School Culture/Environment
Payette River Technical Academy (the “School”) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on individuals, abilities and qualifications. Consistent with this principle and applicable laws, it is therefore the School’s policy not to discriminate in offering access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Such a policy ensures that only relevant factors are considered and that equitable and consistent standards of conduct and performance are applied. PRTA offers programs for every student, combining hands-on experience with academics. The classes help students connect their English, math and other core skills to potential careers. By making learning ‘real,’ PRTA encourages leadership, positive work habits, good communication and teamwork skills that make entry into the workplace more successful.
PRTA classrooms emphasize caring and safety as core elements. The school attempts to create a climate as “an orderly, fun environment in which the school family feels valued and able to pursue the school’s mission free from concerns about disruptions and safety.” Several aspects of the school’s physical and social environment comprise its climate.
The following eight areas have been identified:
- Appearance and physical plant
- Faculty relations
- Student interactions
- Leadership/decision making
- Disciplined environment
- Learning environment
- Attitude and culture
- School-community relations
PRTA recognizes the numerous studies that document students in schools with a better school climate have higher achievement and better socioemotional health.