San Rafael High School’s academies are designed to prepare students for the real world by offering specialized programs in various fields. These academies include courses in subjects like engineering, digital media, education, and now construction.

Students in these programs often have the chance to work on real-world projects, which helps them gain hands-on experience.

Many students have said that this initiative is already proving to be beneficial, equipping students with real-world knowledge that traditional classroom settings often lack.

Seniors in the construction course have claimed to have already had the opportunity to use these skills taught in their daily lives.

“Sometimes a switch or an outlet doesn’t work and you just need to know how to replace it. I’ve done it a couple of times and it’s easy because the construction class teaches you how to do those things,” said senior Alexis Garcia.

The Construction Academy offers a broad curriculum, including interior design, architecture, electrical work, plumbing, and project management. Students have the opportunity to participate in very important projects. In one of them they are able to design and build two cozy and fully functional tiny homes for people in need, which gives them a taste of industry work before they graduate. 

Many seniors are choosing to come back for another year, which shows that the academy is providing meaningful hands-on learning experiences. These returning students are building on the skills and knowledge they gained last year, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.

“I like it because I don’t just have to look at a screen or a notebook or textbook. I actually get to do it myself and experience what it would feel like to do construction as a career,” said senior Larissa Baltazar, who designed the layout for last year’s tiny homes.  

The Construction Academy not only supplies students with essential skills but may open doors to profitable and fulfilling career paths. The partnership between SRHS and Big Skills Tiny Homes lets students learn from experienced professionals and have a potential pathway to employment after completing the program.

“I 100% think this is a very necessary class because not only does this give you the experience you’re going to need if that’s a career you want to take, if you do well in the class, you can have other pathways that the teacher gives you,” said Baltazar.

Despite the successful development of the Construction Academy, many female students feel uncomfortable joining the predominantly male course. 

“I think a lot of girls are intimidated by getting their hands dirty and the fact that most construction workers are males. They may also think that the class is hard which can also be discouraging,” said senior Veronica Martinez, one of the few female students who enrolled last year. 

However, the school is actively working to change that dynamic and create a more inclusive environment. 

“Construction has traditionally been a male dominated field and continues to be so. Hopefully that will change, we are now in our second year. Our first year had eight out of 48 females. This year we have nearly doubled the number of female participants to 15 out of 48. That is an 88% increase,” said Sean Ticknor, the academy’s head teacher. With these efforts, SRHS is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the construction industry, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to build their dreams.

Additionally, the presence of student teachers has sparked mixed feelings among the students. While some appreciate the fresh perspectives and teaching methods that the student teachers bring, others feel that their lack of experience sometimes sets back the learning process. 

Baltazar stated, “This is not only benefiting me, this is benefitting someone else as well. I feel like there is a sense of embarrassment if you’re asking a very experienced teacher but if you’re asking someone that can also struggle with the same thing, it’s not as embarrassing because we’re learning together.” 

In contrast, Martinez said, “I wish the group leaders were more experienced because they are young so I feel like they kinda didn’t know what they were doing at some points so it just confused the whole class. We did get through it but there were definitely some rough patches that could’ve been avoided if they had more experience.” 

This blend of opinions has created an active classroom environment where feedback and adaptation are constantly present.

Despite these mixed feelings, the overall sentiment among students is that the class is running smoothly. The core curriculum remains vigorous, and the hands-on projects continue to engage and educate effectively. Students acknowledge that while the student teachers are still learning, they are also bringing new energy and ideas that enhance the learning experience.

While the Construction Academy appears to be a success, many students believe that the CTE offerings should expand to include a program centered on the medical field. 

“Maybe we should have an academy that focuses more on what it’d be like to work in a hospital,” said senior Angie Ixcamparic. 

Baltzar added, “Although I don’t want to go into the medical field, I’d say a lot of people here do and I think it’d be really beneficial. I know there’s people here who want to do nursing a lot and if we start that early, we could have so many more success stories.” 

Additionally, Garcia suggested that the school should add an auto mechanics CTE course. “I feel like learning what to do when your car breaks down and stuff like that would be very beneficial.”

As the Construction Academy continues to advance, it represents the impact of hands-on learning on student development and career readiness. The program not only allows students to leave with essential technical skills but also produces a sense of accomplishment and confidence that extends beyond the classroom. 

Baltazar said, “I really did enjoy planning out because someone does live there now, that house is in use. Someone is living there and it’s someone in need. So, thinking about how it’s beneficial to them and makes life easier for them is a lot of fun.” 

With the support of the school community, the Construction Academy is likely to remain a vital part of SRHS’s educational offering. The academy may not only build structures but also futures.