Alameda Science and Technology Institute

As a former student of ASTI, I have to say that it has many pros and cons. The school and its staff definitely have good intentions for the students, and likewise, many students are able to succeed in its academic program. However, the program is not only rigorous, but also very narrow-minded in terms of how students should learn and what they should learn. It is structured in a way that doesn't always give a student the opportunity to try new things. Additionally, its curriculum tends to dictate the lives of many of my peers. Granted, it does try to give students opportunities to explore activities they may enjoy--including being able to play sports for other schools--however the school counters these opportunities with its own curriculum. A dedicated student can very easily succeed in this kind of school, and the ability to earn an AA degree in high school can be very helpful time-wise and financially. But generally, I've seen more people simply become frustrated and tired from being at ASTI. I don't wish to condemn a good school, but I do think it's important to consider its setbacks along with the benefits, as they both greatly affect the students on many levels.

This school is NOT for everybody! Yes, it is a good learning environment, but the teachers give way too much homework and if you miss a day you barely get time to catch up!
—Submitted by a student

Highly academic with rigorous program. It works - my daughter is starting her senior year of highschool and her sophomore year of college. Many students graduate with their associates degree at the same time as their high school degree. The school was written up in US News and World Report as one of the top high schools in the country (in only the school's 6th year!). This school is best for students interested in a small setting with less emphasis on extracurrilar and art and sports programs.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a Sophomore at ASTI and I have to say, it really is tough work. Freshman and sopmore year are like a student's junior and senior year at a regular public high school. We have three new students that came this year. Our freshman year relly prepared us for this year, so they're stuggling a bit, but they're getting the hang of it. To be honest, I absolutely hated ASTI when I first came. However, I got used to it and learned to appreciate the oppurtunity I was given. There are some downfalls, but they are minor. We get to use the college library which is very helpful and take as many college courses as we please. If you're about work and limited play, then ASTI is for you. You may not get much leisure time, but it would definately be worth it in the end. Promise.
—Submitted by a student

They provide the best academic opportunities for high school students!
—Submitted by a student

Excellent public school. Unique early college program. Challenging yet supportive faculty. Safe environment. Good leadership. Making improvements each year.
—Submitted by a parent

All the teachers are great!
—Submitted by a parent

Awsome School, I Joined ASTI mid year and love it. Plus you get to start college 2 years early
—Submitted by a parent

I'm sure you've all read this many times; but it's true: ASTI teachers really give a lot of homework and work. They are the best teachers you can find though, there's never a day when you don't see them grading students' work during lunchtime. They work very hard, hoping to have ASTI students succeed in their college classes. It comes at a price, however; for ASTI is so academic challenging, there are only two or three As, in each class of 20+ students, sometimes even less. It's not that ASTI is full of academically challenged students either; with a poll conducted a few months ago, 95% if all its students, mostly from schools like Lincoln Middle, were almost straight 4.0 students. .
—Submitted by a student

ASTI sometimes is the best school for people and yet sometimes it can be the worst place. The school its self is good and has good potenital if it would talk more to the students. its just that half the time thier is so much work that it is mind blowing. This school is a good school for some but alot of times you have no time to be a normal student and teenager. Sometimes it is just too over whelming. Not that if someone were to put thier mind to it that they could not, not exceed in this school. But it really is not a school nor a place for everyone.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is a freshman at ASTI. She loves the school and is working very hard. Lots of homework and high expectations and demands from the teachers as they prepare the students for college.
—Submitted by a parent

Alameda Science and Technology Institute is a great school. I went there for one semester in freshman year. My father pulled me out after that. He disagreed with some of the teacher's political views, and its not like you can just not listen to it. The teachers bring up politics alot in class. English, Biology, and especially Writing and Speech. I didn't really mind, but my dad did. But if you don't mind, ASTI, is really a great school to send your childen too. I loved it, I really did. There's alot of homework, and its pretty tough, so if you're not up for some hard work, then ASTI isn't the school for you. The school is pretty small, so you really get to know all the students. The kids are pretty nice to. Last year we had a few students who fooled around alot, they got kicked out...
—Submitted by a student

What a great opportunity! My son will be graduation high school with his AA, without having to take night or weekend classes like kids at the other high schools. He can transfer to a UC as a junior and have his Bachelor's degree by the time he's 19. The teachers are great and have prepared him very well for his college classes. In fact, most of his teachers do not even know he is a high school student, and he has performed very well in his classes. For a leg up on education for free, consider ASTI!
—Submitted by a parent

I can't speak highly enough of this program. The teachers are dedicated to the concept of teaching the students to think, not just to memorize facts. Unfortunately in this age of 'teaching to the test,' this is a rarity in our public educational system. Interestingly, the courses in English, speech and writing seem to be top-notch at ASTI too, which I was not expecting in a school focusing on science and technology This is not the school for kids who are more into the social life of high school than academics, but it is an oasis for those who want to learn and who prefer to avoid the usual nonsense of high school life.
—Submitted by a parent

This year, A.S.T.I. celebrates its 3-year anniversary! It is an early college high school where students can earn up to 2 years of college credit by the time they graduate high school. As a student, I think the school has come a long way. The staff is excellent and very knowledgeable in their subjects. Unlike our first year, A.S.T.I. has become a very stable school and has great potential for the years to come. Last year, we ranked number three in API scores in the entire Alameda County. This is a great school for students who want to challenge themselves and get a head start for college.
—Submitted by a student

The Principal and faculty are so dedicated in helping each student to achieve success in academics and as a member of the society.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good school I wish they had this type of skool back in my day
—Submitted by a parent

My child was a former OMI (Oakland Military Academy) student. We chose ASTI because of the smaller class sizes and the attention to early college curriculum. I feel the teachers, for the most part, have been encouraging, responsive and encouraging to my child. My kids says that it's where (s)he wants to be.
—Submitted by mrs. bell, a parent