TechBoston Academy is a 6-12 pilot school in the Boston Public Schools, and was founded in 2002 with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. TechBoston Academy offers a college preparatory curriculum where technology is the bridge that connects the student to their learning experience.
TechBoston Academy students are randomly chosen through the Boston Public School’s lottery system and are representative of the community demographics (60% African American; 30% Latino; 10% White, Asian & Other). Students arriving at TechBoston Academy are often two grade levels behind. Over the past 9 years, TechBoston Academy has proven that with the right structure and support systems, ALL students can learn and succeed. TechBoston Academy students are scoring proficient/advanced on the 10th grade ELA and Math MCAS at rates of 65% and 75% respectively; are graduating from high school at rates of 85%+; are coming to school at the rate of 94%; and are attending 2 and 4 year college at rates of 93%+ — all of which exceed state and local averages.
What makes TBA different?
- Laptops provided for every student
- Academic, social and emotional support for students
- Bi-weekly professional development for staff
- Dedicated, involved and highly qualified staff
- Extended day program includes sports, clubs and tutoring
- Inclusion program of students on IEPs
- Integration of technology in core subjects
- Mentors and tutors for all students
- Reduced class sizes
- Strong community/university/business partnerships
- Honors and Advanced Placement courses
- Interdisciplinary, project-based curricula
- College preparatory with technology focus
Recognition and Awards
- 1st Place Winner for Public Service Announcement, Mass. Aggression Reduction Center, 2010
- America’s Best High Schools-Bronze Medal, US News and World Report, 2007, 2008, 2009
- Top 5 Schools in Boston for Latino Students, UMass Gaston Report, 2007
- Nominee Model Secondary School, U.S. DOE, 2006
- MTV Featured School, MTV, 2006
- Innovative High School Case Study, Dell, 2005
- Gates Foundation Innovative High School, Gates Foundation & Education Resource Strategies, 2005
- Eye on Education Featured School, 2004
- Nominee of Compass Award, Massachusetts DOE, 2003
- City Excellence Award, City of Boston, 2003
- Model Secondary School Award, Gates Foundation, 2002
