NFA's New Career and Technical Education Center

Introduction

In today’s world, education is about more than textbooks and tests. It’s about preparing students with real skills, real experience, and real opportunities for success. Career and Technical Education—known as CTE—does exactly that. CTE empowers students to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and connect learning to meaningful careers. It bridges the gap between education and the workforce, helping students graduate ready for college, careers, and life.

In September 2026, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District will be proud to open a brand-new Career and Technical Education Center—designed to bring many of our CTE programs together under one roof.

This building has been planned since the public approved the district's capital bond proposal in 2019. However, due to Covid and leadership changes, the project had been stalled. When our current superintendent joined the district in 2022, she made it a priority to get the building back on track! In just three short years, the building was redesigned to meet state education department requirements, received approval, a groundbreaking, and is nearing completion.

Interest Survey for Current CTE 10th & 11th Graders

We will be welcoming high school students to our new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building beginning on the first day of school this September 2026! As we prepare to welcome our scholars, we are asking certain students to complete a survey using their Student Portal account.

-- all current 10th graders and
-- current 11th grade students enrolled in a CTE pathway
(We consider students to be enrolled in a CTE pathway if they are taking a CTE course beyond the initial Introductory course in that subject.)

Presentation

Presentation 2

CTE Presentation by NECSD - January 2026

Presentation 1

Presentation from CSArch - November 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have a question that is not answers below, please use the CTE Question Form to have your questions added and answered.

Will students at the new building have an opportunity to take dance classes?

No. We can look to have a dance unit added to the Physical Education curriculum in the future.

Students are still very confused about the "survey" they need to complete.

As we prepare to welcome our scholars, we are asking the following students to complete a survey in their Student Portal accounts. Students have received instructions via their student email:

current 10th graders and
current 11th grade students enrolled in a CTE pathway

(We consider students to be enrolled in a CTE pathway if they are taking a CTE course beyond the initial Introductory course in that subject.)

Can students tour the new building before the end of the school year (maybe in the spring)?

Yes we will be planning tours of the building, they will be closer to the end of the year so the building is closer to completion. Some students have toured the building as part of their courses (Welding, Photography, Video Production, etc.).

Students are still under the impression that they will automatically be transferred to the building.

No, students will not automatically be transferred. Students need to complete the survey in their student portal and select their pathway if they wish to transfer and begin or continue a CTE program.

Do the students in 9th grade need to apply if they are interested in CTE courses?

Not at this time. The building will be open to 11th and 12th grade scholars. Students in 9th and 10th grade can take exploratory CTE courses and will have the opportunity to transfer to the CTE building when that time comes.

What happens for students who are in an Early College High School (ECHS) program and a CTE program pathway?

We are currently working on scheduling. Students currently enrolled in a CTE pathway program should complete the survey in their Student Portal by January 16th to share their interest and express the other courses they would like to take, helping to develop a schedule that meets the needs of our current scholars.

What will be the new name of the building?

The naming of the School Building can only be done by the Board of Education. Dr. Manning Campbell survey to better understand the community's desires for the naming of our buildings. Thank you to all who participated. She will be recommending that the new building be named Newburgh Free Academy- Career and Technical Education Center.

What will be the administrative structure?

Principal

Assistant Principal

Director of CTE

Will this require more staffing?

We will be examining staffing and reassign individuals. IF we new positions - we will request the need at a budget presentation for Board of Education approval.

Will my child have access to AP, Honors, and other course offerings?

Yes. Course offerings at the new CTE Center—including Honors, AP, and other advanced options—will be driven directly by student enrollment and interest. Each year, we review student course requests and build our schedule and program pathways based on that demand. If there is sufficient student interest and enrollment in Honors or AP–level courses connected to our CTE pathways, we will offer them. Our goal is to ensure that students have access to rigorous academic opportunities that support their career and college readiness.

Will students in CTE have access to athletics?

All students will be able to participate in athletics, similar to NFA North and NFA West transportation will be provided to participate.

Will students in CTE have access to music?

The current Director of Music and Fine Arts is reviewing offerings and scheduling with building principals to determine a plan for students to have access to Music courses. Again, options—will be driven directly by student enrollment and interest.

Will students be able to have access to the Free and Reduced lunch program?

Yes.

What will happen to NFA Main CTE spaces?

A Shared decision-making team will be established to review ideas and provide feedback on how we can reimage those spaces to best serve the students of NECSD.

Will West/PTECH go to NFA CTE?

No. The scope of the project that was approved by voters in 2019 solely included Career and Technical Education for the new building. We are looking at ways to expand programs that have been effective in our community. We are also trying to plan the development and compliance with NYSED and NY Inspires programs that places emphasis on Career Development and Career Pathways.

Will NFA CTE be Tier 1, 2, or 3?

NFA CTE will be Tier I.

Will members of the community be able to visit the building for cosmetology, barbering, autobody, and auto technology services?

Yes. There will be no changes to this protocol. When programs are at the point in their curriculum to welcome guests, these services will take place as they have at NFA Main Campus.

Still have questions? Use this link to submit your questions.
We will continue to update the FAQ section of this website with frequently asked questions and their answers.

brochures

PROGRAM BROCHURES

Auto Body/Auto Technology
Barbering/Cosmetology
Criminal Justice
Construction
Culinary Arts
Fashion Design
Health Sciences
Photography
Video Production
Welding