News & Updates
Stay Updated
Welcome to our High Tech High news and information blog. Our goal is to keep you updated about events, activities, and resources. We aim to facilitate a conversation with all HTH K12 families about the amazing work taking place across our charter school network. We want to share the incredible accomplishments of students and teachers as well as highlight resources that will best position HTH families to support their students. Enjoy!
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A Model of Authentic Work in Education
Interim CEO Diana Cornejo-Sanchez shares insights into our innovative approach to education, which was recently referenced in an article by The Atlantic. Every project at HTH integrates hands-on activities with intellectual inquiry across multiple disciplines, producing work that is meaningful, substantial, and often beautiful.
December 2, 2024
Interim CEO Diana Cornejo-Sanchez
High Tech High, Project-Based Learning
Historic Moment for HTH Storm Girls X-Country Team
High Tech High’s Storm Cross-Country team made history as its All-Freshman girls team competed in the California State Championships.
November 21, 2024
HTH Communications
Cross-Country, High Tech High, Sports, Storm
HTH Robotics Programs are Wired for Success
The High Tech High robotics teams are making waves in the world of STEM, demonstrating exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication. Learn more about how our teams are wired for success.
November 21, 2024
HTH Communications
FIRST robotics, High Tech High, High Tech High Mesa, High Tech High North County, High Tech Middle Mesa, robotics
Local Business Leaders Wanted More Engineers. Instead…
HTH’s origins can be traced to a fateful meeting involving Qualcomm’s Gary Jacobs. Local business leaders wanted more engineers. But with the support of Jacobs and CEO Emeritus Larry Rosenstock, they ended up sparking a transformation in teaching and learning.
October 30, 2024
HTH Communications
High Tech High, I: Invention and Reinvention, innovation, PBL, Project-Based Learning
High Tech Eats: A Fresh Start for School Meals
High Tech Eats is our brand-new, state-of-the-art kitchen, which opened this fall at two of our villages, with plans to expand to all locations by the spring. We prepare all student breakfasts and lunches from scratch and deliver them hot to our campuses. Learn more from ‘Chef Nate.’
September 19, 2024
HTH Communications
High Tech Eats, High Tech High, Important Resources, Lunch
Introducing HTH’s First Transitional Kinder Program!
This fall, High Tech High launched its very first Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program at the Point Loma village, and it’s already sparking joy, curiosity, and creativity in our littlest explorers.
September 10, 2024
HTH Communications
High Tech Elementary, High Tech Elementary Explorer, Transitional Kindergarten
Celebrating the HTH Founders Scholarship
The High Tech High Foundation annually bestows Founders Scholarship awards to two graduating seniors at each of the six HTH high schools. Learn more about the Class of 2024 honorees.
August 30, 2024
HTH Communications
High Tech High
Celebrating a Remarkable Year and the Class of 2024!
Incredible news from our 2024 senior class! 🎓 Among our 676 graduating students from six high schools, an impressive 90.75% secured acceptance into four-year universities. What’s as noteworthy? Nearly 83% of our Black/LatinX male students achieved this milestone, showcasing our commitment to equity and inclusivity. Plus, we’re thrilled to report that about 93% of our seniors completed the FAFSA application, paving the way for crucial financial assistance on their college journeys. Learn more in our interim CEO’s update.🎓
June 11, 2024
HTH Communications
12th Grade, College Access Teams, College and Career Access Teams, High Tech High, High Tech High Chula Vista, Interim CEO
HTeX’s Vibrant Mural Project with Visual Artist Scarlett Baily
A parent at HTeX thought the playground needed some color. Discover what happened next!
June 5, 2024
HTH Communications
Art, High Tech Explorer Elementary, Mural Project, Scarlett Baily
A Warm Welcome to Our New and Returning HTH Families!
Our Interim CEO, Diana Cornejo-Sanchez, extends her warm welcome to both our returning and new families. At High Tech High, we believe in a hands-on approach to learning, where students are encouraged to explore, create, and innovate. Discover more.
May 17, 2024
HTH Communications
CEO Message, High Tech High, Interim CEO
April Update on High Tech High Classified Staff Bargaining
April 26, 2024
HTH Communications
Kudos to HTH’s ‘California Distinguished Schools’
The Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High and High Tech Middle North County were recently announced as ‘California Distinguished Schools,’ a state honor recognizing academic excellence.
April 17, 2024
HTH Communications
California Distinguished Schools, High Tech High, High Tech Middle North County
Revving Up Learning with ‘Girlie Garage’ at High Tech High Media Arts
Girlie Garage is at the forefront of making auto mechanics more accessible for all students, especially females. The program at High Tech High Media Arts empowers students with the knowledge and skills to break down barriers confidently and challenge gender stereotypes in the field of auto mechanics.
March 24, 2024
HTH Communications
Automotive Repair, Girlie Garage, High Tech High Media Arts
HTH March Classified Employee Negotiations Update
HTH has submitted a proposal that reflects a “complete package” of articles, including wages, benefits, hours of employment, and employment status. Our proposal is under review by HTEC. A counteroffer is expected. Our next meeting date is scheduled for April 19.
March 18, 2024
HTH Communications
Classified Bargaining
Futures Soar with HTHNC’s Aviation Program
The Aviation STEM program at HTHNC is not just about learning; it’s about living the world of aviation. Students are immersed in a curriculum covering various topics, from exploring aviation and aerospace to diving into aircraft systems and performance.
March 6, 2024
HTH Communications
AOPA, Aviation STEM, HTHNC, PBL, Project-Based Learning
Cause for Paws: A Purr-fect Project by HTe’s 5th Graders!
High Tech Elementary’s fifth-grade students showcased their creativity and compassion in an event that both warmed hearts and set tails wagging.
February 8, 2024
HTH Communications
Cause for Paws, High Tech Elementary
Tentative Agreement Reached on Teacher Compensation
HTH and HTEC tentatively agreed to a multi-year proposal for a 6% increase for the 2023-24 school year, and a 1% increase for 2024-25. In addition. A 4% one-time off-schedule payment for 2023-24 is also proposed.
February 5, 2024
HTH Communications
High Tech High
January CEO Reflections: Embracing Growth and Kindness
In this month’s message, our interim CEO draws inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh, exploring the nurturing of internal seeds of learning, growth, vulnerability, and healing. Discover how this philosophy shapes our vibrant educational environment for students, families, and the HTH team.
January 22, 2024
HTH Communications
CEO Message, High Tech High
January Update on Teacher Compensation
HTH has passed a multi-year proposal that includes an increase for 2023-24 and an increase for 2024-25. Until now, the parties had only been bargaining an increase for 2023-24.
January 19, 2024
HTH Communications
2023 Annual Giving Campaign: Building Futures, Transforming Lives!
Give to the High Tech High Foundation Annual Giving Campaign. The Foundation is dedicated to elevating every aspect of the High Tech High experience, and we need your support to make it happen. We are raising funds through our Annual Giving Campaign to not only renovate our facilities and augment academic resources, but also to expand college scholarship offerings and establish a robust alumni network.
December 5, 2023
HTH Communications
Annual Giving Campaign, High Tech High, High Tech High Chula Vista, HTH Foundation
HTHCV Hosts Successful ‘College Palooza’
Empowering the next generation at High Tech High Chula Vista through “College Palooza!” College success teams at each of our six HTH high schools are dedicated to guiding our seniors through every step.
November 30, 2023
HTH Communications
College Attendance, College Palooza, High Tech High, High Tech High Chula Vista
Leadership Transition Announcement
The High Tech High Board of Trustees recently announced that Dr. Diana Cornejo-Sanchez was appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer of High Tech High, effective January 1, 2024. She will succeed Dr. Kaleb Rashad, who has steered the organization through particularly challenging times as interim CEO since December 2021.
November 6, 2023
HTH Communications
Diana Cornejo-Sanchez, High Tech High, Interim CEO
HTH October Bargaining Update
HTH has proactively included a provision in our Collective Bargaining Agreement to revisit our teachers’ wages annually. This is a direct response to dynamic & uncertain nature of state funding for schools, which often becomes clearer following the Governor’s budget announcements in May and June. It’s worth noting that charter schools, like ours, navigate a distinct financial landscape–an unequal playing field–compared to school districts.
October 28, 2023
HTH Communications
HTH’s Outstanding Record in College Admissions
College access teams and rigorous, data-driven work ensure that every student at our six High Tech high schools has a clear path to college enrollment and affordability. Learn more about how our holistic approach to preparing students for college and future careers is garnering attention–and for good reason.
October 13, 2023
HTH Communications
College Access Teams, college advisors, College Enrollment, High Tech High, High Tech High International
Condemning Terrorism While Upholding Our Shared Humanity
In light of terrorist attacks in Israel and ongoing conflict in Gaza, the High Tech High Board of Trustees extends its profound condolences to all affected, including some within our own learning community.
October 12, 2023
HTH Communications
CEO Reflections: Fall Into Learning!
“CEO Reflections: Fall Into Learning” is Dr. Kaleb Rashad’s welcome back message to the HTH Family for the 2023-24 school year. Discover why learning through projects is our ‘JAM.’
September 28, 2023
Dr. Kaleb Rashad, Interim CEO
Dr. Kaleb Rashad, High Tech High, Interim CEO
HTH Bargaining Update re Certificated Employees (Teachers)
On Thursday, September 21, High Tech High and the High Tech Education Collective met to continue bargaining increases in teachers’ wages for the 2023-2024 school year.
September 21, 2023
HTH Communications
Cultivating Learning
The “On Our Tables” project, under the guidance of teachers John Santos and Pat Holder, offers students at The Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High the opportunity to build a deeper understanding of the foods they eat–exploring how it is produced, prepared, and consumed. The project also partners with the Barrio Botany Initiative to build garden boxes for elementary schools.
September 20, 2023
HTH Communications
Barrio Botany, High Tech High, Humanities, Project-Based Learning, The Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High
HTH Update re CEO Search
The Board of Trustees decided to re-open the search for a new Chief Executive Officer with the intention of filling the role permanently for the Fall 2024 school year.
September 14, 2023
HTH Communications
High Tech High
Classified Bargaining Update
High Tech High (HTH) and the High Tech Education Collective (HTEC) are actively engaged in initial collective bargaining discussions with the Classified unit members.
September 5, 2023
Urban Oyster Project Receives Classroom of the Future’s Highest Award
June 8, 2023
Brianna Millican, Special to HTH Communications
Biology, High Tech High, Urban Oyster
Inaugural Founders Scholarship Honors 12 HTH Graduating Seniors
Two seniors from each High Tech High campus in San Diego County, comprising 12 students, were selected as 2023 recipients of the inaugural HTH Founders Scholarship Awards.
May 20, 2023
Owen Frattini Edwards, HTH student
Chris White, High Tech High, HTH Founders Scholarship, Larry Rosenstock
Robotics Teams Take Byte of World Competition
Two High Tech High robotics teams were part of an alliance that won a FIRST Robotics regional competition and went on to compete at the recent international FIRST Championship in Houston. More than 18,000 students from 59 countries competed with team-built robots and showcased innovation skills at the event.
April 26, 2023
HTH Communications
FIRST Championship, High Tech High, High Tech High Mesa, robotics
An Impact That Lasts
For almost a decade, the California Innocence Project has had an ongoing collaboration with High Tech High. Since this collaboration began, juniors at HTH have taken on cases provided by the CIP. HTH student Jack Brooks details how this collaboration has impacted students and staff alike.
April 26, 2023
Jack Brooks, HTH student
11th Grade, California Innocence Project, High Tech High
Internship Launch Day Prompts Alumni Reflections
Familiar faces roamed the halls of High Tech High recently as part of Internship Launch Day for 11th-grade students. HTH alumni gave back to their alma mater by taking part in student interviews and workplace presentations. Learn more in this report.
January 27, 2023
Stephanie Antin
Alumni, High Tech High, Internship
Agreement Reached Between Teacher’s Union and HTH
We are excited to announce that HTH has reached a tentative contract agreement with our union partners on our first collective bargaining agreement (CBA or “contract”). The tentative contract goes to ratification by the respective parties in order to take effect.
January 18, 2023
HTH Communications
High Tech High
Make the Most of Student-Led Conferences
Student-led conferences help families understand what the school values and what learning at the school looks like for their students. We are excited to welcome every family on campus for SLCs over the next couple of weeks.
October 14, 2022
HTH Communications
High Tech High, Important Resources, Student-led conferences
HTH and Teachers Move Another Step Closer to Reaching a Complete Collective Bargaining Agreement
Although a completed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was not reached, HTH is pleased to report that both HTH and HTEC met on June 29, 2022, and passed a substantial package that includes almost every contract item. We’re making significant progress on a range of items.
June 30, 2022
HTH Communications
Collaboration, Collective Bargaining
Tijuana and HTH Students Exhibit Co-Created Magazine
“Amistad” was a digital magazine co-created by teenagers separated by a border yet bonded through journalistic pursuits covering art, food, photo essays, music, and more.
June 20, 2022
HTH Communications
Collaboration, High Tech High, IMAN, PBL
When Cruising in Class is a Good Thing!
A car show and presentation helped HTH students gain a deeper understanding of local Chicano, San Diego and Mexican car club histories and their influence on popular culture.
June 15, 2022
HTH Communications
10th Grade, Collaboration, High Tech High, PBL
HTH Bargaining Update for June
The respective collective bargaining teams for High Tech High (HTH) and High Tech Education Collective (HTEC) met on June 10, 2022, for a full day of bargaining. Although a full Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was not reached, HTH is pleased to report that we passed substantial proposals that are sustainable, competitive, and equitable.
June 13, 2022
HTH Communications
Collaboration, Collective Bargaining
Healing power of art reflected in HTHNC freshmen–and their teacher
Ten HTHNC freshmen were selected for the San Diego County Fair Student Showcase, which is the competitive exhibit where teachers in middle schools, high schools, and community colleges enter their students’ work.
May 25, 2022
HTH Communications
Art, Collaboration, HTHNC, PBL
High Tech High Mesa’s first graduating class sets bar high for college enrollment
Nearly all of HTHM’s 91 seniors will attend college next year. Parents call the college advising support that their students received at HTHM ‘crucial’ to achieving their college and career goals.
May 16, 2022
HTH Communications
Collaboration
Thinking Outside the (Wooden) Box
HTH students are learning the design process from ideation to fabrication. They are accomplishing this through woodworking. Building a wooden box is a precursor to building wooden furniture.
March 8, 2022
HTH Communications
Biology, Collaboration, Humanities, PBL, Projects
HTH Bargaining Update
We want to share an overview of where we are in the collective bargaining process. We are encouraged, but also realize there is still much work to be done. We will be posting updates and frequently asked questions and answers in this space.
February 24, 2022
HTH Communications
Collaboration
HTH Board Appoints Interim CEO
Since becoming interim CEO, Dr. Kaleb Rashad has been spending time with students, teachers, and directors across all 16 HTH campuses. Kaleb has often been accompanied by Chief Learning Officer Janie Griswold, and HTH Board Chair Gary Jacobs.
January 24, 2022
HTH Communications
Collaboration, PBL, Students