The vocational-technical courses are taught to industry standards set by leaders such as Printing Industries of America, Automotive Service Excellence and Associated General Contractors. In the school s techademics instructional strategy, academic teachers teach real-world skills and vocational teachers emphasize mathematics, science and written and oral communication. The purpose is to develop the technical expertise needed in the workplace and the strong academic foundation required for careers and postsecondary education. A mandatory senior project involves a product related to a technical major, a related research paper and an oral presentation. The oral report is evaluated by a committee of administrators, teachers and business advisory council members.
Students tackle challenging topics such as fiber optics, ergonomics and health care for the elderly.
The school enjoys strong support from business and industry leaders. As the school raised standards and expectations, employers proved to be a valuable resource in matching the curriculum to knowledge and skills required in the workplace. Students are evaluated throughout high school. At graduation, they receive two diplomas one from the State of Delaware and another from the school. The Sussex Tech diploma includes a competency checkoff sheet to show employers what a graduate has learned in a career field.