2026 Admissions FAQs
Franklin County Technical School
Admissions FAQ
General Admission
Q: Does Franklin County Technical School (FCTS) accept all students who apply?
A: No, not all students can be admitted because there are a limited number of seats. However, every eligible applicant has an equal chance of being selected through an open, unweighted lottery. No student will be discriminated against based on race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.
Q: What if English isn’t my family’s primary language?
A: Application materials are available in the home language. Language support is provided during the process.
Q: What if my child was from one of the districts, but is experiencing homelessness?
A: Students can apply without barriers. For help, contact the McKinney-Vento Liaison at 413-863-9561 ext. 123.
Q: Can students with disabilities apply?
A: Absolutely. Students may disclose a disability, but this will not in any way affect the admissions decision.
Eligibility
Q: Does my child need to finish 8th grade to be admitted?
A: Yes. Students must successfully complete 8th grade and be promoted to 9th grade.
Q: Can homeschool students apply?
A: Yes. Homeschooled students can apply if their local district has approved them for grade 9 entry.
Q: What if my child is transferring from another vocational school as a 10th or 11th grader?
A: Transfer students may be accepted on a space-available basis.
Recruitment & Application
Q: How can families learn more about FCTS before applying?
A: FCTS hosts open houses, visits middle schools, offers school tours, and provides recruitment materials in multiple languages.
Q: When is the application period?
A: Applications open October 15, 2025 and close January 15, 2026.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Applications are submitted through go2cte.com, a third-party platform used to ensure a fair and transparent lottery. This application is seamlessly linked to our site.
Lottery & Acceptance
Q: What happens if more students apply than there are seats?
A: All eligible applicants are entered into an open, unweighted lottery, giving each student an equal chance of selection.
Q: When is the lottery?
A: The lottery will be held on February 5, 2026 and email notification of results will be sent out.
Q: When will we find out if our child is accepted?
A: Families will be notified of acceptance or waitlist status by mail by February 10, 2026.
Q: When is the deadline to accept an offer?
A: Families must respond by February 27, 2026.
Q: What if we are placed on the waitlist?
A: If seats become available, waitlisted students will be offered admission in the order of the lottery, starting March 2, 2026.
Residency & Town Quotas
Q: What proof of residency is required?
A: A Residency Affidavit and documentation such as a utility bill, lease, or tax bill must be submitted with the application.
Q: How are seats divided among towns?
A: Seats are allocated based on each member town’s proportion of the district’s total student population, per the school committee agreement.
Q: What happens if the class isn’t full by January 15?
A: All students who have applied by the deadline are admitted, and the deadline may be extended to fill remaining seats.
Appeals & Retention
Q: Can we appeal if our child isn’t accepted?
A: Yes. Families may submit a written appeal to the Superintendent within 10 business days of the decision.
Q: What happens after admission?
A: Students must meet academic, technical, and attendance standards while enrolled at FCTS. FCTS provides support to help students succeed.
Q: What kind of support is available for students?
A: The school offers academic and technical support, special education and accommodation plans to eligible students, proactive interventions, after school help, and regular communication with families.