One of the biggest complaints that most students have is learning about things that will not matter or assist them in the real world. At Toll Gate, you could have the opportunity to actually learn life skills that you will need at a job or in your career. Toll Gate High School can provide you with the knowledge of the real world by teaching classes like Culinary, Cosmetology, Engineering and many many more. These classes not only train you for certain jobs but from 10th to 12th grade you have 3 hours a day of working in the program of your choice and then proceed to 3 of your regular core classes. Once you graduate you leave with a certificate allowing you to potentially continue with a serious job in the department of your choice showing that you are qualified. While training in these classes you can work on cars, do people’s hair, cook, and experience what it is like to have that career.
So far the classes have so much versatility and they, aside from being useful, are so much fun. The teachers are so helpful and kind and two teachers that I personally have had a good relationship with are the teachers in Cosmetology, Mrs. Shurtleff and Mrs. Sanders. I have had great experiences with them when a member of my family had them as teachers as well. They are just wonderful. The reason I specifically use them as a prime example is because I have known them inside and outside of the classroom and they have always represented what a teacher should be like in my eyes; especially for serious classes such as these programs offer.
The teachers have already had the job in what they teach, so you have a professional with you at all times. In 9th grade you go through a 14 week program showing you each class. That is where I am at right now. You are there for 4-5 days before moving on to the next elective. At the end of those 14 weeks you pick your top three, and as long as you keep up with grades and have good behavior, you get into the program you like. From my experience, getting the chance to see the classes, teachers, and the students has been so fun and it can be life changing for many students who are serious about their education and future such as myself. Knowing that you can leave high school and have the amount of security that the CTC can give has provided me with a huge sense of comfort. I feel it gives me a great start to the real world. So if you attend Toll Gate High School and you are interested, I highly recommend going to the Career Center and choosing a class that is fit for you!
