Washoe County schools prepare students for success in the future in a variety of ways.
“Our job is to make sure that our students graduate from high school after their K-12 experience ready for whatever they choose,” said Dr. Dana Ryan, director of the Washoe County School District’s Signature Academies & Career and Technical Education.
To do this, Washoe County schools focus on a students’ readiness, including academic abilities, technical knowledge, and soft skills to pursue whatever path do they choose.
Washoe County Schools: Career & Technical Education
Beginning in elementary school, students at Washoe County schools explore the idea of what they want to be when they grow up.
"We want our young people to understand that there are a whole bunch of opportunities for them," Ryan said. "We also want them to look at those opportunities through the lens of what are the skills needed for that."
In middle school, students begin learning technical and soft skills.
“As they move into more advanced technical courses, they're bringing in the academics that they've learned starting in kindergarten,” Ryan said.
Finally, in high school, students can have a work-based learning experience that combines their academic, technical, and soft skills.
"They are going out into the community and understanding what the world of work looks like and how those skills that they've learned in the classroom translate to real world," Ryan said.
Washoe County Schools: STEAM & STEM Education
Washoe County school district also prioritizes providing STEM and STEAM educational opportunities for many students through many avenues. Nevada's STEM Advisory Council identifies and awards recognition to 15 schools in Nevada each year that demonstrate exemplary performance in STEM. One of those schools is the Dorothy Lemelson STEM Academy in Reno.
“We have a significant focus on STEM and STEAM education,” Ryan said. “Our state has really made a commitment to understanding what that means and making sure that from the time they enter pre-K all kids have access to programs that are developing skills in all of those areas.”
Washoe County Schools: Advanced Placement & International Baccalaureate programs
For students who are college bound, Washoe County schools offer robust Advanced Placement classes and an International Baccalaureate high school and middle school. Wooster High School and Vaughn Middle School are the only authorized IB World Schools in Northern Nevada.
Washoe County Schools: Dual credit
Students at Washoe County schools can take a college class while they complete their high school diploma or equivalent through the district’s Jump Start Program with Truckee Meadows Community College. Jump Start works in two ways: through Jump Start Cohort Classes or Jump Start to TMCC, also know as J2TMCC. With the Jump Start cohort classes, students earn college credit while simultaneously earning high school credit. Most of these classes are offered in collaboration with the Washoe County School District and are taught on site at a high school. J2TMCC welcomes individual students to take college courses for individual accomplishment, dual credit, get a head start to college or all of the above.
Washoe County Schools: Signature academies
Washoe County schools signature academies are four-year themed high school programs that programs provide a rigorous, applied curriculum with opportunities to earn college credit and industry certifications, gain 21st-century skills, and develop connections between school and the real world. Themed programs are available in Agricultural Science & Natural Resources, Business & Marketing, Engineering & Manufacturing, Information Technology, Media & Communication, Global Studies, Health Science & Human Services, International Baccalaureate, and Performing Arts.
Washoe County Schools: Internships
Through internships, students at Washoe County schools can engage with local businesses to learn about career opportunities, understand job skills and expectations, and develop a network of resources to assist students with success after graduation. Opportunities are available with Renown Health, Saint Mary’s Health Network, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada and more.
Washoe County Schools: Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Student Opportunities
To further the development of leadership and technical skills, students at Washoe County Schools can participate in one or more Career and Technical Student Organizations. These organizations develop character, citizenship, and the technical, leadership and teamwork skills essential for the workforce and their further education. Their activities are considered a part of the instructional day when they are directly related to the competencies and objectives in the course.
No matter how a student chooses to prepare themselves for the future, Ryan encourages parents to stay involved in their child’s experience at Washoe County schools.
“Develop relationships with teachers and administrators and counselors and stay engaged in your child's education,” Ryan said. “We want your participation.
