Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage
🔍 Program: Cosmetology
🧠 Learning & Coursework
This two-year program prepares students for careers in cosmetology through a structured combination of academic instruction and hands-on training. Coursework focuses on industry standards, safety and sanitation, client services, hair design, skincare, nail care, and the technical knowledge required for success in professional salon environments and state licensure preparation.
Students develop both technical skills and professional workplace habits while preparing for employment and continued study within the beauty and personal-care industries.
💇 Hands-On Training & Salon-Based Practice
Cosmetology is a hands-on, skill-based course. Students study and practice in fully furnished labs equipped with industry-standard tools and equipment designed to replicate professional salon environments.
Daily instruction emphasizes technical skill development, client services, professionalism, consultation techniques, safety procedures, and adherence to industry standards. Students gain experience performing services while developing the consistency and attention to detail expected in the cosmetology profession.
🏘️ Career-Aligned & Real-World Learning
In addition to classroom and laboratory instruction, students may participate in salon shadowing experiences within the local community to observe professional expectations, workplace operations, customer-service practices, and client interactions.
These experiences help students connect classroom learning to real-world cosmetology environments while gaining greater awareness of career opportunities within the beauty industry.
📜 Certifications & Student Leadership
Students are expected to participate in SkillsUSA, a national Career and Technical Student Organization that emphasizes leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and technical skill development within the skilled trades.
In addition to earning course credit, students will work toward industry-recognized credentials, including:
Note: Eligibility for the State Board examination requires strict completion of the 840-hour attendance requirement across the two-year program. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
These credentials allow students to graduate with documented skills, certifications, and career preparation—not just a grade.
🔍 Program Prerequisites
Two-year programs are designed to begin during the 11th grade.
‼️ Special Note: 12th-grade students may be accepted on a case-by-case basis with the understanding that they may not be able to complete all program offerings in one year and may not be considered a CTE completer.
💇 Professional Salon Expectations & Safety
Students are expected to safely and responsibly use professional cosmetology tools, equipment, products, and chemicals. Instruction emphasizes sanitation, infection control, safety procedures, and proper handling of salon equipment in accordance with industry standards.
Success in cosmetology requires attention to detail, professionalism, personal presentation, customer-service skills, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and sanitary workplace.
👔 Professional Conduct & Daily Expectations
This program operates with expectations aligned to professional salon and cosmetology environments. Students are expected to:
Cosmetology is a client-focused profession built on trust, professionalism, presentation, and technical accuracy. Students are expected to meet these standards daily as part of their preparation for state licensure and future employment.
⬇️ Work Attire Sample ⬇️
2 years (6 HS credits) – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage ( Additional Locations: ACE Virginia Randolph, ACE Highland Springs)
Year 1 ( Junior Year)
Cosmetology I - 3 credits (Honors): In this introductory course, students study hair, skin, and nails and their related care. Students are grounded in theory as they prepare to practice procedures in a clinical lab setting and classroom, using mannequins for manipulative skill practice. The first-year course emphasizes personal safety, professionalism, and sanitation and disinfection of equipment and facilities. Students develop skills in shampooing and conditioning hair, as well as styling and cutting hair. They are introduced to hair coloring and chemical texture services and develop skills in manicure and pedicure procedures.
Year 2 ( Senior Year)
Cosmetology II - 3 credits (Honors): In this continuing course, students build on their theoretical foundation of general sciences and practices in cosmetology to increase proficiency in hair cutting and styling on live models, with attention to professionalism, client consultation, safety, and infection control. Students are trained in safe chemical processes related to permanent waves, relaxers, lightening, and coloring hair. In addition, students learn to care for skin, hands, and feet, developing experience in providing facials, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Students will be introduced to a business management unit with a focus on managing the salon.