When Yale High School Principal Brad Dykstra and I recently sat down with MASSP Associate Director of Digital Learning & Platform Strategy Ryan Cayce to record an episode for the MASSP podcast, I knew we would have a good conversation. As neighboring principals separated by just twelve miles of rural two-lane roads, Brad and I often hop on the phone to bounce ideas back and forth. But sitting down for this dedicated podcast recording opened up a whole new depth of dialogue and a deeper view into Yale’s drive to innovate that left me deeply inspired and eager to share their insights.
For years, small-school leaders have wrestled with the challenge of offering hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) when county tech centers are a distant bus ride away and slot numbers are strictly limited. Rather than accepting those boundaries as fixed, Yale High School has turned necessity into the mother of invention.
Building Authentic Relevance in the Classroom
At the heart of Yale’s success is a culture driven by authentic relevance. Guided by their district framework, Authentic Learning with Technology (ALT), Yale’s mission is to ensure that classroom theory transfers directly into real-world practice. When community members expressed a desire to bring back practical trade skills, Yale educators didn’t just add a standalone elective; they blended hands-on skill-building with core academics.
Through their Geometry in Construction program, a two-hour block course co-taught by a certified math teacher and an industry practitioner, students aren’t merely memorizing formulas on a whiteboard. They are calculating roof pitches, earning OSHA 10 safety certifications and constructing deer blinds that are sold to fund future class projects. Seeing the power of this model, Yale went a step further by “Yale-ifying” the AMPED on Algebra model, adapting a college-style schedule for Algebra II that integrates graphic design, laser etching and custom apparel production directly into their math curriculum.
Strategic Innovation and the Power of Partnership
What stood out most during our dialogue was Yale’s incredible strategic resourcefulness. To bypass physical and distance barriers, Yale secured a competitive 61V CTE expansion grant to transform a space into a modern CTE lab right inside their school. Equipped with CAD stations, 3D printers, and state-of-the-art CAT heavy-machinery and welding simulators, Yale is giving students an immersive, low-risk preview of technical careers.
Crucially, Yale’s drive to innovate has never been about building a fortress around their own building. Principal Dykstra has always been quick to share blueprints, grant approaches, and Yale’s “Portrait of a Learner” competencies, focusing K-12 students on resiliency, communication, and courage. In turn, we have shared our insights from manufacturing business models and library transformations. Our podcast exchange reinforced a powerful truth: When neighboring schools stop working in silos and start co-creating, both districts thrive.
Reigniting Passion in Students and Staff
The true magic of Yale’s innovative drive lies in its human impact. Attendance and engagement among the “middle 60%” of students have soared. In one moving story shared on the podcast, a student who entered school as a selective mute found her voice through Yale’s student-led broadcast news program, eventually anchoring the daily news, graduating as valedictorian, and pursuing a degree in communications. Furthermore, this hands-on approach has reignited a passion among veteran faculty, inspiring educators on the threshold of retirement to stay and teach with renewed energy.
Looking Ahead
Yale High School’s story proves that visionary leadership, paired with open cross-district collaboration, can light a spark that brightens an entire region.
I encourage every school leader to be on the lookout for our upcoming episode of the MASSP Podcast, hosted by Ryan Cayce! You will hear Brad Dykstra and myself unpack the practical steps, honest challenges, and collaborative breakthroughs behind our journey. Tune in and hopefully you might find a spark for your district.