Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy

Policy Overview

Quincy Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all middle school students and their families are well-informed about the wide range of educational opportunities available to them for exploring and pursuing their future career, and it is a priority of the district to continually expand these opportunities and align them with regional workforce needs. Quincy and North Quincy High School students have the opportunity to pursue Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways, Early College High School Pathway, Accelerated Associate Degree, and Dual Enrollment. 

In compliance with Massachusetts state regulations (603 CMR 4.00) and guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this policy outlines the pathway exploration process for middle school students in Quincy Public Schools as they and their families make decisions about high school.

High School Pathway Options

The following high schools and CTE programs are available to students who reside in Quincy:

For residents of Quincy:
Quincy High School
100 Coddington Street, Quincy MA 02169

Chapter 74 Programs: Automotive Technology, Business Technology, Carpentry Technology, Criminal Justice/Public Safety, Culinary Arts, Design and Visual Communication, Early Education and Care, Electrical Technology, Engineering Technology, Film and Television Production, Healthcare Technology, Information Support and Networking Services, Metal Fabrication and Joining Technology, and Plumbing Technology

North Quincy High School
316 Hancock Street, Quincy MA 02171

Chapter 74 Programs: Early Education and Care, Film and Television Production, and Healthcare Technology

Non-Chapter 74 Programs: Computer Science, Engineering, and Carpentry Technology

Norfolk County Agricultural High School
400 Main Street, Walpole MA 02081

Chapter 74 Programs: Agricultural Mechanics, Animal and Veterinary Science, Environmental Science, and Plant Science

Middle School Career Exploration

The district's implementation of My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) directly connects the exploration of CTE schools and programs to a student's broader academic and career goals. MyCAP is a structured process that helps students explore their interests, skills, and values starting in middle school. This self-discovery process guides students as they research high school pathways and make informed decisions about which school environment, whether a traditional high school or a specialized CTE program or vocational program, best aligns with their emerging goals.

Collaboration with High Schools

All middle schools in the district will actively collaborate with respective high schools to inform students about CTE/vocational opportunities available to them. This collaboration includes:

  • Open House: All middle school students and their families who reside in Quincy are welcome to attend annual Open House events at each high school in the fall. Students and staff are available to discuss the academic and CTE programs of each high school, provide tours of school facilities, and answer questions.
  • Back to School Night: Back to School night hosted at the start of the school year provides parents/guardians with information about the QHS freshmen exploratory program (Freshmen Seminar).
  • On-Campus Assemblies: Each fall, all eighth-grade students will have the opportunity to attend assemblies on-campus at their middle school which will feature speakers from QHS and NQHS CTE departments. These events will provide students with information about CTE programs and initiatives, Freshman Seminar (QHS), and Course Selection Planning.
  • Course Selection Planning Night: 8th Grade parents/guardians and students are invited to attend an evening at QHS and NQHS to learn about the course selection process and each high school’s program of studies.
  • Fly-Up Day: At the end of the 8th grade, students visit their respective high school for an introduction into the culture and climate of the school. During this visit, students receive a presentation about each school’s CTE and vocational opportunities and tour the school.
  • Parent Academy ~ Post-Secondary Initiatives: Grade 8 parents and students will learn about various post-secondary opportunities, including Dual Enrollment, Early College High School Pathway, Accelerated Associate Degree Pathway, and CVTE Pathway. Participants will gain an understanding of the benefits, guiding principles, application process, and supports that are available to students.
  • School Tours: Rising 8thgrade students will have the opportunity to tour CTE schools and programs during regular middle schools’ hours, with costs assumed by the hosting school. Students will not receive an unexcused absence if the CTE school or program confirms the student's participation in a tour.
  • Individualized School Tours: Each summer, incoming 9th grade students will have the opportunity to tour their respective high school. These tours will be scheduled one to two-weeks prior to the start of the new school year.
  • Promotion of Events: We share information about CTE and vocational events which occur throughout the year. The events are publicized on the Quincy Public Schools website and social media platforms, local access Channel 22, Principal Newsletters, middle school electronic displays, and through direct emails to students and parents/guardians at the middle schools.
  • Online Resources: By October 15th each year, the district website will publish pertinent information about CTE vocational school options, including links to career pathways, admissions policies, and open house/informational event schedules.

Providing Admissions Records to CTE Schools

The district will provide student names and addresses for all 7th and 8th graders by October 15th. It will also provide relevant information, with a signed parent release, to member vocational schools for students who have applied. This may include documentation of student interest, attendance records, and discipline records in accordance with the vocational school's approved admissions policy and DESE guidance. Quincy Public Schools will forward all above documents within 10 school days of request to ensure that the student’s application may be completed and processed in a timely manner. 

Maintenance of Records

Quincy’s middle schools will maintain a record of all on-site presentations, assemblies, and student tours to respective high schools CTE programs, along with other relevant information about collaboration between the district and high schools. These records will be made available to DESE upon request.

APPROVED: March 11, 2026