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Chicago Tech Academy High School (ChiTech) is a Chicago public high school articulated for 21st century leaders. Students are held to the highest standards, with an extended school day and double periods of Math and English. Upon full grade expansion, six hundred Chicago high school students will be taught annually using 21st century educational methodologies to fill 21st century technology related jobs. The technology focused approach will be combined with mentoring from local technology professionals to support the creation of our next generation of the region’s technology leaders
The school was launched with its first class in 2009 with deep support from ITA Chairman Terry Howerton and members of the Illinois Technology Community.
The program has seen amazing results since its inception. Highlights includes:
- 39% more students achieved results at or above grade level in English
- 85% more students achieve test results at or above grade level in Math
- 96% attendance rate – a full 12% higher than the CPS average
- 40% of students earned a B or better in every first semester subject
- 75% of students are on-track to graduate
Additionally, the technology curriculum covered:
- History of technology
- Basic technology skills, such as typing
- Designing compliant and accessible websites using HTML and CSS
- Fundamentals of object-oriented programming with .NET and Silverlight
- Developing wireframe concepts/storyboards for web design planning
- Using critical thinking to solve problems with technology
Terry Howerton, as ITA Chairman, led the charge in raising the first $500,000 and counting in support of the school. ITA continues to be an active supporter of ChiTech and encourages all members of the technology community in Illinois to get involved in support of the next generation of leaders.
To find out more about ChiTech including information on how to become a mentor, visit
http://www.chicagotechacademy.org.