What Is It Known For?
Erie County Technical School serves high school students across northwest Pennsylvania with hands-on career training. The school works closely with local school districts to give sophomores, juniors, and seniors access to more than 20 different career programs.
Originally launched on September 4, 1968, the school welcomed 860 students on its first day under the guidance of Superintendent Dr. Kenneth D. Frantz and Director Carl S. Bauer. Today, approximately 827 students attend each year, learning skills that prepare them for immediate employment after graduation.
Degrees & Certifications
Students who complete all three years in their chosen program receive 1,485 hours of hands-on training and education. This comprehensive approach gives you real skills that employers value when you graduate from high school.
You can train in fields like:
- Cosmetology
- Automotive Technology
- Drafting & Design Engineering
- Health Assistant
- Metal Fabrication Technology
- Precision Machining Technology
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Erie County Technical School runs on a half-day schedule that works with your regular high school classes. The morning session starts from 8:00 to 10:45 AM, and the afternoon session from 12:00 to 2:45 PM. The rest of your day happens at your home high school.
Students start the program in their sophomore year and continue through senior year. The school focuses on in-person, hands-on training rather than online classes. Programs don’t include clinical externships, but you get plenty of real-world practice in the school’s labs and workshops.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Erie County Technical School maintains educational quality through state oversight. The school holds accreditation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Acceptance Rate
Erie County Technical School doesn’t publish specific acceptance rate information. Since the school does have enrollment requirements that students must meet, you should check with them about what you need before applying to your preferred program.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Erie County Technical School is tuition-free for high school students since it’s part of their regular education experience. Some programs may charge small lab fees for materials or special equipment, but the core training costs nothing.
You should contact the school directly to find out if your chosen program has any additional fees you need to plan for.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Hospitality Management & Tourism
- Metal Fabrication
- Precision Machining
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts
- Graphic Media & Design
Healthcare
- Health Assistant
- Sports Therapy & Exercise Science
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Body Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Trades
- Electrical Engineering
- Facility Maintenance Technologies
Technology
- Computer Networking
- Computer Programming
- Drafting and Design
Campus Locations
Erie 8500 Oliver Road Erie, PA 16509
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Erie County Technical School has a very positive overall score, reflecting a widespread appreciation for its hands-on education and supportive environment. However, a few specific and serious complaints, particularly in recent reviews, point to some potential issues.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Hands-on and Relevant Training: Reviews consistently highlight the school’s focus on practical, hands-on learning. Alumni credit the school for preparing them for careers and providing a “great experience.” One student mentioned their sibling received a scholarship and another said the hands-on experience helped them “really understand the material.”
Supportive and Encouraging Staff: Students and alumni frequently praise the staff and teachers for being “super nice” and supportive. They describe a welcoming environment that helps students make friends and succeed in their chosen trade.
Positive Impact on Student’s Lives: Reviews, some from a parent’s perspective, express that the school has a positive influence, helping students improve skills, make lifelong friends, and find a clear path toward a career.
Strong Community and Career Focus: The school is seen as an asset to the community, offering great training classes for both students and adults. One student was able to learn a trade and then came back for another one.
Common Criticisms
Concerns about Bullying: A recent review from a current student alleges that the school “do not deal with problems of bullying.” This is a serious concern that stands in contrast to the generally positive feedback about the school’s culture.
Administrative and Refund Issues: An older review from six years ago alleges an issue with the administration, stating a class was canceled and a refund was delayed for an extended period.
Inconsistent Teaching Quality: While most reviews praise the teachers, a few online sources mention a concern about inconsistent teaching quality and some instances of unprofessional behavior, though this is not a widespread theme.
Momentum
The school’s reputation is built on a foundation of long-standing positive reviews that praise its core educational model. However, the most recent review provides a serious, negative perspective on a critical issue (bullying) that is not reflected in the older feedback. This creates a conflicted picture where the high overall rating may not fully capture the current student experience for some individuals. The school’s public notices on its website show it has policies in place for handling such issues, though the review suggests they may not always be effective.