Hodgson (paul M.) Vocational Technical High School

Hodgson (Paul M.) Vocational Technical High School serves 1,094 students in grades 9-12 in Newark, Delaware, offering specialized career and technical education programs. With 81 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a favorable 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more individualized attention in both academic and vocational coursework. As a vocational-technical institution, Hodgson focuses on preparing students for careers through hands-on learning and industry-specific training.

The school's academic performance shows room for growth, with 28% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts and 9% in mathematics. These results reflect the unique mission of vocational schools, which often serve students seeking alternative pathways to traditional four-year college preparation. The school ranks 180th out of 220 high schools statewide and receives a 3.8 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout.

However, vocational-technical schools are designed to measure success differently, emphasizing career readiness, industry certifications, and job placement rates alongside traditional academics. Hodgson is situated in a large suburban area of Newark, within the 19702 ZIP code, where families enjoy a median household income of $90,281 and median home values of $311,400. The surrounding community of over 56,000 residents includes 37% with bachelor's degrees or higher, creating a stable environment for students pursuing diverse post-graduation pathways.

While current test scores at Hodgson (paul M.) Vocational Technical High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.