Both Mare Island Technology Academy (MIT) High School – an independent charter school in Vallejo, and (New Technology High School) on the campus of Sonoma State University – a public high school in the Cotati-Rohnert Park school district — have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools. These schools are two of 192 schools selected for recognition. MIT is one of only eight charter schools so designated for 2005.
The California Distinguished School Award … criteria for qualification address all areas of a school’s educational program including its learning environment, family involvement and community participation.
Fewer than 465 of California’s 2,300 middle and high schools were eligible to apply for the honor based on their Academic Performance Index (API) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results. MIT’s High School’s Academic Performance Index (API) increased 60 points based on 2004 test scores. Technology High’s API increased 22 points based on 2004 test scores. Both schools received the highest state API ranking compared to similar schools.
With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, NTF supports communities across California and the nation wanting to establish a school similar in approach and philosophy to Napa’s New Technology High School. The NTHS Network is currently comprised of 11 schools, growing to 24 over the next few years.