CTAE

Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE)

Preparing Every Student for Life Beyond the Classroom

At Jefferson City Schools, we believe students are never too young to begin imagining their future. That’s why Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) is woven throughout the student experience – from early exposure in elementary school to advanced pathways and certifications in high school. By connecting learning to real-world careers, CTAE helps us fulfill our mission of graduating fully functioning adults who are prepared for success in college, careers and life.

What is CTAE?

CTAE stands for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education, an approach to learning that integrates academic instruction with technical and occupational skills. Across Georgia, CTAE is organized into career clusters and pathways designed to prepare students for a wide range of post-secondary options, including higher education, technical training and direct entry into the workforce.

At Jefferson City Schools, CTAE goes far beyond the high school classroom. It’s part of a district-wide commitment to helping students discover their strengths and passions early, then providing them with the tools and experiences to develop them.

CTAE at Every Level

Jefferson Elementary and Jefferson Academy

Students begin exploring careers as early as Pre-K through career days and classroom activities. For the 2025–2026 school year, students at Jefferson Academy will participate in a Career Explorations class, which aims to foster early awareness and interest in future career opportunities.

 Jefferson Middle School

Beginning in sixth grade, students take elective courses that introduce them to key CTAE concepts. These early experiences help students begin charting their pathway. By the end of eighth grade, many students are already preparing to continue in a specific area of interest.

Jefferson High School

With 26 pathways across 10 Schools of Excellence, Jefferson High School offers students a chance to dive deeper into career-focused learning. Many pathways lead to industry-recognized certifications, dual enrollment, internships and leadership opportunities that make students college- and career-ready.

Beyond the Classroom: CTSOs

To enhance the CTAE experience, Jefferson City Schools supports a variety of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) at both JMS and JHS. These groups provide students with opportunities to sharpen their skills through leadership, service, competitions and real-world projects – all while connecting with peers who share similar interests.

A Districtwide Commitment

From PreK career days to high school certifications, CTAE is an integral part of how Jefferson City Schools helps students discover their purpose and pursue it with confidence. With intentional alignment across grade levels, we’ve built a system where students don’t just imagine their future – they build it.