When most of us envision the typical high school experience, subjects like math, English and chemistry often come to mind before cosmetology, hair design, nail technology, skincare or massage. A traditional high school curriculum is designed to prepare students for a four-year university experience, but many students have a different plan for their educations and careers.
In high schools across the country, many educators think these students deserve to take practical classes that will introduce them to the subjects about which they are most interested. At some schools, this means an opportunity to begin a cosmetology education before graduation.
For instance, in Lancaster, Ohio, about 50 students at Lancaster High School apply each year for the school’s cosmetology program. To gain acceptance in the program, students must have a solid academic record and complete an interview process with their instructors. Teachers say that nearly all of their students in the program share a genuine enthusiasm for working in the cosmetology field, but they don’t yet realize how in-depth a cosmetology education really is. In the Lancaster High School cosmetology program, students begin the classes during their junior year, and study everything from the chemical compositions of hair products, massage treatments, common skin ailments and cosmetic applications.
Another example of cosmetology programs in high school is happening at Cashmere High School in Cashmere, Washington. To earn their certificate of completion through the Hair Academy, students must acquire a total of 1800 hours. (The state of Washington requires 1600 hours to sit for the board exams.) Students begin freshmen training their first year at no cost and acquire hours toward this certification at the rate of 2 hours and 45 minutes per day. During their second year, students move to the clinic floor and are eligible to earn hours at a quicker pace. Once a student has acquired the 1800 hours, they are eligible to take the practicum and state exam to become certified. The cost factor does not begin until their second year when they are on the clinic floor. Once they graduate from high school, they are eligible for financial aid.
“Students determine how long it takes to graduate,” Cashmere High School counselor Pat Henning said. “Motivated students are capable of getting their full 1800 hours in before they graduate from high school. We have one student that is currently in this situation, she will likely be taking her exams in the spring. She worked Saturdays and every possible hour that she could.”
Like other high school trade and vocational programs, these narrowly tailored cosmetology programs allow students to learn through hands-on activities and practice in the beauty trade. Some programs even offer internship opportunities that allow high school students to see a salon or spa’s inner workings.
Most of these high school beauty courses do not replace a cosmetology license or training from postsecondary cosmetology schools, but the irreplaceable experiences can help students explore their career interests in hair design, nail technology or skincare.
It is always great to attend an accredited cosmetology school to begin your career in beauty, but ask around at the high schools near you if you’re interested in a high school cosmetology program. You may be able to get your foot in the door of the cosmetology industry even sooner than you realized!
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About Heather
Heather Bashaw is the Website Manager for Beauty Schools Directory and is passionate about all things pertaining to the cosmetology field. Heather specializes in helping aspiring beauty school students find the perfect cosmetology schools to meet their needs. Add Heather on Google+.
I thought the part about students at Lancaster High School having to complete an interview process was interesting since my school doesn’t have that. I think the only “rules” are that you must be a Sophomore to start, have good grades and attendance.
I Wants To Go To Beauty School Unstead Of My High School. Beauty School Is My Dream I Want To Go To Beauty School Really Bad But I Am Only Fourteen And I Was Wondering If U new If There Was A Beauty School That Takes Fourteen Year Old For High School Years.
Thank You So Much!
Shelby Ciasto
I want to finish my high school year; and I want to go to beauty school too. I am in the 11th grade and I work and go to beauty school while Im doing that. I want to know if there is a school that will accept me.
IM ONLY A SOPHMORE BUT IAM REALLY INTERESTED IN THE BEAUTY THINGS.. I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND TO A BEAUTY SCHOOL WHILE IM IN HIGH SCHOOL.. DO YOU THINK ITS POSSIBLE??
Beauty School opens up so many opportunities for people who complete their studies. From spas and salons, to movies and even opening your own business. People don’t give this career the credit it truly deserves.
I really like doing hair that what i always wanted to when i was little.I am really trying to find high school cosmetology school just for me. one day i want to have my own salon.E-mail me if you have any more questions
ima freshmen in high school and i want to start cosmetology school while i’m in high school. If you know any oppurtunities please tell me. Thank you.
To whom it may concern,
I’m a sophomore in High School, and I have always had an eye for makeup and how a hairstyle can suit a person. I began cutting hair in seventh grade, and having this experience has given me the proper motivation to try to find a beauty school in which I can get a head start on my cosmetology career. I want to apply at the MAC counter, but in order to do so I must have a degree in cosmetology. The way I figure it, if I can find a school that would accept me at such a (socially considered) young age, then I can blossom into the person I want to become before I decide to take on the challenge of being a MAC girl. I guess good things come when they’re supposed to, I just happen to be a very impatient person
Sealed with a glossy kiss,
Hope Danielle Bennett
i am a freshman in high school, and i would like to know at what age can i start cosmetology school. if you can let me know about any oppurtunitie that could help me; please tell me.
♥thank-you♥
brianne
I have a cosmetology class in my highschool, and if we stay with the program, we can actually go get our real liscense, and start litteraly being a professional at age 17.
In mine, we need 1,000 hrs to get our liscense, which is around 3 yrs (I’m starting at a freshmen level, so by the time I’m in the 11th grade, I should have it)
We learn all the things that beauty schools offer, and so I dont understand why some school’s who offer cosmetology dont allow you to get your liscense.
I understand of course its good practice, but also almost a waste of time and energy. When your just going to have to be ‘retaught’ everything in the beauty school.
Idk, I’m just grateful that our school doesn’t do that. So i only have to learn it once and go from there.
Im 16, and my highschool has a program called Four County. There’s a cosmotology program there too, but its VERY hard to get in. You have to be a sophmore to apply and you get accepted as a junior. You also have to have 8 credits and have good grades and good attendence. Well, my dad just died.. and ive missed A LOT of school which brought my grades down.. So im pretty much not going to get in even though i applied very early.. is there any way i could do highschool at a beauty school my junior year? Or is there something i can do? Because i want to do cosotology very badly ):
I’m 16 years old and um already doing hair I wana know ig I can start song hair at shops now if they can see I’m on a good start .really need money to take care of my family
. We’re Freshmens in the Pitt county school system And we would like to know Could we start at this age or what grade would be appropriate contact us at the email above ^^^^ ASAP
i am 22 and i quit college to be an RN bcuz that is no longer what i want 2 do i want to be a hair dresser but i have no clue where to start or where to go. i live in crystal river, fl if anybody can help me find a school within 50miles of me that would be great..thank you
Rehea – Here is the Salon Professional Academy, about 30 miles from Crystal River, Florida! http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/schools/salonpro_acad_tv/
What a wonderful opportunity beauty schools offer young individuals wanting a career!
If you are bad at hair and makeup but really want to learn. Is this a good class to take.