High Tech Middle Media Arts School

Project based learning isn't for everyone and some times it's hard to tell who's running the show at this unique charter school. Kids can spend a month making bottle rockets, and never really get the principles related to the project. (physics? cause-effect). Huge marks for building confidence and independent thinking, not so high marks for covering academic standards and setting a high bar for academic knowldege. We never had a strong math teacher in our three years at the school, and found our student to set lower expectations for himself because he wasn't expected to push himself beyond average. Student love this school, know their teachers, and have lots of fun building and creating things - if that's enough for you, then apply here. If you want strong academics, organization, and thorough academic understanding, you might want to take a look around. Be prepared to always be in fundraising mode, and know that budget cuts effect Charter schools more than anywhere else. Lots to love here, but lots of critical pieces missing, and for those who really want their kids to cover the same material that is taught in the public and private schools, you'll need to supplement.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was in the first 8th grade at HTHM and graduated from HTH International last year, a year early. He went to HTH after years in a terrific private school.. he loved the project based learning, he did a lot of reading from his own chosen texts. His teachers were aces, all of them.. they encouraged him to color outside the lines in terms of his own thinking and talents and capacities.. He is now happily ensconced at the greatest public university in the world, UC Berkeley, and though NOTa science major, in fact he is a humanities and music guy, he said he was surprised at how easy his requisite science class is for him, due to HTHI training... he says it is fairly easy for him to work independently at the college level, as he did the same thing at HTHI...
—Submitted by a parent

Great for average kids - unfortunately very inflexible for the bright ones.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school with an equaling amazing staff.
—Submitted by a parent

It a wonderful place designed for the students to enjoy while they learn. Absolutely the most dedicated and caring teachers in San Diego.

Great school, caring teachers and connected to real life.

Great school. Great caring teachers who make learning fun and real for their students.

The students are respected as people and future leaders of our communities. The staff is respected and are encouraged to teach their passions rather than state mandated lesson plans. The combination facilitates students to find their own passions and become lifelong learners.
—Submitted by a parent

I was in the first 8th grade class to 'graduate' from HTMMA. The attitude of the teachers is fantastic, they treat the students with respect and talk to them like equals. I hated POL's, but that was because they were hard for me. I still hate them as a senior at High Tech High International. I would reccoment this school to kids who don't do well in public school. I did just fine with textbook learning, and I actually liked it better than project-based. But for kids who chafe against the limitations of the public school system, Go to Tech High. It will seriously change your life.
—Submitted by a student

high tech middle media arts is a great school! we are all like a happy family! the teachers are amazing. I have the coolest teachers ever. Learning in project baced learning gives me hope that one day I can speak very well. Which with my 2 years of practice I have become much better at. After attending this spectacular school I have hope that one day I can become a journalist-- MY DREAMM!
—Submitted by a student

I have been going to HTMMA(High Tech Middle Media Arts) since 6th grade and i'm in 7th grade now, i love my school, on the week ends i shockinly want the week end to end to go back to school, not to just see my friends but also to see the coolest teachers ever! The classes are so much fun, we do such advanced projects, that when i explain them my high school cousins have no clue what i'm talking about! When i was in 6th grade last year meaning i was about 11 years old, we did a project where we learned about renewable energies, and my group built a mini hydroelectric genrator! I learned so much and had so much fun! We are treated like we are in the real world and I feel like I am prepared for the rest of my life! I love HTMMA!
—Submitted by a student

I'm an 8th grader at the school and at lunch, students line up early to go into school after lunch! That shows how good of a school it is!
—Submitted by a student

I think this is a really good school. I think this way because there is a lot of learning in class. There is not that much homework because we mostly do the work inside the class. I am a 7th grader and I really like this school. I recommend this school for students looking for a decent middle school.
—Submitted by a student

Excellent in non-academic activities. But little teaching, badly organized, bad communication (real information gets lost in a plethora of emails) Project based learning focuses on more applied knowledge rather than fundamental skills. No challenge for bright children.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year at HTMMA. Great caring innovative environment!! Teachers have been very available and responsive when needed. Really like the samll size!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school! The teachers are amazing and very energetic and creative. The teachers really know the students and encourage introspection. Bad behavior is not tolerated and immediately disciplined. So many exciting opportunities to try new and exciting things. Atmosphere young and fresh.
—Submitted by a parent

This school thinks outside the box and serves all of its student population. The teachers are very creative and talented. My son is happy and shining bright!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing - project based curriculim creating tommorrows learners... Very hard to get into - once kids enter very few leave... School creates diversity amongst kids... 100% of graduates attended college first year....
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing facilities and technology available to students. Think they may still be struggling to find a balance between inquiry-based and project-centered curriculum and the need to prepare students for standardized testing as they compete with other students during college entrance examinations.
—Submitted by a parent