Launched in September 2000 by an industry and educator coalition, the Gary and Jerri- Ann Jacobs High Tech High is an independent public charter school serving 584 students in grades 9-12. The school’s mission is to prepare a diverse range of students for postsecondary education, citizenship, and leadership in the high technology industry.

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Innovative features include performance-based assessment, daily shared planning time for staff, state-of-the-art technical facilities for project based learning, internships for all students, and close links to the high tech workplace. Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, High Tech High (HTH) graduated its first class in June 2003. HTH ranks near the top in raw scores on California standardized tests (94th percentile statewide). Since opening, HTH has been one of the highest scoring schools in San Diego County on the California Academic Performance Index.

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At HTH, learning is connected to the world beyond school. To graduate, each student must complete a substantial Academic Internship in a local business or social service agency. There is no test to get into HTH; students are accepted by lottery, resulting in an ethnically and economically diverse student body. There are about five applicants for every available place.