The Polytech, a newly approved private school, serves students in grades 11-12 and offers them the opportunity to earn industry certificates and college credit at the same time they satisfy high school graduation requirements.
In addition to standard college prep courses, The Polytech offers access to advanced studies and many career pathways, including health care, education, engineering, and business and technology programs. If a student is interested in computers, The Polytech allows that student to become certified to be a Helpdesk Technician. Students interested in the healthcare industry may learn that they prefer working directly with patients by earning a Phlebotomy certification, or may instead find that they are better suited to work behind the scenes with patient data in a career involving Infomatics. Other students need a hands-on classroom, and pathways such as Welding or Culinary Arts can provide exactly that experience.
“So many students already know what they want to do after graduation, and we can give them access to these advanced courses earlier than traditional high schools,’ says Reza Khastou, founder of The Polytech. “But other students are completely unaware of all of the options available to them. The Polytech provides the right solution as we expose students to a wide variety of careers and provide hands-on experiences that engage students and make them a part of the process of planning for their future.”
Khastou knows, he spent the last 20 years as a college director and worked directly with high school students. He has countless stories of students who sharply increased their motivation and performance after connecting directly with a career and experiencing the demanding college courses. “Once students can see a purpose in the work they are doing, they understand their role and become excited.”
The Polytech follows the standard college quarter schedule, and has the flexibility to accommodate students entering the program throughout the school year. All students participate in a College Readiness course, designed to teach the soft skills necessary to be successful in college and a career. This course covers items like professional dress and social media presence as well as the ability to accept criticism and all of the executive function skills such as organization and time management.
Conveniently located in the Northgate area, The Polytech also offers a wide variety of support services, including tutoring, individual courses for credit, and career assessment and advising. Students who need a quiet structured place to catch up on projects and other assignments are invited to attend Drop-In Tutoring on Saturday mornings.
Students, parents, and educators are invited to learn more by attending an open house at 540 NE Northgate Way, Suite D (behind Starbucks). Drop in to tour The Polytech campus, learn more about the innovative programming and creative options to complete a high school diploma, and meet this inspiring staff.
About The Polytech
The Polytech is a WA-State approved private school serving students in grades 11-12 through a combination of small group and one-on-one instruction, college courses taken in partnership with local community colleges, and internship experiences. Students may earn industry certificates, college credits, and a high school diploma at the same time. For more information, please call 206-557-4646 or visit thepolytech.com.
