New Technology High School opened in 2003 as a charter school offering a school setting that is different from traditional schools. The school provides a project-based curriculum that is completed in groups, group process, graded by quality, peer review, and group presentation. Students work in groups by contract that will decide how the work will be completed. A group member can be fired by the majority of the group, at which time the remainder of the group will complete the project. The population of the school is diverse which is an added bonus allowing students to work in a real world setting with the student body being 35% Hispanic or Latino, 30% White, 25% African American, and smaller populations of American Indian, Asian, Filipino, and Pacific Islander.

The school does not offer any extra curricular activities, student clubs, or sports at this time.

There are very mixed comments from parents regarding the school. A few parents are not fond of the grading system even though they like the project based curriculum. From these parents, the overall opinion is that students do not have to learn the subject but to work well together in order to receive a good grade. Some went so far to say as long as homework is completed, students would pass the course even if they do not understand the subject. On the other hand, there were parents that expressed just how well their children are doing now that they are attending the school. Teachers are very well liked by both parents and teachers. The only complaint from students was the lack of activities.

The Academic Performance Index increased 21 points from the previous year to 720. The statewide goal is 800. Parents are pleased with the increase and realize that teachers and students are working diligently to increase the score.

The California Standards Tests is used to learn if students are mastering core subjects. The various tests are given to 2nd through 11th grades in English, grades 2nd through 7th are given tests in math, and science tests are administered to students in grades 5th, 8th, and 10th, while history tests are given to students in 8th and 11th grades.

The percentage of students passing the exams was mixed with both ups and downs. Examples include 62% of 9th graders passed the English exam with the state average at 57%, 30% of 10th graders passed the Life Sciences exam with the average at 43%, and 21% of 11th graders passed the geometry exam with the state at 9%.

The California High School Exit Exam tests 10th graders mastering skills in English language arts and mathematics. Students at New Technology High School did very well with the exit exam with 86% passing the English exam with the state average at 83% and 77% in math with the state at 84%.

The test scores are improving and so is the academic performance index. Students are receiving the educational tools needed to succeed and be prepared for their future whether college or the workforce. It would still be a good idea to take a tour of the school to ensure your child will excel with a project-based curriculum.

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Have you studied at New Technology High School?
Please provide a brief review of your experience at New Technology High School in the comment section to help other readers!
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New Technology High School
1400 Dickson St.
Sacramento, CA 95822
Phone: 916-433-2839
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