New school will give students a head start
An early college high school in Logan, set to open in the fall of 2006, will give students the opportunity to complete high school and at least two years of college in a challenging learning environment, said Steve Zsiray, CEO and principal of the school.
“We want to create success for every child. That is our mission,” Zsiray said. “My goal is to get these kids ready for college.”
Zsiray said he plans to enhance college readiness through high standards, a demand for excellence, accountability, open communication, strong partnerships and fairness.
The school will be highly intensive and any child willing to work and dedicate their time to school is welcome, Zsiray said. Those admitted to the school will be chosen through a blind lottery on Jan. 31. Zsiray said by law, students have to be selected through a lottery.
“Having a blind lottery gives everyone an equal chance. I believe in fairness,” Zsiray said.
He expects to service approximately 75 students from each grade, ninth through twelfth.
“We believe in small learning communities with only 300 students,” Zsiray said. “There will be 20-25 students in each class.”
Diversity is encouraged and Zsiray said he hopes the school will be a fair representation of the community. He said 20 percent of the student body will come from groups who are underrepresented in college.
All of the state requirements for high school graduation will be met. The school’s curriculum will focus mainly on science, technology, engineering and math. Zsiray said engineering and technology will be fundamental components of the curriculum. Math and science requirements will be extended to four years.
“The way we teach math in this country is a mile wide and an inch deep. It should be an inch wide and a mile deep,” Zsiray said.
By focusing on these four subjects, Zsiray said, “A talent base will be added to our existing base of quality high school graduates that will found new companies, create and develop new technologies and increase human knowledge.
Preparing for state tests will also be a main part of the curriculum. Zsiray said, “I have been to schools in Germany and the Netherlands and they treat testing like an athletic event. It should be like that here. Testing is important.”
The school will offer extra-curricular activities like chess, debate and a small ensemble in music, Zsiray said.
“We are not going to have sports. We are not going to have a marching band,” Zsiray said.
The mission of the school is to help students pursue a career, but also to produce well-rounded citizens, Zsiray said. Students need to know how to collaborate and cooperate with others. These important social skills will be taught at the school, Zsiray said.
Quoting John Dewey, Zsiray said, “What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must be what the community wants for all its children.”
Zsiray hopes to build bridges with people in all aspects of the community and encourages the support of the community and the parents of students. He said a high degree of parental support is key to a student’s success.
The Early College High School is a collaboration of Logan, Cache, Box Elder, Rich school districts, Utah State University and the USU Innovation Campus. The school will be temporarily located on the Innovation Campus.
Zsiray said, “I am happy. This is a great opportunity for all of you. Yes, this will be tough, but hopefully all will be successful.”
-ariek@cc.usu.edu