SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) — Some northwest suburban high school students are helping to build a better Chicago.

High school students in District 211 have a unique opportunity to learn the trades by building homes in a new development in Schaumburg.

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It’s not uncommon to hear the sound of a nail gun in a high school shop class, but the nails students used Wednesday were driven into the wood of a real house. The high school students of District 211 are the main builders.

“We’re experimenting with how to build each thing. The basement, the first floor, the second floor, the roof,” said Hoffman Estates High School student Iliana Hernandez.

The program is a partnership with Nitti Development and Builder EDU who designed the unique program. Students can earn college credits or start a career.

“It allows them to see the different roles in building construction, from carpentry to plumbing to electrician to roofing,” said Michele Napier, District 211’s college and career readiness manager.

The students are responsible for three of the homes in the new Schaumburg housing development. They work alongside professionals to ensure everything is done right.

“Everything has to be done perfectly. When the inspectors come, they look with very specific eyes,” said construction professor Todd Stennett.

They even built a temporary classroom on site for students, who could eventually become employees.

“By next year or even this summer, I should be able to start an apprenticeship in almost any trade I want, so this is a great opportunity,” said Hoffman Estates High School student Carter Bayne.

They expect all construction to be completed by March, and they already have a buyer paying a seven-figure price.