Principal’s Message
Welcome to McKinley Technology High School!
McKinley is the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math hub for the district.
We are the only STEM specialized school in DCPS and with more than 600
applications a year we are one of the most sought after schools in the area.
The reason for our high demand is in the rich program we offer, designed
specifically to prepare students for the challenges of an ever-changing global
market.
Quite simply, we do things differently at
McKinley!
Students entering McKinley take on a far more
rigorous course load than in other programs. All of our incoming students are
required to take an advanced placement course in science and math before they
graduate as well as coursework in economics, global perspectives, SAT prep,
on-line learning and writing. In addition to the college preparatory curricula,
McKinley students have a unique opportunity to select one of four pathways in a
STEM related strand: Information Technology, Biotechnology, Engineering
(Aeronautical) and Mass Media. These strands provide students with relevant,
real-world project based learning opportunities that prepare them for post
secondary education and 21st century industry. Next year, we will
offer additional language offerings in Mandarin and we will add Arabic in 2012.
Our goal is to make our students the most
marketable in the world!
We recognize that the greatest achievers
throughout history were also different learners. To this end, we support the
development of our teachers into master teachers through our instructional
coaches, master teaching academies and professional development. Our teachers
are the best in the country. They understand how students learn and tailor
their lessons to motivate and inspire student engagement.
We also believe that developing high performers
requires that students be well rounded. Our program offers multiple
opportunities for students in athletics and extra-curricular offerings. We have
the top rated debate team in the district, winning the state championship 3
years in a row. We offer varsity sports programs in baseball, basketball, golf,
volleyball, tennis, football, and much more. And recently, we upgraded our
stadium into a new 2.7 million dollar facility that overlooks the Washington
Monument. Whether your child is looking to be a world-class debater or
participate in multiple athletic opportunities, McKinley offers something for
everyone.
As you search for the best high school to meet
the needs of your child consider this. In the next 20 years STEM related fields
will become the most significant area of need in the workplace. Our students
must compete with China, India, Singapore, and countries in Europe. McKinley is
meeting these demands. Over the last 5 years our student success in math has
increased by more than 30% in proficiency and advanced scores. In reading our
students have increased nearly 25% in the last 5 years! We are on the rise- our
unique approach to teaching and learning has set us apart from other schools. In
fact, in 2010 our students below means scored at or higher than our students of
means proving that when a school program provides students with a motivating,
engaging, innovative and supportive environment, all students can and will achieve
at high levels!
Welcome to McKinley Tech!
David Pinder
Principal