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Why are Kearny, Crawford, and San Diego High being divided into small schools?
While some students are doing well, the majority of students at these schools are performing below their grade level in reading, writing, math and science. To provide the personalized attention students need to achieve academic success and prepare for college and future jobs, large high schools will be broken up into smaller schools.
Why not just focus on the failing students?
There are too many students failing. Tutoring and after-school programs are effective, but have not worked for the majority of students.
What makes small schools better than a large high school?
In large high schools, many students do not get the individual help they need, causing them to either stop trying or drop out. Because there are fewer students in a small school, teachers and staff know all their students and their individual needs. This allows teachers to focus their teaching on the specific needs and interests of their students. It also motivates students to learn because they know their teachers are active partners in their learning. Small schools also have career themes to keep students interested in school and provide real-world connections to school curriculum.
What are the career themes for the small schools?
See the list of small school names for each educational complex.
Aren't 13-15 year old students too young to choose a specific career path?
Students who choose a small school with a career theme are not choosing a career. They are choosing an area of interest. The career themes are just a way to make lessons and classes more interesting for students. All of the small schools will provide a rigorous, college-preparatory program that will ensure all students are ready for post-secondary options, including college, university, military or workforce.
What if a student isn't interested in any of the career themes offered?
Since each small school will offer the academic classes necessary for high school graduation and college entrance, students will be in a strong, rigorous program no matter which school they choose. The district is also developing a process for students to transfer from one school to another when it is in a student's best interest.
Will students and parents be able to pick their small school?
Yes. There will be an application process by which students will make their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice of small schools. Every effort will be made to ensure that students receive either their first or second choice. If a school is over-subscribed, a random lottery will be held to enroll students in that particular school.
Will lessons in small schools be different than those in a large high school?
Yes. Teachers will focus more on engaging student by using the theme of the school whenever possible. All classes will provide rigorous instruction.
Will teachers be trained to teach at a small school?
Yes. The district received a large grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide teacher training and planning time for the small schools.
Will students be able to go to college when they graduate from a small school?
Each small school will have the college prep and Advanced Placement (AP) courses needed to graduate high school and attend a university. There will be a variety of college preparation activities for all students.
Will there be programs for Special Education and ESL students?
There will be special education and ESL programs at each small school.
Will there be accommodations for "GATE" students?
Yes, there will be classes and support services for GATE students.
Will students have a chance to see friends that go to a different small school?
Yes, each education complex will have a common lunch area, dances, clubs, prom, graduation and other collective activities.
Will the schools still have athletic teams?
Yes, each educational complex will have one team for each sport.
Will we have to move to another location?
No. Small schools will be on the same campus as the former high school.
Will the small schools be physically separated?
Partially. The campus will be divided into separate small school learning environments as much as possible given cost considerations.
What will happen to the Kearny, Crawford, and San Diego High names?
While each small school will have its own name, it will also be part of the larger educational complex that will keep the original name (e.g., Kearny Educational Complex).
What if parents don't want their child to go to a small school?
Every effort will be made to make the small schools a great place for students. However, if a parent wants a transfer, the district has a process called "Choice," part of Enrollment Options, by which students may apply to attend other schools. Staff will provide parents with this information.
When will the small schools start?
September 2004.
Where can I get more information?
Contact your current high school office.
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