Technology High School

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Q. Can Tech High students take college courses?

A.Yes. Protocols with SSU and SRJC have been developed that allow students to enroll in many college classes.

2.Q. How can parents get involved?

A. Parents can join and participate in PTSA and School Site Council; drive on field trips, serve as mentors, chaperone school events, attend Back to School and Parent Night meetings and observe in classrooms.

3.Q. Does Tech High have Honors courses?

A.  The Tech High curriculum is written to conform with A-G requirements

for the University of California.  Some upper division courses receive honors designation as do many of the college courses taken by Tech High students.

4.Q. How many teachers and students are at Tech High?

A. There will be a maximum of 240 students in Tech High – 60 at each grade

level.  The school has 10 teachers, 1 counselor, a part-time Resource Specialist, one secretary, one office assistant, and one principal.

5.Q. What kind of field trips will there be?

A. Field Trips in the past have been to the Exploratorium, Bay Model, Tech

Museum, Warm Springs Dam, Sonoma County Office of Education, US FIRST Robotics Competition, Pac Bell Park, Santa Rosa Junior College, UC Davis, CSU Maritime Academy, etc.  Field trips are designed to supplement the Tech High curriculum.

6.Q. What art classes are available?

A. Drawing and Art Fundamentals are currently offered.  Additional courses may be added to the THS schedule.  There are also additional opportunities for students to enroll in art classes at SRJC and SSU.

7.Q. Can students enroll in Tech High as a sophomore, junior, or senior?

A.Yes.

8.Q. Will there be AP classes?

A. There are no specific Advanced Placement courses offered, though an informal study group was formed this year to prepare for the AP Biology test. Students can take any AP test for which they qualify.  In addition, protocols for students to take university courses are available.

9.Q. Have companies promised to hire students?

A. No.  However, students will experience work-based learning opportunities that may lead to the hiring of students.  We hope to develop job-shadowing and internship opportunities.

10.Q. Will there be additional out-of-pockets expenses for field trips, etc.?
A. Students may be charged a nominal fee for field trips.  Opportunities to raise funding are made available to students.

11.Q. Is there a minimum age for students to receive credit from SRJC?
A. Students may receive high school credit for college courses once they have entered ninth grade.  Students may choose to have the courses meet graduation requirements or use as college credit but not both.

12.Q. Where is PE held?  Will there be facilities to change clothes?

A. Physical Education is taught by a Tech High teacher. Tech High students use the SSU locker room facilities to change as PE clothes are required.

13.Q. What kinds of clubs and activities will be offered at Tech High?

A.Clubs and activities will be designed based on student need and interest.

Current clubs include Robotics Team, Mechanics Club, Network Security Club, ASB, Yearbook, National Honor Society, Japanese Club, Burrito Club, and California Scholastic Federation.

14.Q. Does Tech High have an Associated Student Body (student government)?

A.Yes. Tech High has an active student body government and elected

officers. 

15.Q. Where will I be able to eat/buy my lunch?

A. All students will have access to many Sonoma State University and off-campus facilities for lunch.  Additionally, lunches are provided by the school district for those students on free/reduced lunch.

16.Q. Do Tech High students interact with University students?

A.Yes. SSU students serve as student teachers, judges, mentors, and tutors.

Many Tech High students also attend SSU classes where they interact with University students of all ages.

17.Q. Will we have a choice of electives at Tech High?

A.Yes. Current electives include drawing, art fundamentals, metal shop and psychology.  The constraints of the academic schedule determine which electives are available to a student.

18.Q. Can Tech High students take music or band?

A.Yes, students can enroll in Marching/Concert Band at Rancho Cotati as long as there are no scheduling conflicts.  There are also other music options for students at SSU and SRJC.

19.Q. Can Tech High students go to dances at RCHS?

A. Yes, there is a process for allowing students to attend Homecoming and Prom at RCHS. Tech High may also have its own dances.

20.Q. Is it possible to schedule a shadow at Tech High?
A. Yes.  Shadow experiences start in October and are ongoing  through the year.  Students who have a day off from their high school and want to come and visit their friends may not shadow.  Shadows are provided for prospective students only.  Please contact the Tech High Office at 792-4825.  Tech High will assign a trained shadow leader.

21.What about Project Grad?

A.Project Grad is a community experience provided for students from ALL

District high schools.  Tech High seniors are strongly encouraged to attend.  Information regarding Project Grad is provided each spring.