Ezra is a senior at Edge High School, a tuition-free public charter school for grades 9 to 12 in Tucson, and he followed his older brother here. This year, he’s the pilot student in a high school trades program with Praxis Portal Institute, where he’s learning several trades and plans to become an electrician. Meet Ezra.
What made you choose Edge High School?
My brother went to Edge before me, and I thought it would be a great experience. I live in central Tucson, just a couple of blocks from the Himmel Park campus, so that was a big factor. There was another high school around the corner, but it felt way too small to me. I looked Edge up and liked what I saw: the self-paced structure and the flexible schedule. The more relaxed environment was a bonus.
What was your first week at Edge like, and what kind of student were you before high school?
I wasn’t the best student in eighth grade. I really locked in during the last couple of months of middle school so I could pass. Starting high school was nerve-wracking because I didn’t know anybody, and the social interactions, teachers, and schoolwork were all different. Moving from paper to digital work was a struggle too. In my first few days, I met a former student named Mickey. She was an extrovert, and I was very much an introvert, and she helped me connect with a lot of the friends I have now. The students were considerate and welcoming, and I got along with my teachers.
What’s the biggest change in you from ninth grade to now?
My teachers have noticed a big difference between me in ninth grade and me today. They say I’m more respectful and responsible, and I listen a lot more. They also say I’m much calmer and more collected. One of the main things that helped was the start of the pickleball program at Edge with All In Youth.
What is it about Edge that has worked for you?
The environment. At a traditional high school, things can feel very strict. At Edge, you can talk to teachers more like you’re talking to a friend or a buddy. They still keep a professional distance, of course, but they’re more approachable. At a traditional school, you might have to raise your hand and wait to ask a question. At Edge, you can go up to a teacher and ask for help, or sometimes speak to them from your seat, depending on the teacher.
Was there a teacher, coach, or moment that changed how you saw yourself or your future?
Wendi Miller is probably the main contributor to how I’ve evolved as a person. She has helped me learn and succeed in a lot of different ways. Her teaching style is supportive. She breaks things down and helps me work through them in smaller steps, which takes the pressure out. She really sees me, and I don’t think I’d be as good a student or person without her. I’d also mention our counselor, Lo Sanders. I’ve definitely grown in my emotional intelligence because of him. He’s a great person and very inclusive of everybody.
Tell us about your program with Praxis Portal Institute?
Through Edge, I’m the pilot student for a new program that gives students exposure to different trades. Edge helped cover the $500 tuition for Praxis Portal Institute. I’m learning about roofing, electrical work, drywall installation, and plumbing. Right now, we’re learning to install a water heater. We use handheld torches and filler metal to join copper pipes, and I’m still learning how to do that. We’ll also do framing and build the actual frames for modular houses. Praxis builds modular homes, usually made up of four modules, and students work on the houses alongside dedicated staff. I’m earning credit for English and math by completing the program. It’s a semester-long program that runs through around April or May, so it takes up most of the school year.
How did you get connected to the program, and did you know you were interested in the trades?
All In Youth brought the program to my attention, and I talked to Rob, the principal at Edge Himmel Park about it. Before Praxis, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do professionally. Edge and Praxis arranged a field trip so I could tour the place and decide whether to sign up. That helped me see what it was actually like instead of imagining it from a description. I think the program could lead to a job because they help with that transition. I still write my own résumé and research companies I’d like to work for, and they support me through that process.
Which trade has stood out to you the most so far?
Electrical work. Becoming an electrician sounds really interesting, and I think I’ll try to pursue it professionally. I’ve only just started the program, though, so I’m excited to see what other trades come up and whether there’s one I might like even more.
How does the program support you, and what are your plans for graduation?
My goal is to finish school in the spring. I’m finishing some written schoolwork that I was given late, and once I turn that in, I’ll be close to done with everything else. Then I just need to finish the Praxis program, which will complete my last credits and allow me to graduate from Edge. Praxis helps you as you learn. You work with a partner on the build, or with multiple people if there are enough students.
What would you say to a student who’s nervous about starting at Edge?
It’s fine to be nervous, but try to make connections with the teachers. If you have a connection with them, they can really help you connect with other students, and that can help you succeed at Edge.
A year ago, Ezra could not have told you what he wanted to do after high school. Now he can solder copper pipe, install a water heater, and name electrical work as his future. The Praxis Portal Institute program gave him a close look at the trades, and Edge High School gave him the room to take it.
About Edge High School
For 30 years, Edge has been serving Tucson youth with a tuition-free, Cognia-accredited, high school education. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with online distance learning, in-person and flexible morning or afternoon schedules at two conveniently located campuses. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Get to know Edge on Facebook, Youtube and Instagram. Be you. With us. At Edge.