What Is It Known For?
Harrison County Technical Center opened its doors in 1975 right next to Harrison Central High School. This vocational school serves students from three area high schools: Harrison Central, West Harrison, and D’Iberville. Students who want to join one of the two-year programs need to apply during their 9th or 10th grade year. The application window opens the year before enrollment begins, giving families plenty of time to plan ahead.
The center has built a strong reputation for hands-on career training that prepares students for real jobs after graduation. While specific enrollment numbers aren’t publicly available, the school maintains steady interest from students across the district who want practical skills alongside their regular high school education.
Degrees & Certifications
The center offers two-year career-focused programs in multiple fields, including:
- Automotive Technology
- Business Marketing & Finance
- Construction & Carpentry
- Engineering
- Health Science
- Precision Machining
- Educator Prep
- Welding
- Work Based Learning
Class Schedules
HCTC coordinates class schedules through each student’s home high school, integrating technical courses into the regular school day. All programs require in-person attendance since hands-on training forms the foundation of career technical education.
Although there is no mention of externships, the Health Science program extends learning beyond the classroom by organizing visits to area colleges and medical facilities. These experiences help students understand healthcare career opportunities and see what additional education might offer after graduation.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Harrison County Technical Center operates under the accreditation of the Harrison County School District, which maintains accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Acceptance Rate
As a public vocational technical school within the Harrison County School District, HCTC remains open to all qualified district students.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Harrison County district students typically attend the technical center without paying tuition, as funding comes through the public school system. Certain programs may require fees for supplies or industry certification exams. You should contact Harrison County Career and Technical Center directly for information about any additional expenses associated with specific programs.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Marketing & Finance
Healthcare
- Health Science
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Construction & Carpentry
- Precision Machining
- Welding
Campus Locations
Gulfport 15600 School Road Gulfport, MS 39503
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Harrison County Career & Technical Center has a strong and generally positive reputation, though the provided reviews are limited. The school is praised as a great place for learning, with a focus on preparing students for college and careers.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Learning Environment and Employability Skills: The school’s mission is to “deliver high-level career training and employability skill opportunities.” The search results confirm that students are prepared with both technical and soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which are highly valued by employers.
Variety of Programs: The center offers a range of programs for students from D’Iberville, Harrison Central, and West Harrison High Schools. Programs include Automotive Technology, Health Science, Information Technology, and more.
Industry Credentials: Students have the opportunity to earn industry credentials at no cost, which can be used to gain employment or college credit.
Common Criticisms
Limited Review Data: The reviews provided are very brief and do not offer a lot of detail. It is difficult to identify specific criticisms or recurring issues based on the feedback available.
General School District Issues: Some reviews for the broader Harrison County School District mention issues with outdated facilities, administration, and strict rules. However, these comments are not specifically about the Career & Technical Center, and some students within the district still have positive things to say about their school and teachers.
Momentum
The most recent review is positive, with a student calling the school a “Great plex to learn.” While the other reviews are older and lack detail, the high overall rating suggests a positive trend. The school’s public-facing information also focuses on its success in preparing students for their future careers.