Global Technology Preparatory

Global Technology Preparation opened in 2009 in a modern blue and white building shared with PS 7. Children learn to plant and harvest vegetables in colorful planters on school grounds and cook meals in well-equipped kitchens as part of the Edible Schoolyard Project. Families and the community are invited to shop at the student-run farm stand. [photo from inhabitat.com]

The school has a supportive tone, according to school surveys and the 2016-2017 Quality Review, although some students complain of bullying and lack of respect among students. In addition to a salad bar, teachers lead mindfulness exercises to help kids focus as part of the school's "wellness" theme. A community assistant on each grade makes phone calls home if kids are absent and evendoes wake up calls for kids who need it. As for the "technology" in the school's name, samples of educational videos created by children can be viewed on the school's website.

Principal David Baiz earns high marks on school surveys; one hundred percent of teachers say he is an effective manager and 94 percent would recommend the school to other families.

The teaching staff has fewer years experience here than at other middle schools in the city and test scores have a ways to go. The administration is adjusting math instruction to make sure teachers cover tricky concepts in more depth, according to the Quality Review. Most children score a 1 or 2 (out of 4) on standardized tests, however top math students can take an Algebra Regents course. The most struggling readers get extra help in small groups. All children read modern literature, such as the 2010 book A Long Walk to Water,about two children in Sudan, as well as classics like William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: The school offers small classes for children with special needs only, as well as team-teaching classes that place children with special needs and their general education peers together in one classroom.

ADMISSIONS: Open to all District 4 students. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and school data, 2017)