In Fall of 2023, SPS will add Cosmetology to its robust lineup of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. The purchase of a modular building to house the program was recently approved by the Springfield Public Schools Board of Directors for Gateways High School, Brattain Campus with a combination of state funds from High School Success and federal funds from United Front, procured in large part through the advocacy of former U.S. Representative Peter Defazio.
The building will house spaces for classroom instruction, an aesthetic room, hair shampoo and styling areas, and manicure and pedicure stations.
The program is aligned with community college standards and will prepare students to take the Board of Cosmetology Exam and enter the workforce.
"The genesis of the program comes from an identified industry need for cosmetologists and conversations with students who are interested in this career and some have even graduated early from high school to attend cosmetology school," says High School Director, Mindy Leroux.
Leroux also explained that understanding the price tag for attending cosmetology school after high school is high, about $25,000.
"We will have a brand new facility where students can achieve all licensure requirements, with proper attendance and focus on their classwork, sit for the cosmetology exam upon graduation at no cost to the student," added Leroux.
The program is open to current 10th graders. Interested students can apply here. Students enrolled in the program become Gateways High School students where they will also complete the remainder of their graduation requirements with some integration of standard coursework with the cosmetology program.
SPS is the third school district to offer a Cosmetology CTE program in the state.
For more information on CTE course offerings, click here.
