How can my son/daughter apply for a seat in the school?
We welcome calls by parents and students regarding admission to TechBoston Academy. In addition, you can contact your local Parent Information Center.
How will students be selected for TechBoston Academy, and how many will be selected?
Students will be chosen randomly from the pool of eligible applicants. Before entering the lottery students and parents should agree to the extended day, extended year calendar. The only eligibility requirement will be that each student must be eligible for promotion to the 9th grade (by June 30) as specified by Boston Public Schools’ standards. There will be approximately 90 students per class, meaning there will eventually be 380 students total.
What kinds of technology skills will my son/daughter learn?
At TechBoston Academy students will develop skills required for success in both post-secondary school studies as well as careers. To this end, all academic courses will actively emphasize usage of a wide range of technology in the classroom. Students will become familiar with a variety of tools that will allow them to seamlessly transition from the classroom to advanced studies and/or the workplace. Students will be use a variety of technology tools such as laptops, hand-held devices, graphing calculators, smart boards, et cetera. In addition, all students at TechBoston Academy will be required to pursue an Informational Technology (IT) pathway which allows them to focus on a specific technology area during their final three years. Examples of IT Pathways include Networking, Information Systems, Multi-Media/Web Development, and Computer Programming/Application Development.
My son/daughter plays a sport. Are there sports teams at TechBoston Academy?
TechBoston Academy has been very successful in establishing athletic teams for young men and women, including football, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and baseball. Most teams are developed in conjunction with the other two schools in the Complex, and compete in the traditional city leagues.
How will TechBoston Academy help students with the college application process?
TechBoston Academy will provide students with college tours, help with completing college applications, information about financial aid, and a host of other post-secondary education information and assistance. Students will be linked with area-based colleges before they leave high school for many purposes. For example, agreements will be made for TechBoston Academy students to take or audit college courses. They might also attend a class in order to decide about a potential college major, or to observe campus and dormitory life to help them make decisions about the type of college environment that they might desire. It is expected that 100% of TechBoston’s graduating classes go on to a two- or four-year college.
What role will parents and the community have in the student experience at TechBoston Academy?
Parents and guardians, local businesses, higher education institutions, community organizations, neighborhood groups, health agencies, and cultural and religious organizations are invited to become a part of the school’s learning network. To date there are already commitments from a range of community organizations to work with the school in terms of lending guest speakers, hosting presentations and site visits, arranging internships, donating equipment and providing other supports. Businesses like Cisco, Sun, Apple, IBM, Lotus, Oracle, HiQ, and Microsoft, and organizations such as Jobs for the Future, Boston Private Industry Council, City Year, Citizen Schools, Boston Public Library, and UMASS Boston have endorsed and supported TechBoston Academy.
What are the requirements for my son/daughter to graduate from TechBoston Academy?
While at TBA, students must take 4 years of science, math, and English, 3 years of history, 2 years of foreign language, and 2 years of a technology elective in order to graduate. Seniors are also required to create a digital portfolio and present a final exhibition.
