Gary Jacobs, co-founder of High Tech High, reflects on the past 25 years of the organization's journey, highlighting its impact on education in San Diego and beyond. He shares the story behind the founding of High Tech High, inspired by a need for schools that better prepare students for the real world.
As I look back on 25 years since High Tech High first opened its doors, I’m both humbled and proud of how far we’ve come — and how far-reaching our impact has been. When my wife Jerri-Ann and I first embarked on this journey, we could never have imagined how deeply our schools would transform education in San Diego and places around the world.
From the outset, High Tech High was about trying something different. We looked to the Danish model of high schools as inspiration, which combines high academic standards with practical, real-world learning. It’s not just about absorbing information; it’s about learning to apply it, think critically and know what to do when you don’t have all the answers. That philosophy has become the cornerstone of High Tech High and has guided our mission to engage students deeply in their education.
Jerri-Ann and I are often asked about our focus on project-based learning, and I always say this: It is a tool. What makes High Tech High truly unique is its culture — our commitment to equity, respect and personalized, authentic learning. By working in diverse groups, our students face real-world challenges and learn to collaborate with peers they might never have interacted with otherwise. This approach prepares them not just for college but for life.
High Tech High’s journey has been built by our students, staff, families and community. Together, we’ve created something special and as we celebrate this milestone, I look forward to how we’ll continue to innovate and shape the future of education.
High Tech High Education Innovation Real-World Learning Founding Story
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