At Polly Gonzalez High School, learning doesn’t start with worksheets or end with tests. It starts with trust — trust that students are capable of asking real questions, taking responsibility for their work, and contributing meaningfully to the world around them.

Our school was founded in 2006 in honor of Polly Gonzalez, whose work centered integrity, curiosity, and amplifying community voices. That legacy still shapes how learning happens here. Students are encouraged to notice what’s happening around them, ask hard questions, and speak up about what they see and experience.

As part of the Nevada Future of Learning Network, our learning is designed around real-world relevance. Projects are rooted in the needs of our community and the futures we are already stepping into, not just preparing for someday.

One example of this is our community skate park project. Students worked from the ground up to design a skate park connected to our school, partnering with professionals and listening closely to skaters, families, and neighbors. Through this work, students applied geometry, physics, design, and problem-solving to create a space that balances safety, creativity, and belonging. The project required revision, reflection, and accountability  because the outcomes mattered beyond the classroom.

At Polly Gonzalez High School, learning isn’t about waiting until adulthood to make an impact. It’s about understanding that young people already have a role to play in shaping their community. Our work shows that students aren’t just learning about the future. They’re actively designing it.