Students work in small groups and receive frequent assistance from faculty members throughout the school day.
Tech Valley High School was created in 2007 to
provide today’s students with the skills necessary to be successful
in college and in tomorrow’s workforce. The theme of the school is a
strong emphasis on math, science and technology, however the reality
is that students receive a well-rounded education that will prepare
them to compete in the growing high tech and global economy that is
emerging in Capital Region’s Tech Valley.
The focus of the school is to provide an education on 21st Century Skills in a project-based learning environment. This is accomplished through unprecedented collaboration between K-12 public schools, higher education, business, organized labor and government.
Through these partnerships, the lessons taught
at TVHS are constantly updated to remain relevant to the students;
student receive unique opportunities to visit and experiment in
laboratories and workplaces; and benefit from access to leaders from
all levels of society.
TVHS students receive a well-rounded education
that includes art, foreign language and physical education in
addition to our core subjects. Students graduate Tech Valley High
School having met and/or exceeded requirements for a New York State
Regents and/or an Advanced Regents Diploma. Many students also take
courses that qualify them for college credits.
Courses are taught in project-based learning environments that emphasize math, science and technologies, but also expose students to the Chinese language, art and physical education.
All eighth grade students can apply to Tech
Valley High School. The only requirements for acceptance are that
the eighth grade student meet with his/her middle school counselor
to discuss his/her application, complete the application and submit
it to their middle school counselor and attend a parent-student
information session with their parent(s).
Funding for the school is provided by component school districts, as well as the state and grants provided by private-sector sources, including the New Technology Foundation. There is no tuition for parents to pay.
Tech Valley High School serves as a model — in the region, the state and beyond — of innovative public education that is based in strong partnerships and focuses on educating and inspiring students to embrace the increasingly important world of math and science.
A special aspect of TVHS is the fact that students receive a grade that evaluates their entire academic performance.
Students are graded not only on how well they learn the subject matter, but also on their progress towards achieving 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communications, creativity, information and media literacy and contextual learning.
These reports allow a full understanding of
students’ strengths and weaknesses and give parents and teachers
guidance in how to tailor each student's academic program. While
overall averages are reported, assessment is both ongoing and
cumulative. Schools using this method have reported significant
success in helping students develop 21st century skills as well as
in preparing students for college and work.
During the current school year, approximately
100 students attend TVHS. As it grows, an estimated 40 students are
expected to join the school each year. This allows students to
receive individualized attention, yet work collaboratively with
their peers.
Technology plays an important role in every student’s education.
As the name suggests, the use of technology provides an important
role in student learning on a day-to-day basis at TVHS. Students
learn with - and from - technology, whether its producing a video or
completing an online project with their peers while at home
after-school. Each student is provided with a computer and network
access.
Each student’s home school district provides busing to Tech Valley High School.
Click here for the TVHS mission
Want to know more? Want to go on a tour of the school? Follow this link.
