250 Pawtucket Blvd

Tyngsboro, MA 01879

(978)454-5411

     Academic Programs Technical Programs Sports Activities
 
 
 
  

GLTHS Tour

Academic Programs

Academic courses are an integral part of a student's education at Greater Lowell Tech, not only complementing the technical training and providing specific information all high school students must learn, but encouraging students in problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Students from Greater Lowell can and do go on to college. Academic offerings at GLTHS meet the new admissions standards for Massachusetts state colleges and universities as well as NCAA eligibility requirements. GLTHS is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

English Language Education
English
Foreign Languages
Homework Help / Tutoring
Mathematics
Physical Education / Health
Science
Social Studies
Support Services

Technical Programs

Hundreds of jobs are represented in our 23 vocational-technical programs, or "shops", as our students call them. Students explore half-a-dozen areas, experiencing what an occupation is really like before they choose their specialty. In each program the curriculum and equipment reflect current employer needs and state-of-the-art technology. We train our students for the real world and our placement figures back this up!

Construction Technology Carpentry and Cabinetmaking
Electrical
HVAC
Masonry
Painting and Decoration
Plumbing and Pipefitting
Health Health Assistant
Medical Assistant
Personal Services Cosmetology
Culinary Arts
Early Childhood Education
Hotel and Lodging
Marketing Education
Technology Cluster Computer Aided Drafting and Design
Electronics and Telecommunications
Office Technology
Programming and Web Development
Graphic Communications
Fashion Design Technology
Transportation and Manufacturing Automotive Collision Technology
Automotive Technology
Machine Technology
Metal Fabrication
Small Engines

Activities

Student Activities

 

 

English

  • English I, II, III, and IV – This sequence of courses begins with a focus on essential skills in literature, language, composition, reading and media.  Completion of I through IV provides the opportunity to demonstrate language and communication skills.  Writing is the core component coupled with reading strategies and literary analysis.

  • College English I, II, III, and IV – Places emphasis on preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and other college entrance competencies, such as writing skills and vocabulary development.  This includes reading novels, short stories, poetry, and plays.  Expository writing and college research are included in the senior year.

Mathematics

  • Mathematics is an essential part of a technical student's course of study, since so many occupations depend upon competency in this area. We offer a variety of courses for students according to their interest and ability.

  • College Prep Program- Algebra I and II, Geometry, College advanced math, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and Advanced Math is offered. College Math meets the Massachusetts Board of Regents college admission standards to four year colleges and universities.

  • Basic Algebra I, Basic Geometry, Basic Algebra II and Basic Geometry III

Foreign Language

Students are introduced to the language, customs and culture of Spanish-speaking countries.  They are immersed in speaking the language along with listening, writing and reading in Spanish.  In addition, students work to improve comprehension in a new language through the use of vocabulary expressions and grammatical structure.   Students will also utilize videotapes, activity books, audio cassettes and CD-ROMS.   This course is strongly recommended for college-bound students.

Social Studies

Our overall goal is to prepare informed, thoughtful, and active citizens for the realities of a rapidly changing world. We emphasize the dignity of each individual and the importance of working together to achieve common goals.

  • U.S. History I and II, Contemporary issues

  • Civics

  • Regional Geography

  • Economics

  • Human Behavior

We also include topics of relevance to students preparing to enter the work force or further their education

English Language Education

Greater Lowell is proud of the diversity of its student body that represents many countries.  Students with limited proficiency in English are provided with intense ESL instruction to improve their proficiency in English. The goal of the program is to have Limited  English Proficient students improve their reading, writing, speaking and math skills.  Tutorial support is provided in academic, technical and related classes in order to ensure success in those courses.  The specific amount of two-way instruction and tutorial support is determined by the linguistic need of each student.  Students are scheduled into mainstream courses when their performance indicates that they will be successful in regular classes.

Science

All students have the opportunity to take up four (4) years of science.  Some courses are required for technical programs.  All science courses are aligned with the latest Massachusetts Science and Technology High School Standards.  Freshmen and sophomore student will enroll in our new Biology program to prepare them for the Grade 10 Biology MCAS exam. Students in Grade 11 and 12 have the option of selecting College Chemistry or College Physics if they intend on continuing their education at the collegiate level.

 

  • Biology I and II
  • Environmental Science
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • College Chemistry I and II
  • Applied Chemistry
  • College Physics I and II
  • Conceptual Physics I and II

Physical Education / Health

Outstanding Facilities:

  • Large Indoor Pool

  • Two Gymnasiums

  • Weight Room

  • Project Adventure Course

  • Spacious Outdoor Fields on our beautiful grounds

The 10-person faculty teaches both Physical Education and Health Education, offering students the chance to swim, "climb the walls" of Project Adventure, and learn first aid and CPR. Ninth graders are introduced to the health program with a one-semester course called Adolescent Issues.   Intramural sports are offered after school at various times during the school year.   They are an integral part of the Physical Education and Health program here at Greater Lowell Technical High School.

Support Services

Greater Lowell Technical High School fully supports students identified with special needs. Teachers, therapists, and counselors all help each child to reach his or her potential, with a full academic program, vocational programs and services, and auxiliary services including counseling, assessment, and speech and language therapy. (See also Bilingual Program)

Homework Help / Tutoring

The Homework Assistance and Tutoring Center provides individual instruction to students in all academic and technical-related classes.  Students may be referred to the center by a classroom teacher, guidance counselor or parent or they can sign-in themselves, bringing the appropriate instructional materials with them.  The center is open Monday through Thursday after school.  Students may take the late bus home for transportation.

Automotive Collision Technology

You can learn to repair collision damage and refinish and paint vehicles in this program, where the demand for skilled auto collision technicians continues to grow as automobiles change from year to year. Today's technicians handle not only sheet metal and structural repair, but also steering, suspension and front wheel drive components. Students will learn all this, plus how to estimate collision expenses, and how to use manuals and appraisal guides.

Facilities

  •  State of the art collision shop with:

    •    Kansas Jack frame machine with laser beam measuring system

    •     Downdraft spray booth

    •     Mig welders, plasma cutters and spray equipment

  • Our program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation in all five Auto Body areas and is ASE certified.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Painting and refinishing - application and problem-solving

  • Structural and non-structural analysis and repair

  • Frame and unibody analysis and repair

  • Mechanical and electrical repair (collision related)

  • Metal working

  • Welding

  • Glass replacement and repair

  • Plastics repair

Automotive Technology

Learn basic automotive systems, then advance to sophisticated diagnostic equipment and computerized alignment systems in this program, where students also get supervised training in the operation of state inspection equipment.

Facilities: 

  • 21 service bays

  • Computerized 4-wheel alignment and computer wheel balancing bay

  • Computer engine and electrical systems analyzer

  • State inspection bay

  • Air conditioning recharge and recovery system

Curriculum Highlights

  • Lubrication and Automotive Maintenance

  • Engine tune-up and electronics

  • Fuel injection service drive line, transaxle and clutch service

  • Complete brake service

  • Suspension service

  • Computerized 4-wheel alignment

 

Carpentry and Cabinetmaking

From small projects to house construction to fine cabinetry, the Carpentry and Cabinetmaking program exposes students to all phases of construction. In this program students will receive national certification as they complete the Wheels of Learning Curriculum modules.  This flexible program allows students to advance as far as their interest and talents will allow.

Curriculum Highlights

  • House framing

  • Roofing and siding

  • Exterior and interior finish

  • Cabinetry and counter tops

  • Erecting staging

Cosmetology

The Cosmetology program trains students for a variety of career opportunities in the hair and skin care industry including hairdressing, esthetics, salon management and more. Students are taught techniques necessary to pass the state exam to become a licensed cosmetologist.

Facilities

  • Salon areas with modern equipment

  • Real-life experience by operating a working salon open to the public

Curriculum Highlights

  • Basic and advanced hair cutting

  • Manicuring

  • Artificial nail application

  • Permanent waving

  • Hair coloring and highlighting

  • Facials

  • Hair styling, sculpting and braiding

  • Make-up

  • Chemical hair relaxing

Culinary Arts

Whether your interest is in becoming a chef, a baker, a nutritionist or a caterer -- or in exploring the various food service occupations -- the Greater Lowell Culinary Arts program can provide the foundation for a satisfying career. Students gain experience in the kitchen, dining room and bakery. Students operate three public facilities, The Artisan restaurant, a bakery and catering/function room.

Facilities

  • Modern, well-equipped commercial kitchen

  • Newly renovated restaurant and bakery

  • State-of-the-art function room

    Curriculum Highlights 

    • Restaurant food preparation

    • Functions planning and preparation

    • Pastry production

    • Butcher work

    • Waiter/waitress training

    • Food marketing

    • Inventory control

Early Childhood Education

Our children are our nation’s most valuable resource.  They need people who are capable, nurturing, and educated to care for them.  Upon graduation, our students are qualified to fill a variety of professional positions, or to continue their professional preparation at the college level.

CURRICULUM AND FACILITIES

·       Introduction to the Education of the Preschool Child

·    Principles of Child Development

·    Parenting and Family Issues

·    Developmentally Appropriate Practices

·    Curriculum Design

·    Children’s Literature
Infant and Toddler Education

 On-site preschool for students to develop and practice an understanding of all the above

CAREER OUTLOOK

·        The growing number of working parents has created a greater need for pre-school teachers. As more parents   believe that preschool is beneficial to children, enrollment will continue to rise.

·     Your training will open doors in many related professions:

  • Social worker                                     

  • Pediatric nurse                                   

  • Child psychologist

  • Physical/Speech Therapist

  • Children’s Librarian

  • Elementary School Teacher

Electrical

Students study industrial, commercial and residential wiring, gaining knowledge and experience for a career as an electrician. In the classroom, students learn about the National Electric Code, a must for graduates interested in becoming licensed electricians. Well-trained seniors are in demand in the workplace; many take advantage of the Cooperative Education Program that allows eligible seniors to work in the field.

Facilities

  • Three areas with individual and group stations

  • Related classroom where theory codes, related math and blueprint reading are taught

Curriculum Highlights

  • Residential wiring

  • Commercial wiring

  • Industrial wiring

  • Motor control

  • Transformers

  • Single and three-phase service

  • Fire and alarm security systems

Health Assistant

Health care is one of the fastest growing fields today; trained care givers are in demand. At Greater Lowell, Health Assistant students learn needed skills to become nurse assistants, home health aides, recreational aides, rehabilitation aides and dietary aides. Students gain experience while still in high school through our clinical affiliations with area medical facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities. With an excellent background that includes both classroom and hands-on experience, some graduates choose to continue their education to become nurses and technicians.

Facilities

  • Fully equipped nursing area in the school 

  • Clinical affiliations with training and experience at hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities

Curriculum Highlights

  • Health careers

  • Patient care

  • Body mechanics

  • Administering personal care

  • Monitoring vital signs

  • Nutrition services

  • Communications skills

  • Child growth and development

Hotel and Lodging

An innovative program seldom found in a secondary school, the Hotel and Lodging program at Greater Lowell Tech offers hands-on training and real-world experience at area hotels. Graduates can choose from a variety of jobs, from reservations to accounting to banquet management. Those who aspire to management positions sometimes continue their education while working in the field.

Facilities

  • Four area hotels with on-site instruction and mentoring

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( All trademarks are the property of their owners)

Function rooms and banking facilities at the school, where students receive additional training.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Front desk procedure

  • Telephone and computer reservation system

  • Accounting

  • Word processing

  • Food preparation and banquet planning

  • Facilities maintenance

  • Banking

HVAC

Graduates of this program have a wide variety of career options. Through the Wheels of Learning Curriculum, they are trained in the theory, design, installation and repair of domestic and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation equipment.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Domestic refrigeration

  • Commercial refrigeration

  • Air conditioning

  • Exhaust systems

  • Electric heating

Career Opportunities

  • Troubleshooter

  • Service technician

  • Installation and service for large HVAC equipment

  • Further education in related engineering fields

  • Business owner within five years

 

Machine Technology

Area employers are looking for trained machinists! Learn to make precision parts using lathes, milling machines, drill presses and surface grinders to prepare you for this high paying field. Students learn to operate manual and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) equipment.

FACILITIES

  • State-of-the-art CNC miller and lathe

  • All standard machine equipment used in today's high tech industries

  • Large, up to date shop area

  • Related technology classroom with "Spectralight" computerized lathe and milling stations

  • Numeridex and DSI programming stations

    CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

    • Programming for computerized machines

    • Operation of computerized machines

    • Blueprint reading

    • Inspection methods

    • Machine repair and maintenance

    • Student projects

Marketing Education

Through real learning experiences within the school, students are prepared for employment in the varied world of marketing. Graduates pursue jobs in retailing, banking, advertising and accounting. They work as salespeople, bank tellers, accounts payable clerks and data entry operators. Many go on to higher education to obtain positions as store supervisors, buyers, advertising directors, bank managers and entrepreneurs.

Facilities

  • Marketing Education Mall

    • Three retail stores  students, staff and public customers

  • School branch of Lowell Five Cent Savings bank

  • Mall area for advertising and promotion

Curriculum Highlights

  • Banking

  • Business Applications

  • Marketing Graphics

  • Spreadsheets

  • Financial Information Processing

  • Marketing Applications

  • Accounting

  • Inventory Control

  • Buying

  • Point-of-sale

Masonry

Students create a variety of structures of concrete and brick as they learn about this specialized and well-paying construction field. Students construct walls, chimneys, door and window openings and erect scaffolding. Technical theory, blueprint reading, estimating and the use of appropriate power equipment are also included.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Fireplace construction

  • Stonework development

  • Block, brick and concrete estimating

  • Concrete flat work

  • Paving design

  • Development of brick bonds and patents

Medical Assistant

In response to the need for more trained people in the exciting and growing medical field, Greater Lowell Tech introduced a new offering in 1997-98, the Medical Assistant Program. Students learn administrative and medical tasks needed to assist physicians in examining and treating patients. Graduates are prepared to work in private medical practices, public clinics, health care facilities and health maintenance organizations (HMO's).

Facilities

  • Fully equipped laboratory and classrooms at GLTHS and clinical affiliations at health care facilities within Greater Lowell communities.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Record vital signs

  • Document medical information from patients

  • Perform laboratory tests, including EKG's and phlebotomy

  • Learn administrative tasks

Metal Fabrication

Students learn to create products for the metal manufacturing industry, using sheet metal and welding techniques. From precision sheet metal work to welding manufacturing and construction, students gain a solid background in a high demand industry.

Facilities 

  • Fully equipped department

  • Power shears, brakes, rollers and punches

  • Hand tools

  • Power tools

  • State-of-the-art welding equipment

Curriculum Highlights

  • Drafting and layout

  • Blueprint reading

  • Safety procedures

  • Use of hand tools

  • Use of power tools

  • Use of manual equipment

  • Related math

  • On-the-job experience (see Co-op program)

Painting and Decorating

Even in a "do-it-yourself" time, the skilled craftsperson in Painting and Decorating is in great demand. A professional painter and paper hanger is a versatile specialist who must possess knowledge of other fields to correctly coat various surfaces. The Wheels of Learning Curriculum is used in this program which gives students national certification for knowledge and skills developed to be successful in this field.

Curriculum Highlights 

  • Interior and exterior painting procedures

  • Drywall finishing and practical applications

  • Tools and equipment

  • Wall coverings and wallpaper methods

  • The science of color

  • Glazing and cutting glass

  • Wood finishing and refinishing

  • Spray painting

  • Ladders and scaffolding

  • Safety

Plumbing and Pipefitting

Plumbing students study the theory, design, installation and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems. They get hands-on experience with the latest installation techniques, materials, tools, fixtures and appliances, with an after-graduation goal of becoming an apprentice, then a licensed plumber.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Copper water piping

  • Cast iron piping

  • Plastic waste and vent piping

  • Gas piping

  • Appliance installation

  • Hydraulics and pneumatics

  • Massachusetts Plumbing Code

  • Hot water heating

  • Estimating

  • Layout and Design

  • Blueprint reading

Small Engines

Students learn to repair motorcycles, snow blowers, lawn mowers, outboard motors and more in this department. Small Engines students are taught to operate water cooled and air cooled engines and advance to "live" projects. Diagnostics and engine rebuilding is included in the advanced curriculum.

Facilities

  • Modern Small Engines Department

  • State-of-the-art test and repair equipment

  • Air hydraulic lift tables

  • Electronically operated overhead hoists

Curriculum Highlights

  • Theory of operations

  • Troubleshooting

  • Failure analysis

  • Engine overhaul including honing and boring

  • Measuring devices (timing gauges, micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators)

  • Use of blade monitors

  • Use of electrical test equipment

 

 

 

 
     

Greater Lowell Technical High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. Please contact Ms. Valerie K. Murphy, Title IX / Section 504 Coordinator at 978.441.4955, vmurphy@gltech.org or contact Kathy Tierney, Director of Human Resources at 978-441-4892, ktierney@gltech.org for information.