The school is located at 321 Northern Boulevard in Albany’s North End. It is a newly constructed facility across the street from the KIPP Tech Valley Charter School.
Why and how was the school started?
A group of community members wanted to create a high-quality educational opportunity for low-income students that were trapped in Albany's low-performing public schools. Approximately one in five Albany city residents pay to send their children to non-public schools instead of Albany public schools - but for low-income families, this often isn't an option. So, the idea for a new public high school - the Green Tech High Charter School -- was conceived. With the assistance of charter school experts and a great deal of education research, a nearly 500 page application detailing every aspect of the school was written and submitted to the State University of New York Board of Trustees. On July 31, 2006, the dream of Green Tech High became a reality when the application was approved to open the Green Tech High Charter School. The school took an extra year of planning time and plans to successfully open on time and on budget in August 2008.
Who can attend the Green Tech High Charter School?
Similar to magnet schools, charter schools are public schools chosen by parents for their children. Rather than having the school district dictate which school students must attend by virtue simply of where they live, parents can decide if the Green Tech High Charter School best suits the needs of their children, and then enroll their children here.
Green Tech will begin the 2008-09 School Year by serving students in the 9th grade and adding a grade each year until serving grades 9-12. Preference is given to students residing in Albany. If there are a larger number of applications to attend than there are available spots, an open and fair lottery will be held to randomly select students. Those students who have applied to attend Green Tech but are not chosen in the lottery will be placed on a waiting list. Once a student is admitted to Green Tech, he can attend the school in subsequent years without having to reapply.
FAQs: Educational Issues
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school that is free from most traditional bureaucratic regulations, allowing these school to innovate in areas such as educational programs (curriculum, learning standards, standardized assessments, instructional methods), longer school days and years, financial management, special education services, fundraising, marketing strategies, and school governance. This freedom comes with a higher level of academic accountability -- the school must ensure that students learn. Like existing public schools, charter schools are required to administer state assessments and report the results publicly, hold board meetings publicly, and respond to other public information requests. Charter schools do not charge tuition or administer admissions or entrance exams.
For more information about charter schools, contact the Washington D.C.-based Center for Education Reformwww.edreform.com, the Foundation for Education Reform and Accountability in Clifton Park, NYwww.nyfera.org, or the New York Charter Schools Association in Albany, NYwww.nycsa.org.
What is the Green Tech High Charter School’s educational philosophy?
The Green Tech High Charter School believes that all students, regardless of income, race, or ethnicity, can learn and be successful when provided a sound, basic educational opportunity. The focus and structure of the Green Tech High Charter School is on student achievement and sound character. Since the school primarily serves at-risk students from low-income backgrounds, it is using a curriculum, student learning materials, and assessments that have been effective when used at other schools serving similar at-risk populations. In addition, there will be an intensive focus on environmental studies and technology. Students will have the opportunity to participate in Advanced Placement (AP) classes and earn college credit. Green Tech students are expected to graduate on time with a Regents Diploma.
Is the Green Tech High Charter School being run by a management company? Who operates the school?
Unlike Albany's first charter school, New Covenant, the Green Tech High Charter School will not be operated by a for-profit company or an education management organization. Green Tech operates like most other public schools, with a principal, John A. Taylor, Jr heading the school, staff teams, and having control over daily operations and educational policy. The school is governed by a diverse board of trustees, made up of community members with expertise in education, nonprofit management, construction, accounting, law, community activities, and fundraising.
FAQs: Enrolling
How do I enroll my son in the Green Tech High Charter School?
Parents interested in sending their children to Green Tech should call the school at: (518) 694-3400. Preference is given to students residing in Albany. Those students who apply to attend Green Tech but aren't chosen in the lottery are placed on a waiting list. Once a student is admitted to Green Tech, he can attend the school in subsequent years without having to reapply. If you are considering the Green Tech High Charter School as an option for your child, please call, send an email toenroll@greentechhhigh.orgor write the school at Green Tech High Charter School, 116 N. Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12206 How many students will be attending Green Tech?
Green Tech will offer a small-school environment. Currently, only 75 freshmen are being admitted to Green Tech in August 2008. One hundred freshmen will be enrolled each year after that, eventually fully enrolling the school in grades 9-12 and educating approximately 400 students.
FAQs: Details for Students
Do I have to wear a uniform?
Yes. Students at Green Tech High Charter School are expected to wear uniforms on a daily basis. You will be given one uniform shirt at the start of the school year. Additional uniforms are available to purchase at the school for discounted prices. Free uniforms can also be earned by exhibiting good behavior and academic performance.
How do I get to school?
Most students at Green Tech High Charter School will be taking the CDTA bus to and from school each day. Bus passes will be provided to the students. Students are welcome to walk or have a parent or guardian drive them to school as well.
Will there be any sports available?
Yes. Students at Green Tech High Charter School will have different athletic programs, intramural and competitive, to participate in. Additional sports will be added each year as enrollment increases.
Can I get extra help on my academic studies?
Yes. Students at Green Tech High Charter School will be provided tutoring services as needed. In addition, teachers will be available via cell phone in the evening to answer any homework questions that may arise. Study groups will also be formed to assist in preparing for state tests and the SATs.
How long is the school year?
Students at Green Tech High Charter School will report to school the first week in August for orientation. They will commence full time coursework the last week in August and finish the year at the end of June.
How long is the school day?
Green Tech High Charter School will have an extended day for instruction that will begin promptly at 8:30am and will conclude at 4:45pm; exception Fridays when instruction will begin following the weekly school-wide assembly and end at 3:15pm. The school building will be open one hour prior to the start of instruction, at 7:30am, for students having breakfast at the school. All students must report to their assigned home classroom by 8:20am and be seated and engaged in the Warm-Up activity in order to avoid being marked tardy. The school building will be open for at least one hour after school to facilitate extra-curricular activities participation.
