Foley Public Schools Helps Students Make Lifelong Career Decisions

This is a two-part series on the different school districts in Benton County. You can also read about Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools and their commitment to supporting the next generation of learners.

Parents have multiple high-quality public school options in Benton County. Foley Public Schools supports nearly 2,000 students across three schools (elementary, middle, and high) with the help of 321 staff. Its student-teacher ratio is 15:1, ensuring students build relationships with instructors to get the help they need.

“For the size of the school district, our course offerings, small class sizes, and extra opportunities for kids give students exposure to different options,” says Trish Perry, Superintendent of Foley Public School. Knowledge about their career and life options can guide students after they graduate and in the decades spanning adulthood.

Learn how the team at Foley Public School takes a big-picture approach to equitable education and how that can help students in the long run. 

Foley Public School Creates Opportunities for Kids to Follow Their Interests

Foley Public School offers a seemingly endless list of activities for students to participate in as they grow up in the school system. There are dozens of clubs to choose from, ranging from a strong agriculture program to the conservation club and fishing club that meets after school. Students can participate in athletics, art, marching band, and other activities during the school day depending on what calls to them.  

“There’s a lot of different avenues for kids to find their group,” says Perry. “It speaks volumes that students can follow their interests and find their place in the learning environment.”

Foley Public School also offers classes that prepare students for the real world. They can take classes on installing sheetrock, placing tile, and basic electrical work that will help them with home maintenance when they’re older. They can sign up for an auto shop class where they learn to change the oil on cars, rotate tires, and conduct basic maintenance.

Foley Public School also offers a personal finance class that will eventually be mandatory for students. This class prepares students for the basic financial aspects of adulthood, such as responsibly using credit cards, taking out loans, and applying for mortgages.

From fishing club to finance class, students can look beyond career readiness and prepare to enter adulthood with skills and interests to help them live full lives. 

Students Can Explore Potential Career Paths at Foley Public School 

Students at Foley Public School can spend their high school years exploring potential careers and considering what they want to do after they leave the education environment. Career advisory starts in 8th grade so students can plan their high school coursework and continues until graduation. Students work closely with counselors as they complete their core coursework and then move into their desired fields.

Perry stresses the importance of exposing all students to all possible career paths. While Career Technical Education (CTE) is right for some students, a college degree might be better for others. Students need to see every path so they can feel confident they’re choosing the right one.

“You don’t want to pigeonhole all students,” says Perry. “Each student should be provided the knowledge of what each option looks like.”

Foley Public School achieves this through a career and college fair in high school and a partnership with Alexandria Technical & Community College that brings students on campus to tour different programs.

Foley Public School Takes a Long-Term View of Career Planning

High school career planning often focuses on what students will do after they graduate, but Perry and her team have a longer-term view of future graduates. She often thinks about student career paths 10 or 20 years after they leave Foley Public School.

“It’s great if kids have a mechanical gift, but what other skills can we give them?” asks Perry. “Sometimes this means helping them work with people or giving them the financial knowledge to run their own business.”

Perry says that when you’re 18, you think you’re unstoppable, but things change in your life. Some students might notice their bodies wearing out from several years in manual labor jobs. Other students might love their jobs for a decade but decide it’s time for something different.

“At various times in their lives, their careers might look different,” says Perry. She wants students to know they can go back to school, learn new skills, or transition into management roles when the time comes. This is another reason to expose students to all possible paths, even if they think they know what they want.  

Foley Public School Works Closely With Parents and Teens

One benefit of small class sizes is that teachers can get to know their students' unique needs and interests. They can then recommend ways for students to pursue those interests and have lasting careers. Teachers can also get to know the parents and communicate how students can improve or follow their dreams.

“When you have kids preparing to graduate, you don’t always know what to do,” says Perry. “Our teachers and counselors can support families through this important transition into adulthood.” 

Learn More About Education in Benton County

Along with the quality public school systems in Benton County, there are several higher education institutions that prepare students for their future careers. Benton Economic Partnership Inc. also has workforce partners that support CTE and adult education. 

Learn more about the Benton Economic Partnership (BEP) and how it helps companies find qualified employees. From recent graduates to seasoned workers changing careers, Benton County has the applicants you need to grow your business in the region. Join us today.