Model Programs
  Stanley E. Foster Construction Tech Academy - Kearny Hight Educational Complex, San Diego, CA Build San Francisco - San Francisco, CA
Business Industry Technology Academy - Anaheim, CAEast San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program and Center - West Covina, CAHealth Careers Academy - Palmdale, CA Health Careers Academy - Placerville, CAHealth Professions High School - Sacramento, CAInformation Systems Academy - Lancaster, CALaguna Creek Manufacturing Production Technology Academy - Elk Grove, CA Life Academy of Health and Bioscience - Oakland, CA
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Pre-Engineering Program - Barstow, CAProject Lead the Way (PLTW) Pre-Engineering Program - Lancaster, CASchool of Digital Media and Design - San Diego, CASpace, Technology and Robotic Systems Academy - Lompoc, CA

 
Type of program Small autonomous high school
 
Description The Kearny High Educational Complex houses four career-themed small schools, one of which, the Stanley E. Foster Construction Technology Academy, helps students learn while exploring careers related to the built environment. The Academy exposes students to careers in three strands—architecture, engineering, and construction—while simultaneously preparing them for postsecondary education with an interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum. Construction Technology Academy’s Advisory Committee and Board of Directors work daily with staff, students, and parents and have donated over two million dollars in resources in the past four years to provide a modern facility and enhance students’ learning experiences. The Academy opened in 2002 and has received support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the James Irvine Foundation.
 
Key Characteristics
  • Students have the opportunity for priority enrollment in San Diego State University’s College of Construction Engineering with guaranteed full scholarship, and for enrollment into many apprenticeship programs.
  • Students can earn college credit while taking high school courses, or take community college courses at no charge during the school day.
  • Courses are standards-based and meet California UC/CSU entrance requirements.
  • Mentors work daily with staff and students on advanced engineering, architectural, and construction projects. Students receive “real world” experience through internships, job shadowing, guest speakers, and field trips.
  • Students use professional-grade software tools in their design projects, many of which are part of a sequence of pre-engineering courses designed by Project Lead the Way, Inc.
  • Teachers deliver personalized instruction to support and develop each student as an individual leader.
  • Extensive staff development includes monthly prep meetings, summer project-based institutes, teacher peer observation and lesson study, teacher externships with business partners, seminars, and regular participation in conferences and workshops.