New Tech High School - AndersonAnderson New Technology High School “New Tech” – FAQs
How long has New Tech existed?
New Tech opened in August 2002 with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the New Technology Foundation, the McConnell Foundation, the State of California, the Anderson Union High School District, a few dedicated staff members and over 80 families who were looking for something different for their children .
Is New Tech accredited?
New Tech is Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredited through spring 2012.
What does it cost to attend New Tech?
New Tech is a tuition-free public charter school in the Anderson Union High School District.
What qualifications must students meet?
Incoming students are expected to have a 2.0 GPA (C-average), no failing grades in core classes and must be ready for Algebra I. (Our charter allows us to admit 5% of our students who may not meet these requirements). Students need a recommendation from their middle school math teacher and will take a diagnostic math placement test in late spring prior to the next school year. Parents must attend a Parent Information Night and students (incoming 9th grade students) must attend a Freshman Connect Day. Qualified siblings of current students, children of District employees, current students and alumni, and twins or triplets (if one is accepted all are accepted) are exempt from the lottery.
How are students admitted to New Tech?
Should more than 65 students apply for any one grade level, a lottery will be held to determine the 65 students admitted. (See details under qualifications students must meet.)
How is New Tech different from traditional high schools?
New Tech is a small school community with small class size, and supportive teachers and staff members who care about students’ academic, social, cultural and other growth needs. The students are connected to the adults and to each other in an environment that supports students as they prepare to enter the adult world. New Tech is a small, comprehensive high school, not a continuation or alternative education site. Much of the curriculum is similar to what students encounter in traditional high schools, with some notable differences. As in most traditional high schools, students take English, social science, science, math, P.E., electives and may participate in R.O.P. One notable difference is that English and Social Science are team taught and integrated into a project, process-based format. Students are required to take college courses and complete workplace internship hours to graduate from New Tech. For more detailed information, please call or come take a tour.
What is the curriculum at New Tech?
Much of the curriculum is project-based and incorporates real-world questions based on academic state standards. New skills and knowledge are applied to realistic, complex problems. Curriculum is rubric-based and students learn to conduct research from a variety of resources. Courses are college-prep and meet A-G Requirements for college entrance.
How important is attendance?
Attendance is very important at any school and on the job. We work on good workplace skills at New Tech, and getting to work and not missing work is critical to success on the job. Due to the nature of project-based learning and student teamwork, attendance is critical to academic success. When a team member is absent, it is important that the student communicates with group members to insure that the project is completed on time.
What percentage of New Tech graduates go on to college or trade schools?
78% of 2008 graduates went on to Shasta College, 10% to public universities, 2% to private universities, 2% to academies, 5% to armed services and 2% to full time work. As of December 2008, 100% or our 2009 graduates applied to colleges or trade schools, and 100% of our 2010 graduates have applied to colleges or trade schools.
Does New Tech adhere to California State Content Standards?
New Tech curriculum is based on California Content Standards. New Tech students take the California Standards Tests in the spring of each year. New Tech students have achieved scores over 800 for the last 4 years with scores among the highest in the North State. New Tech has been awarded the U.S. News and World Report Bronze Medal for high levels of student achievement among our low socio-economic group of students fro three years in a row. New Tech is a 2007 California Distinguished School.
What electives are available?
Electives include Music Appreciation, Digital Music Production, Yearbook, Video Production, Art I, II, and III, Graphic Design, Drama, Leadership, Imaging I and II, Spanish I and II, Anatomy, Math Lab, R.O.P., and others. New Tech has an award winning traditional and digital art program, the best in Shasta County. New Tech has recently added digital recording and production equipment in a state of the art music lab. Shasta College classes are also available on campus.
How are students assessed?
In all classes, but particularly in Studies classes, students’ assignments may be assessed in several categories. One presentation may include grade for content, communication, critical thinking and work ethic. This is explained in detail at Back to School Night in the fall. Call 365-3100 to get more detailed information.
Do students have to be technology literate?
We teach students the skills they need to use technology as a learning tool, a tool they must become accustomed to using in the adult world of work. Students use technology on a regular basis and are required to take a technology survey course in their sophomore or junior year.
What activities and clubs are available at New Tech?
New Tech students may participate in a variety of activities, events and clubs. New Tech has a Robotics Club, Tennis Club, Anime Club, Drama Club, and Weapons of Mass Discussion Club. New Tech holds formal and informal dances, Lock-Ins, Movie Nights and other monthly school activities. Each year students participate in field trips to the East Coast and Catalina Island Marine Institute, two trips to Ashland for the annual Shakespeare Festival, as well as a variety of trips to colleges and universities. The annual Evening of the Arts event showcases students’ digital and traditional artwork as well as dramatic and performing arts. Community service is an important aspect of our school culture. Students also compete in the annual Shasta County Mock Trial competition, as well as drama competitions. Students are always looking for opportunities to “give back” to the community. Leadership students as well as others participate regularly in community as well as school service activities.
What is the daily schedule?
School begins at 8AM each morning. The school day ends at approximately 3PM with the exception of Wednesdays which are teacher collaboration days and end at 1:15PM. If students do not have a 7th period, the school day ends at 2PM on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, at 1:30PM on Tuesdays and 1:15PM on Wednesdays.
Is there bus transportation for students?
Students who live in the Anderson Union High School District are able to ride the same busses as any student in this high school district. Students who live outside the District may catch busses at stops nearest their home. Some students carpool with other families.
May my child participate in sports if he/she attends New Tech?
Our Anderson Union High School District Board of Trustees voted in January 2009 NOT to allow New Tech students to participate in CIF sports at the comprehensive high schools. New Tech added CIF golf, tennis and cross country sports for students.
What do parents say about New Tech?
One of our District administrators conducted a survey for his Ph.D. project, which focused on New Tech. We will conduct this survey again spring 2009.
· 100% of parents like the school, felt their children are safe here, that the teachers care about their children, that teachers treat their children fairly and help their children when needed and are satisfied with their decision to have their children attend New Tech.
· 99% of parents felt that New Tech is preparing their children for college and that staff members promote their children’s self-confidence.
· 97% felt their children are academically challenged and are not harassed by peers at New Tech.
· The top 3 factors that influence their children’s continued attendance at New Tech are; (1) their children are happy and motivated to learn, (2) teachers offer personal attention and (3) there is a progressive learning environment.