Cumberland High School currently has 11 state-accredited CTE pathways.

1. Biomedical Sciene
2. Business Management & Finance
3. Cybersecurity
4. Digital Communication & Marketing
5. Education & Teaching
6. Environmental Science & Renewable Energy ( Environmental Engineering)
7.  Health Careers: CNA/EMT
8.  Health Careers: Sports Medicine
9. Information Technology
10.  Law & Public Safety
11. Pre-Engineering

Do I need to apply before 9th grade?

Students can decide to enroll anywhere from 8th grade to 11th.  Although early enrollment is strongly recommended to ensure sufficient time to complete all required coursework and certifications, late enrollment is permitted if students are on track to fulfill graduation and program requirements. Seniors who are on track with all required coursework may submit applications by October 1st of their senior year. 

Once I decide to enroll in a specific pathway, am I required to stay in that program for the whole time I am at CHS?

CTE Pathways are structured as a three-to-four-year programs that provide comprehensive instruction and hands-on learning, preparing students for college credit and industry certifications. Pathways are flexible, allowing students to transition to a different program if their interests change.  

Under the Rhode Island Board of Education Regulations, high school students may enroll in a RIDE-Approved CTE Pathway program outside their home district. However, out-of-district enrollment is contingent upon active participation in the approved program. Consequently, out-of-district students must be enrolled in a pathway course each year of attendance at Cumberland High School, including their senior year. RIDE requires a minimum three-year course sequence for program approval; CHS offers a four-year sequence starting in the 9th grade. 

What if I want to switch programs?

Students may switch programs by submitting an official application for the new pathway. To achieve official program completion status, students must fulfill all required coursework, certifications, and work-based learning requirements for the new program. 

What if I am interested in more than one program?

Students are welcome to enroll in multiple programs, or take individual pathway courses as electives. Students should ensure their schedules permit them to complete all coursework and certifications requirements for any program in which they are officially enrolled. 

What if I am interested in the courses, but am not ready to commit to a program?

CTE pathway courses are open to all students, though fully enrolled pathways students receive priority registration when course capacity is limited.  Students exploring their options are encouraged to take introductory courses as electives before formally applying to a pathway. 

How do I build professional relationships and find field experiences and mentors?

Cumberland High School maintains a school-wide advisory board and program-specific industry partnerships. These networks provide students with mentorship opportunities, field experience, and direct collaboration with industry professionals. 

I am not a Cumberland resident- How can I schedule a tour of the campus?

In addition to the CHS Open House, prospective out-of-district families may contact the main office to inquire about scheduling an after-school tour. Please note CHS does not offer student shadow days. 

My family does not live in the Cumberland School District. What are the tuition costs associated with attending Cumberland High School?

For all eligible Rhode Island students, the tuition costs to attend Cumberland High School are covered by the student’s home school district.  

Is transportation provided to out-of-district students?

Transportation is provided for all resident students, as well as out-of-district students residing within the designated transportation zone (Burrillville, North Smithfield, and Woonsocket). Admitted students living outside this zone are eligible to attend but must arrange their own transportation. On-campus student parking is available for out-of-zone commuters. For complete busing and transportation details, please visit the RIDE Student Transportation page (RIDE>Home > Students & Families > Additional Resources > Student Transportation).

I live outside of the Cumberland School District. Must I notify the school district in the community where I live that I may attend Cumberland High School?

Notification is required only when formally applying to attend the district. This allows your home district to budget the required tuition coverage. State regulations prohibit home districts from blocking student enrollment in an out-of-district pathway program. You do not need to notify your resident district to attend an open house, take a campus tour, or request program information. Students currently homeschooled or attending private school must first register and verify residency with their resident school district to process the out-of-district placement and secure state tuition funding. 

When is drop-off and pick-up?

Student drop-off begins at 6:50 am, with first-period classes starting at 7:15 a.m. Regular dismissal is at 1:45 p.m., except on early-release Wednesdays when students are dismissed at 12:45 p.m. For more information on drop-off and pick-up, please see the student handbook.

Can I apply to attend Cumberland High School online?

All applications must be submitted online. Current Cumberland Public Schools students only need to complete the online form. Applicants from non-Cumberland schools must also submit official academic records alongside their online application, following the instructions provided within the portal.