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Charter Challenges Kids; Science, Engineering School's Specialty

Posted on: Wednesday, 28 September 2005, 12:00 CDT

By OLIVIER UYTTEBROUCK Journal Staff Writer

Cody Estrada, 15, says he wanted more academic rigor in his life, and found it this year by enrolling in High Tech High, a new charter school in Albuquerque.

"The work is definitely challenging, to say the least," said Estrada, who now finds himself hard pressed to learn unfamiliar math and physics concepts.

But Estrada said he likes the demands and hopes he can make the grade at High Tech High.

"It's completely different from what you're used to," said Estrada, who went to Horizon Academy last year. "We're on a first name basis with our teachers, so we're treated almost as equals."

"Different" is an apt description for High Tech High, which opened in August in leased office space near Albuquerque International Sunport.

Students often work together on projects, and the result is plenty of talking and commotion in the classroom.

Humanities teacher Monica Summers' students were making a cookbook Friday. Students were expected to bring recipes with significance to their families and describe the history and cultural importance of each dish.

"It's considerably louder than the average classroom," said Summers.

Not all classes are so boisterous. Some look like traditional classrooms, with kids sitting in straight rows while a teacher lectures at the blackboard.

High Tech High is modeled after a school of the same name in San Diego, Calif., funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said Principal Robin Troup. The foundation also provides some funds for the Albuquerque school.

The school is intended to prepare students for college-level math, science and engineering classes, Troup said.

In the future, Troup said the goal is for students to attend classes at UNM and earn high school and college credit concurrently.

UNM President Louis Caldera, who helped develop the school, said UNM is seeking permanent quarters for High Tech High on UNM property close to the main campus.

UNM also plans to ask legislators next year for $7.3 million in capital improvement funding to help renovate and equip a building for the school.

"It's a great concept," Caldera said of the school.

High Tech High Albuquerque

LOCATION: 2500 Yale SE

PURPOSE: College-preparatory charter school with an emphasis on math, science and technology.

PRINCIPAL: Robin Troup.

ENROLLMENT: HTH enrolled 90 freshmen in August. It plans to enroll about 90 freshmen each year, reaching a maximum enrollment of 360, grades 9-12 by 2008.

BACKGROUND: Charter application sponsored by Mayor Martin Chvez in 2003. HTH is operated in partnership with the University of New Mexico.

STUDENT LIFE: Students enroll in humanities, math/physics, media arts and health sciences, taught by seven full- and part-time teachers.

WEB SITE: www.hthabq.org

Source: Albuquerque Journal

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