Welcome to Mat-Su Career and Technical High School

WASILLA — Mat-Su Career and Technical High School provides specialized classes for students who want to learn more about a profession that interests them and allows them to take classes that aren’t normally available at a traditional high school.

CTHS, which recently began its fourth year, is similar to many schools in that there are still tests and homework that goes along with classes. There are clubs and extracurricular activities as well, but there are many things that make CTHS different from a “regular” high school.

From the moment you look at CTHS you can tell it is not your usual school. It is built differently than other schools and has won awards for its design. The colors and design are based on glaciers, and large glass windows let in light. The innovative design is a striking difference compared to older schools in the Valley.

The differences that make CTHS unique are not merely cosmetic. Technical classes are a large part of what makes this school its own and helps students who know what they want to do after high school. Some students take classes in a career pathway they’re interested in and go into jobs that normally wouldn’t be available to them. Others find their passion and go on to study at a college or apprenticeship.

For students who want to go to their home high school, they can also go to the technical school part-time. Many students take pathway classes at CTHS and complete core curriculum classes at their home school.

“Philosophically, high school is based on whether students are college or non-college-bound,” said principal Ben Eveland. “CTHS is based on broad career pathways, not set curriculum-based (classes), whether or not a student is going to college.”

CTHS is a four-year high school, but within its structure are pathways. Each student is part of one of five pathways: building, business, fitness, health and tourism.

Classes in some pathways allow students to earn college credit through University of Alaska Anchorage in addition to high school credit. These classes are useful for those who go on to college, or if they go into the workforce in a chosen career field

These pathways contain specialized classes and CTSOs (career and technical student organizations) that allow students to compete with students from other schools using skills they learned in their pathway classes. Students in these CTSOs have moved on to win national and international awards.

Eveland, who has been principal a Career and Technical High School for all four years of its existence, said the culture of the school is different as well.

“This school is different because the students take care of the school,” he said.

This might also be based on how much smaller the school is compared to many other high schools in the Mat-Su. This year, the technical school reached capacity for the first time with an enrollment of more than 400. There are three portable classroom where classes are being held as well, and more are being built by construction students.

Career and Tech also has special classes unique to this school. There are classes like introduction to pharmacy and medical math that allow students to work closer to jobs in the medical field while still in high school. Students can work toward becoming certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and other positions in the medical field.

The extensive building pathway features classes that offer introductions to engineering, technical drafting, construction trades and many other classes. By the time students leave these four-year programs, they have many more options than they might have from other schools.

One source of pride for CTHS is its state-of-the-art kitchen. Every day students in the kitchen learn how to create delicious dishes, and the smells waft throughout the school. Students interested in cooking can take classes like culinary arts, food science and nutrition.

The fitness pathway is designed to help those who wish to pursue degrees in fitness. In addition to extensive fitness classes like aerobics, fitness management and outdoor recreation, there are classes like sports medicine, where one can learn about athletic training.

The last career pathway at CTHS is business. In this pathway students can take classes and become certified in computer programs that can help in their careers and day-to-day lives. Also in the business pathway is Introduction to Business, Accounting and Personal Finance. These classes teach students how to run businesses and manage money.

At the technical school all students, no matter the pathway, are prepared for job interviews and employment. One class is called Customer Service, where students learn how to most effectively help customers. In this class, students learn how to fill out job applications and resumés correctly and learn what employers expect.

Learning about future careers goes beyond taking classes. Every Wednesday the school has professional dress day. Without fail, students are barred from wearing T-shirts, jeans, sneakers and sweatshirts. This policy is believed to help students learn what is expected when it comes to personal appearance in the workplace.

Career and Technical High School does have differences from other schools, but it also has similarities. This school does not have grand traditions in the community or the sporting arena. But that’s OK with most associated with the school. CTHS is blazing a new path for technical schools in the Valley and making the community better along the way.

Sophie Harris is a student at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School and contributes to the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman’s Schools section.