Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Sound School Different?

The Sound School is a Regional Vocational Aquaculture Center. We have focus on all things water within a full time comprehesive high school program. Students also have the opportunity to explore various career paths in the aquaculture field. Click here to learn about these opportunities.

What is a Regional Vocational Agriculture Center?

Vocational agriculture centers prepare students for higher education and/or entry-level employment in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture, marine biology, and the environment as part of their high school program. Every city or town has at least one designated Vocational Agriculture Center. There are 19 vocational agriculture centers in high schools across the state.

Who is eligible to attend The Sound School?

Current Participating Districts:

  • Amity District (Bethany, Orange, Woodbridge)
  • Branford
  • Cheshire
  • East Haven
  • East Lyme
  • Guilford
  • Hamden
  • Lyme / Old Lyme
  • Madison
  • Middlebury
  • New Haven
  • North Branford
  • North Haven
  • Oxford
  • Seymour
  • Southbury
  • Wallingford
  • Westbrook
  • West Haven

Will the parent have to pay tuition for the student? Who pays for these schools?

There is no tuition cost to the parents, guardians, or students. The state pays each center a per student grant for each student enrolled. The district where the student lives pays tuition to the district operating the center.

How will my child get to school?

The district where the student lives must transport the student. Transportation includes school bus, city bus, or train.

Whom do I contact to enroll my child in The Sound School?

Click here to read about our application process.

When are these centers open?

Our school year follows The New Haven Public School System calendar. However, Regional Vocational Agriculture Centers are open year-round for additional summer programming.

Does the school provide for the needs of the special education students?

Yes. The special education costs are the responsibility of the district where the student lives. The responsibility for holding the PPT (planning and placement team meeting) belongs to the district where the student lives.

Are there any special requirements once the student is accepted into The Sound School?

All students who attend The Sound School must:

  • Develop an S.O.E. Plan and complete 200 S.O.E. hours each year Learn More
  • Complete 50 Community Service Hours per year Learn More
  • Participate in at least 150 hours FFA chapter meetings, activities, or Career Development Events(C.D.E.s)
  • Remain in good standing in all coursework (Students not in good standing are subject to dismissal.)

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