What Is It Known For?
The Center of Applied Technology South, established in 1977, is a vocational trade school that’s part of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools system. It caters to over 700 students across various levels, including Career Exploratory and Levels I, II, and III.
The school’s focus on hands-on learning and job-ready skills makes it a popular choice for students looking to jumpstart their careers in various trades.
Degrees & Certifications
The Center of Applied Technology South provides students with valuable industry-recognized certifications and college credits across several programs:
- Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing
- Automotive Technology
- Academy of Health Professions
- Dental Assisting
- Carpentry
- HVAC
- Electricity
- Simulation & Gaming
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
At the Center of Applied Technology, students attend classes in the morning or afternoon. Evening classes are not offered. The school also combines in-person learning with online work through Brightspace.
For those in the Academy of Health Professions, hands-on clinical training is part of the program, which helps students build the skills employers are looking for.
Is It Legit?
Yes, the Center of Applied Technology South is a legitimate institution. It has affiliations/ recognitions from the following organizations:
- State of Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR)
- CISCO Networking Academy
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
- ServSafe National Restaurant Association
- Maryland Division of Labour and Industry
- American Welding Society
- National Center For Construction Education and Research
- American Culinary Federation
- Dental Assisting National Board
Acceptance Rate
Getting into the Center of Applied Technology South isn’t guaranteed. The school uses an application process to select students.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The tuition fee for the Center of Applied Technology South is not clearly stated. If you’re interested in attending, your best bet is to reach out to the school directly. They can give you the most up-to-date information on costs.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Health Professions
Professional Service
- Baking & Pastry
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Graphic Design
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing
- Automotive Technology
- Building & Industrial Maintenance
- Carpentry
- Electricity
- HVAC
- Manufacturing Technology
- Masonry
- Plumbing
- Welding
Technology
- Drafting & Design Technology
- Networking
Campus Locations
Edgewater 211 Central Avenue East, Edgewater, MD 21037
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the Center of Applied Technology South (CAT South) in Edgewater, MD, has mixed reviews, with a number of positive comments about its career-focused education but also some significant criticisms from students and parents.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Interesting Classes and Career Preparation: Several reviews highlight that the school offers a variety of “interesting classes” and provides a strong foundation for future careers. One graduate from a similar school, CAT North, credits the program with preparing them for the real world and helping them find a job. A parent was very pleased with the STEM program, and a student from the culinary arts program won a scholarship and a golden ticket to a competition.
Great Teachers: Students and parents mention great teachers who are understanding and supportive. They are described as “awesome” and willing to help students.
Strong Administration and Organization: Some older reviews praise the administration and staff, describing them as “well organized” and “on the ball.”
Common Criticisms
Poor School Environment: Multiple reviews from both students and parents describe the school environment as “dark and gloomy” with a lack of outdoor activities. One parent review from 2024 states the school “absolutely sucks” and that teachers are “rude.”
Rude and Disengaged Students and Staff: Reviews mention students who are not engaged and are rude to teachers. There are also complaints about rude teachers who yell at students. A parent expressed frustration about a serious incident of sexual assault that they claim was not addressed until parents became involved.
Limited Career Choices: One review suggests that the school could offer more career choices.
Organizational and Communication Issues: One older review mentions that the school is over capacity and offers “little inspiration.” A parent from 2019 noted that their child and others were unhappy and looking for other options.
Momentum
The reviews show a shift in sentiment. While there are older positive reviews that praise the staff, teachers, and programs, the more recent reviews from 2024 and late 2023 are significantly more critical. These recent comments focus on a negative school environment, rude staff, and concerning administrative issues. This suggests a negative shift in the overall perception of the school.