Recently, my husband and I visited
High Tech High is a charter school, created in 2000 by several businessmen and educators who were dissatisfied with the common problems plaguing today's school systems (i.e. the digital divide, the achievement gap, the lack of engagement, etc). Unlike traditional schools, HTH is a project based learning environment, in which students create projects to demonstrate what they have learned rather than take standardized tests. The projects provide independent, hands-on learning experiences for the students.
The classrooms are surrounded by glass on all sides in order to create an open atmosphere. I asked one of the school's architects if the students are easily distracted by students walking in the hallway or by the freedom of seeing into another teacher's room. He replied that the students are not distracted and he attributed their focus to the school culture he and his colleagues worked hard to create.
Since 2000, 6 more HTH charter schools have opened in or around the 
The success of the schools is centered on three principles: personalization, adult world connection, and common intellectual mission. These principles "[respond] directly to the needs of students, all three principles connect to the broad mission of preparation for the adult world. Moreover, all three call for structures and practices that schools do not now routinely employ" (http://www.hightechhigh.org/about/design-principles.php).
After a short 3 day visit, I can hardly serve as the voice of HTH schools. Visit http://www.hightechhigh.org to find out more.
2 comments:
1 - I'm feeling you on this because traditional schools are failing our students miserably. Something's got to change. We need to go on and open up our own charter school. We can call it Nexus Cultural Institution of Learning, Inc. That's hot fiyah, right there. El Fin. (Comment this)
Written by: K.B. at 2006/07/03 - 18:16:35
Replies to this comment: 3
2 - Charter schools are so neccessary. Although I cannot knock public school, because I am a product of Public Schools and I have a few friends that teach, I understand that charter schools offer an alternative to those who have not succeded in Public School. This school seems on point however I am interested in school that teach using an African/ African American curriculum. I know my church is opening a school in the fall and I can't wait to see how the kids will do at the school. I wonder how well I would have done in a school that realized that I learned differently than most students and I suck at the standardized test? Can economically disadvantaged kids do just as well as other students when given the same exposure? Of course they can! So why is it taking us so long to create schools that give kids an equal footing! (Comment this)
Written by: Twilla Tanyi at 2006/07/04 - 02:33:03
3 - NCIL? We can work on the name but I love the concept! (Comment this)
Written by: Twilla Tanyi at 2006/07/04 - 02:35:06 in reply to: 1
Replies to this comment: 4
4 - You got a better idea for the name Tweezie? Huh? Do ya? (Comment this)
Written by: K.B. at 2006/07/04 - 16:34:17 in reply to: 3
5 - I like public schools though... <------------ pointless comment by Rell (Comment this)
Written by: Rell at 2006/07/07 - 00:10:29 in reply to: 3
Greets to the webmaster of this wonderful site. Keep working. Thank you.
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