The Cosmetology program is designed to prepare students for a career in the creative and exciting world of cosmetology. All practical and theoretical skills required by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology are taught so that students will be prepared for the state exam and licensing. The course consists of hands-on training, performing basic designs on mannequins. Units of instruction include state laws, shop management, scalp conditioning, hair cutting, shaping and styling, permanent waving, thermal waving, barbering, shaving, facials, manicuring, pedicuring, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry.

Graduates of the program find employment as hair stylists, manufacturers’ representatives, cosmetic or wig salespersons, receptionists, salon owners or platform artists.

The Fashion Design program emphasizes innovation and creativity while providing students with the technical knowledge necessary for a successful entry into the fashion industry. Our instructors nurture creativity and teach hands-on skills using the same equipment found in the industry such as buttonholers, high-speed sewing machines, and cutters.  This program prepares students for both custom tailoring and garment design and construction. Students are taught the fundamentals of material selection and handling, cutting, fabric care maintenance, pattern layout, production sewing techniques, custom garment construction, and design strategies.

Field trips to showrooms, museums and factories help to broaden the knowledge of the fashion industry, as do special projects such as providing the costumes for the students in our Performing Arts productions. Students also have the opportunity to present their work in fashion shows and competitions. Business practices, marketing, and client relations are also studied.

Upon completion of the program, students may find employment as material handlers, cutters and operators in factory settings, operators and repair personnel in institutional settings, or operators in custom boutiques or bridal shops. Students are also encouraged to continue their education and pursue Fashion Design at the college level.

In Ornamental Horticulture, students learn skills used in nursery production, landscape design and maintenance, greenhouse production, turf production and maintenance, and the management of retail florist shops and garden centers. Each year students enter competitions including the prestigious Philadelphia Flower Show.

Students who meet eligibility requirements may have the opportunity to earn college credits for units of study within this career program.

There are two options from which to choose in Ornamental Horticulture: Floriculture and Landscaping.

In Floriculture, students are taught greenhouse management and floral design. Greenhouse management involves potted plant production of poinsettias, geraniums, bulbs, annuals, perennials, vegetables and hanging baskets. Related topics include soils, fertilization, insect and disease control, garden center management, inventory and quality control. The floral design portion involves basic floral design techniques, retail floral management, cut flower care, marketing of cut flowers and fresh, silk and dried flower arranging.

In Landscaping, students begin with developing plant and garden maintenance techniques. They progress to the study of landscape design through the use of drafting and computer technologies. Students in the program will learn how to construct patios, walkways, ponds and waterfalls. Students also become involved with beautification projects throughout Camden County. In addition, students are taught the varied skills of the nursery production worker, the technical skills of plant propagation, and the office and management skills for the operation of today’s nursery.

Training is also provided using equipment such as a computer program that uses photographs or digital input to create realistic landscape designs.

Students in the Ornamental Horticulture program are also members of the FFA, a national organization whose mission is to develop leadership skills and personal growth. FFA members participate in numerous activities including competitions and community service projects.

Graduates of the Landscaping program may become greenhouse specialists, garden center or nursery employees, landscape designers or turf maintenance workers.