Is RSTA For You?

Taking courses through RSTA offers opportunities for students of all abilities, interests and talents. Whether you are planning to work immediately after high school, or will continue your education by attending a technical institute, a liberal arts college or university, there are courses at RSTA that are right for you.

RSTA uses an an applied approach to learning that is fun. Classes are oriented towards a State-Of-The-Art "hands-on" style. Students at RSTA have access to facilities they've never had before, including: a newly retrofitted Information Technology center, restaurant-grade kitchens, and state-of-the-art computer and robotics equipment in the Engineering/Project Lead The Way program.

It is important to note that the RSTA courses and curricula were developed with guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Education Career and Technical Education Frameworks and local economic development divisions. We worked closely with their staff to assure that the courses we offer are in areas in which jobs will be available when a student graduates from high school or college.

Your Choices

Students decide to major in an RSTA course during their high school career. By following a technical pathway, students become majors and have many different opportunities available to them upon graduation.

Graduation Requirements

Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) is a comprehensive high school with high academic standards for graduation. All CRLS students graduate from CRLS, regardless of whether they decide to major in an RSTA program. Graduation and college admission requirements are listed in the CRLS Course catalog available in the high school office. You must earn 224 credits and fulfill certain distribution requirements to graduate from CRLS.

Most students interested in majoring in an RSTA program will take Levels 2-3 during their junior and senior years. In your senior year, you will have the most time flexible, but parents and students should work closely with the student's counselor to assure that their transcript is up-to-date, and that all required courses have been taken.

Technical Arts Exploratory

Incoming ninth graders are encouraged to take the Technical Arts Exploratory prior to taking other RSTA courses, or determining their major. The exploratory program introduces students to all RSTA programs and lays a groundwork for future study. Developing team-building and study skills, and an introduction to career counseling, are important parts of the exploratory experience.

Any CRLS student may take Level 1 or Business Education courses in the RSTA program, whether or not the intention is to follow the pathway for majoring in a subject area.