What Is It Known For?
Stafford Technical Center, founded in 1974, is part of the Rutland City Public School District and serves high school students in grades 9-12. As the second-largest regional career and technical center in Vermont, it provides hands-on learning opportunities in 14 career and technical education programs. The school is dedicated to offering engaging and meaningful experiences that prepare students for both college and the workforce.
Many programs allow students to earn college credit through dual enrollment or articulation agreements, giving them a head start on higher education. With support from over 100 local businesses, Stafford Technical Center stays up to date with industry trends, ensuring its curriculum, technology, and equipment align with workforce needs.
While exact enrollment numbers aren’t available, the school continues to make a significant impact on career-focused education in the region.
Degrees & Certifications
Stafford Technical Center offers a range of hands-on programs designed to prepare students for careers in high-demand fields.
Some of the programs available include:
- Health Careers
- Automotive Technology
- Cosmetology
- Digital arts
- Electrical and Plumbing
- Welding and Metal Fabrication
- Adult Classes
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Class schedules offer flexibility for both high school students and adult learners. Daytime programs run from 9:15 AM to 2:30 PM, providing a structured environment for students to develop their skills through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training. For those looking for evening options, adult education courses are available and open to individuals 16 and older.
In addition to on-campus programs, the Adult Technical Education division offers over 300 courses each semester, including online options. Areas of study range from allied health to manufacturing and information technology, giving students multiple pathways to build new skills. While externships and clinical experiences are not included, programs focus on practical training to prepare students for the workforce.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Stafford Technical Center is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Acceptance Rate
Information about the acceptance rate is not publicly available.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs at Stafford Technical Center vary by program and do not include expenses for books, application fees, or testing fees. Below are the tuition rates for select programs:
- CDLB-02: Commercial “B” License Training – $3,550
- Stafford Signature School of Cosmetology – $5,925
- Stafford Signature School of Esthetics – $6,950
- Phlebotomy Certificate Program – $2,195
Tuition for some programs can exceed $10,000. For details on tuition for other programs, we recommend contacting the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Criminal Justice & Law
- Public Safety and Criminal Justice
Healthcare
- Health Careers
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Auto Body Repair
- Construction Technology
- Electrical and Plumbing
- Welding and Fabrication
Campus Locations
Vermont 8 Stratton Road, Rutland, Vermont 05701
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Stafford Technical Center is highly praised for its excellent training programs and supportive staff, making it a strong option for technical education. The most notable criticism centers on administrative and enrollment difficulties.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality Facilities and Training: Students across different departments, such as Advanced Machinist and Welding (Adult Continuing Education), praise the training quality and the hands-on resources. Reviewers noted the “excellent facilities” that provide access to “all primary types of welding in the industry” and the success of the Medical Assistant course.
Supportive and Positive Community: The most recent detailed feedback highlights an exceptionally positive environment. Students and patrons describe the staff as the “Best staff,” and the student body as “kind and caring” and “pretty inclusive.” This supportive atmosphere is a major selling point, with one reviewer offering a “110% recommend.”
Effective and Quick Learning: Students appreciate the opportunity to “learn a lot and quickly adapt to it,” suggesting the curriculum is efficient and well-structured for various programs.
Program Success: Reviewers noted having a “wonderful experience” and being successfully trained to pass courses like the Medical Assistant program, or to pursue certifications like the Advanced Machinist / Toolmaker.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Enrollment Difficulty: The most significant detailed criticism revolves around the enrollment process, which one reviewer found to be “incredibly difficult.”
Staff Availability/Communication: A negative review mentioned that the online information was poor and alleged that staff members were locking up and leaving the facility 15 minutes before closing (4:00 PM), suggesting an issue with availability and adherence to posted hours.
Momentum
The reviews available show a sustained positive sentiment across several years (7, 5, 4, 3, 2 years ago), focusing consistently on the strength of the training and the quality of the staff. The most recent detailed review (2 years ago) is overwhelmingly positive, describing the staff as the “Best” and highly recommending the school. The main criticism about the enrollment process is older (8 years ago), and while it is a significant issue, the latest feedback suggests a strong and positive overall community atmosphere. The general trend indicates the school is successfully delivering high-quality technical education, though prospective students should be prepared to be persistent during the enrollment phase.