The Board of Regents approved a resolution Monday supporting a new charter high school to be located near the university, emphasizing math, science and technology. The school, with the proposed name High Tech High at UNM Albuquerque, will offer an accelerated curriculum and prepare all enrolled students for successful college careers. UNM and the school will work together to develop a curriculum consistent with national and international standards.
“We're excited by this opportunity to help address a critical need in our state," said UNM President Louis Caldera. "This will be a kind of 'lab school' with the potential to improve math, science and technology education for all New Mexico's public schools.”
Caldera said research projects at the school will be designed to study secondary education and will be conducted by faculty, graduate students and teachers at High Tech High. At UNM, the School of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education will provide opportunities for advanced students to be concurrently enrolled in college classes and participate in research projects with faculty and in university laboratories. College of Education students will be able to student teach or intern at the school.
The school’s cofounder and principal Robin Troup said, “This provides a powerful opportunity to prepare all of our graduates for college. By utilizing UNM resources and collaborating with university faculty, our students will graduate from high school having already experienced the next stage of learning.”
Through collaboration, UNM and High Tech High intend to provide an accelerated curriculum, beginning with ninth grade and continuing through a bachelor’s degree. As high school students become familiar with the UNM campus, libraries and professors, they may participate in university research, learn about careers and develop the skills necessary to succeed in higher education.
The High Tech High design is modeled after an exemplary San Diego charter school. In October 2004, the Albuquerque school was selected as an affiliate of the High Tech High Learning Network. Albuquerque founders agreed to adopt their name.
As an affiliate of a nationwide community of progressive schools, High Tech High receives network support services and funds as a sub-grantee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The school seeks a diverse student body, including low-income students, who would become first generation college graduates. The school is under the direction of a nine-member governance council, which will include three UNM faculty members. An advisory committee will also be formed at UNM to assist with curriculum development, innovative teaching strategies and fund development.
High Tech High is currently accepting student applications. Information is available at www.hthabq.org or by calling (505) 401-6131. Interested teachers are also encouraged to visit the site.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816