Career & Technical Education
1,500 Hours of Professional Cosmetology Education
Cosmetology is CBA's signature career pathway. Students receive 1,500 hours of professional training aligned with North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners standards while completing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. Through hands-on salon experience, entrepreneurship education, and real-world learning, graduates are prepared for licensure, higher education, and rewarding careers.
Signature Career Pathway
Cosmetology & Esthetics
Students complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology instruction integrated into the regular school day, preparing them for North Carolina licensure while earning a high school diploma.
- 1,500 cosmetology training hours. Complete 1,500 hours of professional cosmetology education while earning your high school diploma.
- Hands-on salon experience. Gain confidence through supervised salon experiences, real clients, professional tools, and authentic workplace learning.
- Entrepreneurship & business education. Learn business ownership, branding, marketing, financial literacy, customer service, and leadership—skills that prepare you to build your own future.
- Small Supportive Learning Environment. Small class sizes and personalized support ensure every student is known, challenged, and encouraged to succeed.
Additional Pathways
Career Pathways That Complement Your Future
Alongside cosmetology, CBA offers additional career-technical pathways — each a sequenced course track built around a recognized industry certification.
Cosmetology & Esthetics ⭐
Your signature pathway — 1,500 hours of professional cosmetology training leading to North Carolina licensure.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Every student learns how to build and manage a business.
Health Science & Wellness
Preparing students for careers that intersect with beauty, wellness, and client care.
Industry Credentials
More Than a Diploma
Coursework in every pathway is mapped to a real industry certification exam or state licensure track — not a school-issued certificate of completion.
| Pathway | Example Credential |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology & Esthetics | NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners licensure hours |
| Business & Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneurship/Career & Technical Education credential (or applicable business credential) |
| Health Science & Wellness | CPR/First Aid, OSHA, Infection Control, or other appropriate healthcare/wellness certifications |
Work-Based Learning & Internships
Real Employers, Real Experience
Juniors and seniors may participate in supervised work-based learning experiences with local beauty, wellness, and business partners, applying classroom knowledge in professional settings.
Entrepreneurship
Build something real
Every student develops entrepreneurial skills through financial literacy, branding, marketing, and a capstone business project designed to turn ideas into opportunities.
Next Step
Explore the Four-Year Journey
Every career pathway is fully integrated with CBA's rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. Explore how all four years work together.