workplace today, the careers that are growing are those which require a two year college degree.  This program is designed to provide qualified students acceptance into a career associate degree program or a transfer bachelor degree program. 

  The Tech Prep curriculum targets educational proficiency that allows students to earn college credit while in Taunton High School.  Bristol Community College will allow a high school student to take up to five courses, free of charge.

  Students who are interested in challenging themselves academically and want to get a head start on college coursework may choose from the following clusters: Business Technologies, Child Care, and Engineering Technologies and Culinary Arts.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Students have opportunities to participate in Internships through the Science, Business Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences and Industrial Technology Departments.  Students work at local businesses during their internships and receive valuable experience as a result.