Below is a collection of links to websites, articles and videos that tell the story of High Tech High. I encourage you to investigate and find out more about what sets the schools apart. Then, if you want to know more, contact HTH and arrange a visit. I have no doubt you’ll be surprised and excited by the learning that takes place and the effect they are having on education not only in San Diego, but around the world. And if you want to enter your name in the lottery for admission for 2010-11, you may do so online on their website. But don’t wait around; the deadline is a very strict February 27, 2010.

• High Tech High
  The organization’s website, including information on admissions and an online application

• The Vision Behind the High Tech Journey
  Three part series by SDNN.com that takes “a look into how one of the most successful U.S. schools began.”

• Transformed by Technology: High Tech High Overview
  Edutopia, produced by the George Lucas Foundation, has a series of videos that highlight High Tech High

• Real World, San Diego: Hands-On Learning at High Tech High
  An article by Edutopia that discusses how students prepare for the real world through technology-enabled projects

• Connectivity at High Tech High
  An online portfolio from the What Kids Can Do website

• San Diego Unified information on High Tech High
  Includes links to California Standards Test (CST) results, School Accountability Report Cards, and more

• High Tech’s Hiring Bonanza
  Describes the somewhat unconventional process by which High Tech High interviews and hires teachers

• The High Tech High Way
  University of San Diego (USD) alumni are helping charter school students thrive under a new educational paradigm

• 8’s Cool School: High Tech High North County
  High Tech High’s innovative project-based learning program helped them become local CBS affiliate KFMB-TV Channel 8’s Cool School of the Week

In the interest of full disclosure, I do want to share that this year is my child’s first year as a student at one of the High Tech High schools. After attending a private school since kindergarten, we decided to try the High Tech lottery for middle school. When we received the letter last spring informing us that our child had secured a spot for the 2009-10 school year, we were thrilled and thought we knew what to expect. I am very happy to report that the school has far exceeded our expectations. Our child is learning, motivated, and happy to go to school each day. The small class and school sizes help teachers and staff maintain a positive, respectful learning environment where children feel safe. Most important for me, our child is academically challenged at just the right level in a way that is interesting and connects learning experiences to the real world.

One of the nicest surprises this year has been that the homework load has not been overwhelming. In addition, as a parent I have not been expected to teach new skills through the homework, which was something that happened regularly at a previous school. When homework is assigned at HTH, it has a purpose and a reason, and it relates directly back to work done in the classroom. Not only am I thrilled with the homework policy as a parent, but also as an educator.

I realize that homework can definitely be a controversial topic for parents, educators and especially children! A book that I enjoyed reading and that helped me clarify my own opinion is The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing by Alfie Kohn. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling over how much homework is enough or too much.

San Diego Cooperative Charter School

Selecting a Charter School

If you are interested in learning more about charter schools, I highly suggest you approach the process in much the same way you would approach the search for a private school. Learn about the charter schools in your area and find out about their missions and how they approach education. Your goal is to find schools that fit with your educational philosophy and that will be a good fit for your child and your family.

A good place to start your research is by visiting the schools’ websites. Charter school directories are maintained by both San Diego Unified School District and the San Diego County Office of Education. Links to the online directories may be found at the end of this post.

Albert Einstein Charter School

The Application Process

While charter schools are public schools, each school defines and coordinates their own application process. For some schools the process simply involves completing an application. However, other schools may have additional requirements such as a school visit, attendance at an Open House, or meeting with an administrator. These requirements will vary by school.

Once you have decided on the school(s) to which you would like to apply, visit their web sites and carefully review the requirements for applying and enrolling. Pay particular attention to the dates that their applications will become available and the deadlines for returning the applications. Some schools provide a simple online form that you complete for application while others might require you to download, complete and then mail or fax the application form.

High Tech High Schools

What Are the Odds of Getting In?

Estimating the odds of getting in to a charter school depend upon many factors, not the least of which is the school’s reputation within the community and the resulting demand. While some schools have enough room to accommodate every student who wishes to attend, others are overwhelmed by applications, even by as many as 100 applications for every available seat. This phenomenon will continue to occur with greater frequency as charter schools become more popular with families looking for innovative educational choices.

If a charter school receives applications that exceed the number of available seats, the school might institute a lottery for student selection. Sometimes a student’s placement in the lottery will be determined by priorities. For example, a school may draw the first group of students based upon their home addresses and give priority to certain zip codes.

Often schools will institute waitlists for students who are not admitted during the lottery or who turn in their applications after the deadline has passed. If and when spaces do become available at some point in the future, schools can offer admission to students on the waitlist.

To find out more about the application process and the likelihood that you will (or will not) be able to enroll in the charter school of your choice, schedule a visit with the school and ask them about it. But remember, you will definitely NOT be admitted to a charter school if you don’t apply. After all, someone has to win the lottery.

If you are not admitted to the school of your choice, find out how to get on the waitlist. A lot of changes can take place over the summer – families move or new classes may be added. Charter schools often have spaces that become available at the beginning of the new school year and if you are on the waitlist, your child might be the one selected.

Links to More Info

Center for Education Reform, Charter School FAQs
http://www.edreform.com/Fast_Facts/Ed_Reform_FAQs/?Just_the_FAQs_Charter_Schools

US Charter Schools
http://www.uscharterschools.org/pub/uscs_docs/index.htm

San Diego Unified School District, Charter Schools
http://old.sandi.net/school/charter/index.html

San Diego County Office of Education, Charter Schools 2009-10
http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/business2/dfs/charter/sdcoecharter.html