High Tech High
Website: https://www.hightechhigh.orgLocation: San Diego County, CA (San Diego, Chula Vista, San Marcos) School Type: Public Charter Grades Served: TK/K-12
School Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | Free (public charter school) |
| Enrollment | ~6,350 students across 16 schools |
| Endowment / Total Funding | Philanthropic funding via High Tech High Foundation; historical $17M from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (2000-2006) |
| Notable Donors / Investors | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs, Qualcomm |
Why They Stand Out for Tech Innovation
Pioneering network of project-based charter schools emphasizing real-world tech application, internships, and innovation since 2000; high college acceptance rates (94%+), diverse student body outperforming demographics on state tests
Technology and Innovation Programs
Project-based learning, internships with tech companies, performance-based assessment, deeper learning competencies, state-of-the-art technical facilities
Maker Spaces and Innovation Labs
State-of-the-art technical facilities for project-based learning; maker-centered learning in some programs (historical)
AI, Robotics, and Computer Science
FIRST Robotics teams (Holy Cows #1538, Rewind 4419, Holy Calves #22321); wiring & programming, CAD, fabrication; no specific AI programs noted
Key Partnerships
University of San Diego (college credit courses), Qualcomm, Scripps Research, over 100 local businesses/orgs for internships
Leadership and Contacts
| Role | Name / Contact |
|---|---|
| Head of School / CEO | Diana Cornejo-Sanchez (CEO) |
| Technology / Innovation Director | Kurt Olson (IT Director) |
| Admissions Email | eao@hightechhigh.org |
| Main Phone | (619) 398-4900 |
Sources
High Tech High, Wikipedia, CA Dept of Ed, HTH Profile 2025-26, LinkedIn Diana Cornejo-Sanchez, LinkedIn Kurt Olson, Robotics, USD Partnership