Deschutes River High School, the newest public high school in Bend, is moving beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering four career‑technical education (CTE) tracks that connect academic study directly to professional environments. The programs—business, STEM engineering, construction and medical—are designed to give students hands‑on training while they earn their diplomas.

Four pathways, one mission

Principal Lakisha Clark explained that the school’s CTE curriculum is built around the idea of “crew,” a motto that emphasizes each student taking ownership of their education and future. “We have four CTE programs here,” Clark said. “One is our business program… we also have a STEM engineering program…” She added that the construction and medical tracks round out the offerings, giving families a range of options that align with local industry needs.

Medical academy provides real‑world exposure

Students in the medical track, such as senior Michaela, will spend the next trimester shadowing doctors, veterinarians and other health‑care professionals. “I’m part of a medical academy, which means I’ll be able to actually do rotations next trimester,” Michaela said. “It helps me see the different pathways, like hospice nursing versus registered nursing, so I can make a more informed choice about my career.”

Students value community and career focus

Another student, Ashlyn, chose to remain at Deschutes River because of its supportive community and clear career pathways. “I decided to stay at our school because we have a really good community here,” she said. “The academies give me a specific career path, and I’m really interested in going into medicine.”

Building leaders for the future

Clark emphasized that the school’s culture aims to develop leaders in every program. “It’s building leaders, building the idea that every single one of us can lead,” she said. “The L motto is we are crew, not passengers. That’s about taking ownership of our path, our education, our future.”

Information sessions for families

To help families learn more about the CTE options and the upcoming enrollment lottery for the 2027‑28 academic year, Deschutes River will hold winter information sessions. Administrators encourage interested parents to attend and ask questions about the curriculum, the hands‑on experiences, and how the school’s approach supports both academic achievement and career readiness.

Why this matters for Bend

By integrating vocational training with traditional academics, Deschutes River High School offers a model that prepares students for the local job market while reinforcing the values of hard work, responsibility and community involvement. The school’s focus on practical skills and leadership aligns with Bend’s growing economy and the desire of families for education that leads directly to meaningful employment.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.