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Overview

Cosmetology

The Cosmetology CTE introduces students to the world of personal care, beauty, and wellness through hands-on practice and professional service.

Students manage a fully functional, student-run “salon” inside the school that offers skincare, haircare, and hygiene education to peers and staff.

 

This course builds confidence, creativity, and professionalism while teaching students how to maintain a clean, safe, and customer-focused work environment.

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Daily Activities

Cosmetology students rotate through a variety of roles that mirror real salon operations.

Their work promotes both self-care and service to others, helping create a positive and polished school culture.

 

Daily tasks include:

 

  • Preparing the salon space for “Friday Salon Days” by sanitizing tools and setting up stations.

  • Performing basic beauty services such as hairstyling on mannequins, hand or nail care, and makeup application practice.

  • Organizing hygiene kits for students in need through Wildcat Services.

  • Teaching hygiene and grooming mini-lessons to peers, such as skincare basics or hair washing and drying techniques.

  • Creating and displaying beauty and self-care flyers that encourage confidence, professionalism, and wellness.

  • Managing appointment schedules, recording services provided, and tracking supplies.

  • Collaborating with Broadcasting and Graphic Design to promote Salon Fridays or wellness campaigns.

 

 

These daily activities teach time management, attention to detail, and professional etiquette in a hands-on environment.

Student Job Roles

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  • Salon Manager – Oversees daily operations, schedules clients, and ensures cleanliness standards are met.

  • Assistant Manager – Helps set up and close the salon, checks supply levels, and assists new trainees.

  • Safety & Sanitation Lead – Ensures all tools and surfaces are properly sanitized before and after use.

  • Stylist or Technician – Performs services on mannequins or volunteers (hair, nails, makeup, skincare).

  • Product & Inventory Coordinator – Tracks supplies, refills stations, and requests replacements.

Curriculum & Skills Focus

The Cosmetology curriculum integrates WV CTE Career Exploration standards with Porter’s Academy’s Cosmetology Standards to emphasize career readiness and personal care.

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Core skills include:

 

  • Hygiene and sanitation practices

  • Customer service and professionalism

  • Haircare, skincare, and nail care basics

  • Anatomy of skin, hair, and nails

  • Safe tool use and workstation setup

  • Communication, teamwork, and client relations

 

 

Curriculum highlights include:

 

  • “Healthy Habits, Healthy You” hygiene unit

  • Salon safety and sanitation certification

  • Hair and nail care basics using mannequins

  • Special Event Preparation (e.g., Homecoming, Sweetheart, Winter Formal, Prom)

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What Makes It Different

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Unlike traditional middle school electives that only “discuss” beauty careers, Porter’s Academy’s Cosmetology program provides authentic, service-based learning.

 

Students operate an in-school salon and apply what they learn to serve others—staff, peers, and the community.

 

The focus is not on vanity—it’s on confidence, hygiene, and professionalism.

Students learn the importance of presentation, wellness, and customer service while gaining real exposure to beauty and wellness career pathways.

 

Their work improves school culture by promoting positivity, pride, and personal care.

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