Hello and welcome, my name is Dr. Ariel Hurtado and I am the founding Board Chair at San Benito County Polytechnic Academy, an accelerated high school for students in grades 9-12 pursuing Agriculture Science and Technology, Construction Trades and Community Development, or Healthcare Sciences.

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We developed a public charter school petition, signed by more than 300 parents, which the SBC County Office of Education is currently considering. Why a charter school you might ask. First, it is important to note that all of California's charter schools are tuition-free, public, and open to all students. They have rigorous curriculum programs and unique educational approaches – such as those developed for SBC Polytechnic Academy. In exchange for operational freedom and flexibility, charter schools are subject to higher levels of accountability than traditional public schools. Charter schools offer high-quality education options to communities – communities like San Benito County.

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In 2022 only 24% of 8th graders in San Benito County met or exceeded grade-level math standards.  So, why do we wait for them to fail high school classes before intervening? Here at  SBC Polytechnic Academy, we will work closely with local middle schools to:

• identify challenged eighth graders early;

• catch them up to grade level;

• engage them in rigorous and relevant coursework,

• and graduate them with industry certifications, college credits, and having completed their “a-g” UC/CSU requirements.

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At SBC Polytechnic Academy, we prepare young people, regardless of their circumstances, to gain access to a unique educational program that will increase their postsecondary opportunities and unleash their intelligence and positive energy to build their lives and the community. We focus on students who desire flexible schedules, a smaller classroom setting, dual enrollment, credit recovery opportunities, Career Technical Education, and those who want to return to high school.