Personal Ownership & Goals
Success at P.K. Yonge requires discipline, focus, and a commitment to academic excellence. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set ambitious performance goals, and cultivate the skills necessary for success in college, careers, and beyond.
By embracing these principles, students at P.K. Yonge prepare themselves for a bright and promising future.
Departments & Courses
English
- Pre-AP English 1
- Pre-AP English 2
- AP English Language & Composition
- AP English Literature
Math
Science
Social Studies
Research
Public Service
Academic Success
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Computer Science
World Languages
Physical Education
Journalism
Why Career & Technical Education (CTE)?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) in high school plays a crucial role in preparing students for the workforce and further education.
Skill Development
CTE programs equip students with practical, job-specific skills that are directly applicable in various industries. This hands-on training helps students become proficient in their chosen fields, whether it’s automotive technology, healthcare, information technology, or culinary arts.
Career Readiness
Students participating in CTE gain valuable insights into the working world and can explore different career paths before committing to further education or employment. This early exposure helps them make informed decisions about their futures and increases their readiness for post-secondary education or entry-level jobs.
Academic Integration
CTE programs often integrate academic and technical instruction, showing students how their academic learning applies to real-world scenarios. This integration can enhance engagement and motivation, leading to better overall academic performance.
Economic Benefits
By providing students with the skills needed for in-demand jobs, CTE helps address workforce shortages and supports economic growth. Employers benefit from a more skilled and prepared workforce, reducing the gap between job requirements and available talent.
College & Career Pathways
CTE can serve as a bridge to higher education, with many programs offering college credit or industry-recognized certifications. These credentials can give students a head start in their careers or further academic pursuits.
Personal Development
CTE fosters important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and communication. These skills are essential in any career and contribute to personal growth and development.
Increased Engagement & Retention
Students engaged in CTE programs are often more motivated and less likely to drop out of school. The practical and applied nature of the curriculum keeps students interested and invested in their education.
Diverse Opportunities
CTE provides diverse educational pathways that cater to different learning styles and interests, offering students opportunities to succeed in ways that traditional academic programs might not.
Alignment with Industry Needs
CTE programs are frequently updated to align with current industry standards and needs, ensuring that students are learning the most relevant and up-to-date skills. This alignment helps create a dynamic and adaptable workforce.
Equity & Access
CTE can provide opportunities for all students, including those who may not be planning to attend a traditional four-year college. By offering multiple pathways to success, CTE helps ensure that all students have the chance to achieve their career goals.
College & Career Readiness
About College & Career Readiness
The P.K. Yonge High School College and Career Readiness (CCR) initiative is helping more students earn Bright Futures through explicit professional test prep instruction. In addition, students are able to have the time to explore colleges and careers of interest and practice employability skills as they participate in mock interviews with community leaders. Through engaging activities, students develop self-awareness and life management skills that will help them face and overcome obstacles they encounter beyond high school. They receive one-on-one assistance with the Common Application, college admission essays, scholarship processes, and guidance in developing and executing an individualized action plan during their senior year.
Students become much more proactive through our CCR coursework, developing college and career awareness and action plans needed to obtain personal goals regarding their next steps. Using Covey’s work, they begin with the end in mind and work strategically to meet the SMART goals they set for themselves, taking ownership of their choices and actions and adjusting as needed to better align to the outcomes they desire.
Students evolve through the four domains of College and Career Readiness as defined by Dr. David Conley: Think, Know, Act, Go. The CCR courses help students take ownership of their learning through goal setting, developing persistence, self-awareness, and self-efficacy. They implement learning techniques in time management, test and note-taking skills, strategic reading, and collaborative learning. All the content and skill development prepares them to be successful in the transition after high school, whether they plan to be enrolled in a university or college, enlisted in the military, or employed in a job they love.
Student Outcomes
College and Career Planning, Employability Skills, Financial Literacy, Communication and Literacy Skills development, and built-in test prep for Bright Futures eligibility
Public Service
One of the core values at P.K. Yonge is community. From kindergarten through 12th grade, students are taught the value of accepting differences, working collaboratively, and being a good citizen. P.K. Yonge high school students also have a service hour requirement for graduation that they fulfill through volunteering in the school and community. Starting in 2024, all high school students will receive Public Service Careers coursework.