Tucson, Arizona (KGUN) — Hands-on learning is central to Pima JTED’s educational approach, but the school is not a traditional school focused on core subjects such as math, English, and science.

Pima JTED focuses on career and technical education for high school sophomores to seniors.

“Students really need hands-on experience. They need to do things and be proactive, using materials based on the real industry,” said Bryce Menow, Pima JTED Principal. said.

It is a public high school and tuition is free for students. Public, private, charter, online, and homeschooled students can participate.

Students attend the same school as their regular high school after the regular school day ends.

“They go to high school at home all day. On top of that, they come here for another two to four hours for classes, and then they go home and do more homework for their regular high school. ,” Menow said. “Some of them have work on top of that. They’re just committed.”

Ariel Kanzler graduated from school in May this year after completing two programs in middle school and high school. She is currently working as a research assistant at a school.

“When I was in high school, I wanted to learn more hands-on and get deeper into the medical field, and I thought JTED was the perfect opportunity to do that,” Kanzler said. .

Kanzler will begin classes at the University of Arizona in the coming weeks and plans to pursue a career in the medical field.

“I am very grateful for all that I can do…I am now lucky enough to work here and hopefully continue in the medical field,” Kanzler said.

Menow said the students are very hardworking and dedicated.

“They are highly motivated and great kids to have on campus. They are great kids to teach,” Menow said.

Enroll in the program It will open in January, but Menno said some stores are filling up within minutes. Students register on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We have a number of programs that always have a waiting list each year.