New Technology High School

My family was pulled to this school because of the project based approach and the idea of a small school community. We thought it might be a good fit for our son. Sadly, there were too many drawbacks for us to seriously consider this school so, after a semester, we pulled our son out. There are some good teachers and, as I've said, the project based idea is attractive but it is the students who are the main issue. The project based idea is not properly executed. Students do not need to learn the material, content competency is unnecessary, and grades are formulated almost exclusively on work ethic. What that means is that students do not need to really understand English, math or other subjects but they can simply complete homework and pass the class. Cheating is rampant under this system since students wait until the last minute to get work completed (there is no penalty for late work) and students work the system to pass the class.
—Submitted by a parent

After attending the school for four years and have graduated in the top five of my Senior class of 2011, I am happy to say I am proud I attended SNTHS. The system the school works under is "PBL," or project based learning. Courses are taught through projects where students work in teams to complete a project assigned, later to present in front of the class to demonstrate what they have learned over the course of the project. The system is far more engaging than the traditional textbook system because it allows to critically think and work with other people to solve problems, which is made to reflect a workplace environment. The teachers are all very helpful, each one willing to work with every individual student to help them pass they classes. Although students might become rowdy at times, teachers are quick to solve the situation, and the manner they do it fully demonstrates the teacher's ability to work with students. The school's counselors and office staff are very helpful in getting you ready for college and internships, making the process much more easier so students can get a step ahead into college. I fully recommend this school to anyone who wants to succeed.
—Submitted by a student

I absolutely love New Tech. I am now a Senior and enjoy every moment I spend there. It is literally my second home and I am happy I made the choice to go there. There are always fun activities, a great learning environment, amazing teachers/staff, and great students.
—Submitted by a student

New Tech is a wonderful small school that trumps all other high schools with it's innovative project-based learning system, community-like society, and hard-working teachers who really care about their students.
—Submitted by a student

I am a senior at SNTHS. I have been going to New Tech since my freshmen year. I love this school. The relationship I have with my teachers is amazing. I feel that I can always come to them for advice. The work environment is very calm and relaxing, which appeals to me and my personality. The things I learned at New Tech will stay with me forever. I will miss this school when I am gone.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is now a Junior and began as a freshman. I am very comfortable with her attending this school. The are unlike any school I have ever experienced and the fact that the kids of all kinds can be comfortable here is very refreshing. I am sure there are remarks and kids making fun of others (as there are "different" types here) but for the most part, I love that they can all be in one place and manage to interact. This is what the real word is about and when they are in the working environment, students will be well prepared. My daughter may struggle a bit as the classes are difficult but it only makes them work harder to acheive their potential. I would not want my daugher attending any other school. Most teachers are wonderful. Principal is great!
—Submitted by a parent

As you have seen so far by the other reviews, the school doesn't have very good reviews. Hopefully, i can change that with my experience and this review. New Tech is a very good school, I'm currently a Sophomore there and I've had some up and down but overall the school is great. The principal is outstanding! She is one good principal. She's on top of everything and will not put up with anyones stupidity in judgments of others. She also will make you accountable for your choices. The teachers are great and very social. And the kids don't try to run the class, those students that try to run the class are the slackers. We do work in groups and you may end up with them, but overall it benefits in the end. Lastly overall the school is excellent and you will get far, so i recommend this school!
—Submitted by a student

This school is good. But it is just not taught properly. Too much computers for children to be messing around and playing games on it because they know how to hack the school's firewalls/programs that block entertainment.
—Submitted by a student

I was a student an the school is wonderful.
—Submitted by a student

I find it interesting that someone says the requirements are lower than much schools, when in fact the graduation requirements exceed the typical graduation requirements of SCUSD schools. Students complete 12 college credits, complete 40 hours of community service, a 50 hour intership and are encouraged to take math every single year no matter how advanced they are. This school is difficult, but I have found a warm, welcoming place that I could not find in a larger school. The teachers are unique, young energetic human beings and the principal is amazing, truly the most involed principal I have ever seen. The school continues to improve as any school should, but New Tech is far superior to any public school in my opinion.
—Submitted by a student

I had transferred out of this school in October. If you like small schools, you'll love new tech. Everybody knows everyone and the teachers get to know you personally. At the same time I ahd to give up many of my schedule choices and it is true that the students run the classes. At least I got technology and presentation experience. Overall, I would think real carefully about going to this school.
—Submitted by a student

If you like working in groups with people who do not do their work, and you have to do everything just to save your grade, then this school is for you. There are fights there all the time and I learned very little from the classes. I felt dumb after completeing my math and science classes because their standards were so much lower than other high schools. Teachers had very little control over the class, and students misbehaved continuosly. No one cares about your academic future. When I was there, there was very little information about colleges. Even though this school is supposed to be a college prepartory school, they didn't promote going to UC's or CSUs. They need a seperate parking lot for students. All I learned from this school was how to use computers and I also took some college classes which were helpful.
—Submitted by a student

Please leave your low expectations at the door when you come to New Tech. Having taught at SNTHS for two years, I got to know nearly every student by name...even the ones that weren't in my classroom on a daily basis. The staff is energetic, professional, and caring. When students first come to New Tech, they realize that it is a place like no other where everyone fits in. Trust, respect, and responsibility are the hallmarks of the school; all students can learn, all students are in charge of their education. At SNTHS, students are not just there to keep seats warm; Project Based Learning is designed to keep them engaged and to be active participants in their education. They learn collaboration, professionalism, and other important 21st Century skills. When they graduate from New Tech, students are prepared to be effective members of the community and in the workplace.
—Submitted by a teacher

I don't know what the 'one star' parent saw, but my child is just about to graduate from this school after three amazing years. He started at a large school that really did have the kinds of problems that this other parent describes (regular fights, disengaged teachers, anonymous students). Whatever that parent saw on that day is NOT typical. When talking with other parents of students at this school, they repeatedly speak about the 'family' atmosphere and how comfortable they are with their students attending this school. It's the only urban public school that I know of (in this area) that has this kind of buy in by parents and students. Oh, and as for preparing students for the world of work - - no other school can match New Tech's focus on that one. Just visit the campus for yourself. You'll see how different it really is.
—Submitted by a parent

I do wish some people gave this school another chance, the fights have stopped and the school is back to the amazing way it is. You will find violence and negativity at any school no matter where, it just seems more obvious here because its a small school. I love new tech with all my heart and im glad it's back on it's feet without any more problems. Ms.Hanzel is a fantastic principal who has taken all the steps to getting our school on the right track, away from those of the larger schools.
—Submitted by a student

I am very disappointed in the this school. My two daughters were students, 9th and 11th grade and what they endured on a daily basis due to the negative atmosphere among the students was life changing for them. The teachers who also have to double as security guards due to the inadequate security especially. As a parent I spent all day on campus just last month in March and what I witnessed was so appalling I pulled my daughters out immediately. There were multiple fights, the classes were run by the students and not in good way, making it almost impossible for anyone learn or prepare for future in the workforce. What we were promised in the orientation by this school turned out to be false. This school has turned into a school for the districts student rejects. I will never recommend this school again.
—Submitted by a parent

Current student. In my opinion it's a good school overall, good preparation for the future. I'm attending college classes and I'm a sophomore. At the same time, I'm just a teen. It doesn't mean I'm not mature, because I see so much immaturity in this small school. Is doesn't matter what school you attend, it only matters for the student makes smart choices. Personally any school is the same, just this school is small but it doesn't mean their isn't fight and immature people like any other school.
—Submitted by a student

Students work independently and in teams, to find information, resolve probelms and professionally present their results. Students learn to cooperate, think and communicate. The principal is great and the faculty is full of enthusiastic energetic teachers. As a small school its hard for a student to get lost in the crowd.
—Submitted by a parent