Tech Valley High School - Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment & Student Body at Tech Valley High School

How are students enrolled?
Tech Valley High School students are enrolled through their home school district. The Tech Valley High School principal works with the assistance of the component school districts of Capital Region BOCES and Questar III most directly through middle school counselors, but also with principals and superintendents, to help identify students who may be good candidates for a learning environment that utilizes project-based learning, emphasizes an integrated math and science curriculum and focuses on preparing students with the skills to support the region’s emerging technologies (biotechnology, nanotechnology, advanced materials, alternative energies and information technology) in a rigorous academic curriculum.

Recruitment activities have begun. Student applications are due in the middle school counselor’s office of the student’s home district on February 1, 2008. Notification of students and home districts will occur during the first week of March 2008.

How do students apply and how are they selected?
Applications are available through the middle school counselor’s offices of component districts or by clicking here. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available openings, a lottery will be held to determine the freshman class. Tech Valley High School seeks a diverse student body that is reflective of the general population of the geographic area served by Capital Region BOCES and Questar III.

Are there academic requirements for a student to be accepted into Tech Valley High School or can any student enroll in the program?
This is NOT a school designed solely for high performing students. The school is open to all students entering grade 9 from the component school districts of Capital Region BOCES and Questar III and the two non-components – the City School District of Albany and Hoosick Falls Central School District. The only requirements are:

• Student must currently be enrolled in the 8th grade and on track to meet all requirements for a successful completion of the 8th grade.

• Student must complete the application form, discuss with his/her middle school counselor, and submit completed form to the middle school counselor in district of residence.

• Parent(s)/guardian(s) must attend a Parent-Student Information Session.

• Student must attend a Parent-Student Information Session.

What students are good candidates for Tech Valley High School?
The curriculum at Tech Valley High School is deeply enriched by the school’s connection to area businesses and institutions of higher education working on the cutting-edge of science, math and technology. Students should be open to a learning experience in which these subjects will play an integral role. Tech Valley High School is seeking students who are:

• Ready for a challenge

• Open-minded

• Curious and willing to explore their creativity

• Willing to work in collaboration with others

• Ready to pursue a new opportunity

• Likely to thrive in an environment that is diverse with a broad range of viewpoints and experiences

• Ready to learn by doing and interested in real-life learning experiences

• Interested in preparing for a job, college, a career, lifelong learning

• Curious about discovering what Tech Valley and the world have to offer

• Prepared to be “under the microscope,” with frequent visits by the many people interested in this new school

• Open and motivated to share his/her learning experience with all those interested in the new school

• Ready to meet the future head-on today

• Ready to take responsibility for one’s own learning and the learning of others in a rigorous academic program

Is there a special effort to serve diverse populations?
Yes. Tech Valley High School seeks to attract minority and female students, who proportionally have not pursued instruction and/or careers in science and math. The broadest possible participation by school districts will expand the opportunity and capacity to serve diverse groups of students.

Does Tech Valley High School accept and fully support the IEP stipulations of special education students?
Yes. Special education services are provided in a manner similar to other BOCES programs. Tech Valley High School is fully prepared to implement IEPs.

What if a student wants to return mid-year to his/her home school?
Students are able to return to their school at the end of any given semester to allow time for both their home school and Tech Valley High School to arrange the necessary details, including scheduling. Typical of the transition of any student who enters a new school mid-year, there may be some challenges in aligning academic programs.

What happens if a student chooses not to return after completing his/her first year at Tech Valley High School?
Like with most BOCES programs, students attending Tech Valley High School will always have the option to return to their home school.