High Tech Middle North County

We were thrilled when our 6^th grader as admitted to HTMNC. However, our initial excitement gradually dwindled until by the end of year, we realized this school was not the right choice for us. It had failed our child (ren).
Throughout the year, we found ourselves questioning what our child was actually learning. The exhibitions, which are meant to be a showcase of what has been studied, explored, and learned, left us feeling confused and disappointed. Our child’s teacher team seemed to have low expectations and their exhibitions were actually a far lower quality than the exhibitions we attended for our elementary students (also enrolled at the High Tech North County campus). The exhibitions lacked material showing the project process and what was learned.
Towards the end of the year after hearing zero positive feedback from teachers, we received messages from them about our child’s disruptions in class. When I met to speak with one of the teachers, he informed me that he (the teacher) wasn’t actually *in* the classroom when these disruptions took place. Instead, he allows his class to roam relatively free and wasn’t actually supervising his students. Additionally, the resolution to this issue was a ‘restorative circle’.
Finally, at the end of the year, as I was debating whether to have my children return to High Tech, I decided to have them evaluated at a tutoring facility. I was shocked to learn my 6^th grader tested incredibly low in math. A little history about my child: tested 100% in 2^nd grade on the standardized test in math (600 out of 600), has always been above grade level in all subjects, currently, in 7^th grade, tested at an 11^th grade reading level. Historically, I have only received praise for my child’s work ethic and potential and ability. It was disheartening to learn that my child missed a whole year of math (while achieving A’s) while attending High Tech.
I fully support the philosophy of High Tech schools, but something is currently missing within their curriculum or follow through. It’s wonderful to do project based learning, as long as the students are still learning grade (and ability) appropriate material. My child loves creating projects and does so often at home, I decided it wasn’t worth continuing at High Tech at the detriment of my child’s education.
Bottom line, High Tech is shiny and new and sells an awesome ideal, but they don’t follow through and end up doing a disservice to the students. I couldn’t in good faith recommend this school to anyone, which is sad because we were so fully on board before we actually experienced what it really is.

We are so thankful that our son got into HTMNC for 6^th grade. This school is top of the line. High Tech all the way. No books and everything is online. My son is so much more technologically advanced than his friends who stayed in the regular school system. I believe this is the key to a rewarding college experience and a brilliant professional career. I love how it feels like a private school and everyone is very friendly. They teach the kids a different way than the regular, old public schools. They have them do things more hands-​on. They actually LEARN, not just memorize to pass tests. High Tech Middle North County is the key to a great education. I believe in this school 100%.