Buzz Builds Around Newark School’s Cosmetology Program (VIDEOS)

NEWARK, NJ — The buzz continues to build about the School of Cosmetology at West Side High School in Newark.

The four-year program is a “pathway” that students at the school can choose as part of their education, which gives them a big leg up when they graduate and try to get a job. By graduation day, students earn their high school diploma, log the required training hours and prepare to take the state cosmetology licensing exam.

Along the way, students learn the basics of industry essentials such as hair care, makeup and nails, literally getting a “hands-on” peek into their future careers.

On Tuesday, the school’s principal, Akbar Cook, gave a well-deserved shout out to the School of Cosmetology on social media.

“In just three years, West Side High School has become the best Cosmetology School in the county,” wrote Cook, who has earned praise from the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres for his previous efforts at West Side.

“We just placed number 1 in the state of New Jersey for our French Braid Showcase,” he continued. “Ms. Daniels wrote the curriculum for the [Newark Board of Education] and was just honored by the state as being the fastest to get our school level 2 certified. As of right now, we’re top 10 in the state.”

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