Guiding Principles

At TVHS, our Guiding Principles form the foundation of each class, program and activity in which our students participate.

Collaboration & Innovation

The majority of TVHS coursework is completed through a collaborative process that teaches students how to lead, manage and support team goals. TVHS students need to be open-minded and ready to work with business leaders, educators and other students in a professional, collaborative learning environment.

Tech Valley High School was designed specifically to allow for collaboration and innovation throughout the school. Break-out space was built into the TVHS facility, and whiteboards, projectors and monitors are found in every classroom, hallway and foyer. Students are provided with a laptop, and wireless presentation technology is integrated into every classroom and break-out space.

Honor Code

We understand that Tech Valley High School is a community rooted in Trust, Respect, Responsibility and Stewardship, because we believe these values create a place where all feel they belong, where all are valued for what makes them unique, and where all can shine.  As a member of the TVHS community I accept my role in promoting these qualities, as follows:

In order to promote Trust, I will honor others’ privacy, fulfill my obligations to others in this community, and strive to support their success.

In order to promote Respect,  I will work hard, and try to be patient, understanding and considerate of myself and others because I understand that nobody is perfect and that mistakes and missteps are part of the learning process.

In order to promote Responsibility, I will take an active role in my own learning, and help others do the same; I will hold others accountable for their part, and encourage them to do the same; I will take as much interest in the good of my community as I take in myself.

In order to promote Stewardship, knowing that I have an obligation to those who will come after me, I will care for our space and our learning tools so that they will know the pride I took in my school, and so they will have the same opportunities that I had.

Mission Statement

Tech Valley High School (TVHS) is a four-year regional public high school that is built on the principles of project-based learning and collaboration. Students engage in hands-on projects based in authentic applications of New York state learning standards. 

The mission of Tech Valley High is to provide a unique, innovative and student-centered educational opportunity, engage students in current emerging technologies and support the growth and economy of the region.

Non-Discrimination

Tech Valley High School, Questar III and the Capital Region BOCES do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in their programs, activities, employment, and admissions; and provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Mike Buono, Compliance Officer at (518) 477-8771 or 10 Empire State Blvd., Castleton, NY, 12033. Inquiries concerning the application of the Tech Valley High School non-discrimination policies may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005, telephone (646) 428-3800 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (TTY).

If you believe you, or someone else, has been the subject of harassment or discrimination in the school environment, please use this form to report the allegations

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) referral form

Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is the primary means of instruction at TVHS. 

Through project-based learning, students collaborate on meaningful projects that require critical thinking, creativity, and communication to answer challenging questions or solve complex problems. 

By making learning relevant to students in this way, they see a purpose for mastering state-required skills and content concepts. Students aren’t just assessed on their understanding of academic content, but on their ability to successfully apply that content when solving authentic problems. It expands student learning by preparing them with work habits and character traits needed to succeed in life, college and careers.