CA Charter school to focus on trades

Ventura Star
By Cheri Carlson

A long-discussed plan to open a charter school in Ventura County specializing in architecture, construction and engineering might soon become a reality.

A proposal for a public charter school called ACE High is expected to go to the Oxnard Union High School District board for approval next month.

Ventura County Office of Education and Oxnard Union officials have worked with industry leaders and educators throughout the county to draft plans for the school. If trustees authorize the charter, the school would open in fall 2010.

“ACE High has the opportunity to make an outstanding contribution to the students in this county,” Martha Mutz, Oxnard Union assistant superintendent, said at a recent board meeting.

“It’s proposed to fill a niche so students are well-prepared for industry jobs in architecture, construction and engineering,” she said. It also fits with the state’s focus on career technical education.

The curriculum would be focused on careers in the construction industry, said Peggy Velarde, county director of Regional Occupational Programs. Courses would emphasize hands-on projects and include college-preparatory curriculum, preparing students to head directly to college, a professional apprenticeship program or a job, Velarde said.

Students from throughout Ventura County could attend, and officials hope it would prevent some from dropping out before graduation.

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