Aerospace, Science school highlights STEM in Toledo

Seems like we're always hearing about the need for skilled trades workers. Toledo Public Schools is filling that need with its unique career tech schools.

Well, one newer academy combines airplanes, crocodiles, and farming.

If you're bored by the traditional high school experience, ANSAT (Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo) just might be for you. You'll get to work with planes or animals. Tonight there's an open house. Thing is: you don't have to live in Toledo to attend.

"We accept students from all over," guidance counselor Diana Fox Gallaher said.

Ruth spent her freshman year living abroad. She loves working with the animals.

"You're not just learning from a textbook, or being shown pictures or videos. You're getting to work on the job," Ruth Posta said.

"My brother actually goes to the aviation part of the program," Maire Daughtry said.

The aviation jobs turn lucrative as soon as you get your diploma.

"By the time they turn 18 and if they pass their big test and get their certification, they'll be airplane mechanics," Mrs. Fox Gallaher said.

Does an $80,000 salary or working with crocodiles pique your interest? well tonight is your night.

"The preview night is for incoming students who might be interested in joining us next school year," Mrs. Fox Gallaher said.

From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., rising freshmen and sophomores have the chance to meet their future teachers, all on the Swanton/Toledo border. The address is 11600 W Airport Service Rd, Swanton. This might be the only local school where you hear F-16s but there are new programs, too.

"Animal science, wildlife and sustainability, and urban agriculture," Fox Gallaher said.

Mrs. Fox Gallaher will be your guidance counselor if you enroll. She says the school is having a big raffle tonight. That helps support these guys:

"We have a monitor lizard, some tortoises," Ruth Porta said. That's in addition to a tilapia farm, baby quail, snakes, and snapping turtles.

ANSAT stands for the Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo. Students tell us there's a family feel and about 170 students.

"I have to take geometry and I have to take Algebra 1," Daughtry said.

ANSAT is still a regular high school. You can't slither your way out of history class. They still have normal things like prom and student council.