What Is It Known For?
Fresh Start Tech is a private technical school located in Orange, Connecticut. It opened its doors in 2021 and operates independently, rather than as part of a larger network of community colleges. While enrollment figures aren’t publicly available, the school offers flexibility in its training options. Students can attend classes on-site or arrange for training at their own location for an additional fee.
Degrees & Certifications
Fresh Start Tech provides a range of vocational training programs to help students gain the skills and certifications needed for entry-level positions in various industries. The school offers courses in:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Phlebotomy
- Security Guard Card Certification
- CPR/First-Aid Training
The school also offers a CDL training program but it is not clear whether it is still ongoing as reported by NBC.
Class Schedules
Fresh Start Tech offers flexible class schedules to fit various student needs. Weekday classes run from 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., while evening sessions are available Monday through Thursday from 5:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. Weekend classes are also an option.
Online learning is available for some programs. Certain courses, like the nursing assistant training, include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Fresh Start Tech is a legitimate educational institution. It has received approval from several important government bodies:
- Office of Higher Education
- The Department of Public Health
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Acceptance Rate
Fresh Start Tech doesn’t publicly share its acceptance rate. However, the school does have some basic requirements for enrollment. It’s a good idea to check these requirements before you sign up for any courses.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
As of now, there isn’t publicly available information about the tuition fees at Fresh Start Tech. The school claims to offer courses at a low cost, likely due to federal funding. For the latest details, it’s best to contact the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- CNA
- CPR
- Phlebotomy
- Phlebotomy Refresher
Campus Locations
Hartford 140 Woodland Street Hartford, CT 06112
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Fresh Start Technical School has an overwhelmingly positive reputation, with praise focused on its knowledgeable instructors and supportive learning environment. The vast majority of reviewers give the school a perfect rating and highly recommend it.
Overall Score: 4.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Instruction: The instructor, who many students mention by name, is consistently described as a “phenomenal,” “amazing,” and “the best teacher ever.” Reviewers highlight her ability to explain concepts clearly, provide one-on-one help, and be both patient and supportive. Students feel well-prepared for their state exams and confidently pass them.
Supportive and Professional Environment: Students commend the staff for being professional, friendly, and encouraging. The school is described as a place where you “feel loved, accepted and excel.” The supportive atmosphere helps students, particularly those who may lack confidence, gain the skills and self-assurance needed for their new careers.
High Success Rate: Many reviews are from students who just passed their state exams for certifications like CNA and Phlebotomy, reinforcing the school’s effectiveness in preparing them for success.
Flexibility: One reviewer notes that the school offers a training schedule that is easy to integrate into a busy life, which sets it apart from other institutions.
Common Criticisms
Issues with the CDL Program: A few highly negative reviews, from about a year ago, describe the CDL program as a “joke.” These reviewers claim the program was unorganized, longer than advertised (8 weeks turned into 12+), and plagued by a broken truck and unprofessional behavior from the school’s leadership.
Lack of Communication: One reviewer stated that “there’s a lot not happening according to plan” with the CDL program, suggesting a significant lack of communication or preparedness.
Momentum
The reviews show a distinct split between programs. The vast majority of the recent reviews (from the last 7 months) are overwhelmingly positive and focus on the success of the CNA and Phlebotomy programs. This suggests that students in those programs are having an excellent experience. In contrast, the few negative reviews are specifically tied to the CDL program and were written about a year ago, indicating that this particular program may have had significant issues that do not seem to be affecting the other courses.