API RESULTS: METRO STUDENTS SHOW SAN FRANCISCO'S BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT
California's Academic Performance Index scores are in. If you are looking for schools that are closing the achievement gap in underserved communities, look no further than Metropolitan Arts and Technology High School (Metro), whose students scored an astounding 93 points higher than last year — the single biggest improvement among all San Francisco Unified School District schools this year.
Particularly relevant is the fact that Metro accomplished these impressive results with a student demographic most in need of education solutions. Among Metro's 2006/2007 class, over 75 percent of students were either Latino or African-American and 60 percent came from low-income families and are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Seventy percent (70 percent) would be the first in their families to go to college.
Metro has achieved an 8 out of 10 for its Similar Schools Ranking. Metro, which was founded in 2004, and is supported by both the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Irvine Foundation among others, is in the top tier of schools in California with a similar demographic profile.
"When you combine a rigorous education with a supportive environment that empowers students to learn, you get higher test scores and higher achievement," explained Daniel McLaughlin, CEO of Envision Schools, the San Francisco-based, nonprofit charter school organization that runs Metro. "With this winning formula, success is within every student's reach."
The Metropolitan Arts and Technology High School (Metro) is dedicated to helping students achieve personal and academic success. By using proven best practices for teaching and learning, Metro graduates will demonstrate:
Knowledge and academic skills necessary for success in college and career
Habits and skills associated with academic excellence, innovation, creative expression, problem solving, and entrepreneurship
Mastery of leadership, artistic, and technological skills
Based on a nationally recognized and award-winning model for secondary education, Metro opened in the fall of 2005. The curriculum is integrated, interdisciplinary, and project based.
Beyond solid preparation for college, Metro offers a personalized atmosphere for all students. Every student is well known by staff and each student has an Advisor who acts as his//her advocate at Metro.
In addition to meeting all the requirements for entrance into the University of California or California State University systems, Metro graduates will demonstrate mastery of the following Leadership Skills:
