Toltecalli High School

Toltecalli High School (THS) was founded to address issues of low academic achievement, graduation rates, and job opportunities for low-income Latino youth in south Tucson. As an integral part of a curriculum based in Latino culture, environmental sustainability, and community service, the garden shows students how their actions can make a difference and to take pride in themselves, their choices, and their community.
While gaining hands-on organic gardening skills, students identify issues affecting south Tucson like poverty, unequal food distribution, and environmental contamination and propose solutions. On an individual level, students learn to take ownership of their choices—from eating nutritious foods to avoiding drugs, alcohol, and gang activity.
With its garden and unique service-learning curriculum, THS combines community knowledge, cultural values, and student experience with academics to develop young leaders with the skills and motivation to transform their communities.