By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo school district is starting the process of recruiting students to the new Math, Science and Technology Preparatory School at Seneca.
District administrators are closing Seneca Vocational and will use the building for a new middle and high school specializing in science, math and technology. Schools Superintendent James Williams says the district is now accepting applications for the school on a first come, first served basis. He says there are no admission tests or minimum grade requirements. But Williams says students will be challenged.
"We're going to have a very rigorous curriculum that they'll be required to take -- honors AP (Advanced Placement) classes," Williams said. "The end goal is for every student to graduate, prepared to go to college."
Williams says City Honors will serve as a model for the new school. Students will be expected to attend a special summer enrichment program at Buffalo State College at no cost. They'll then begin their studies at the new school in September. Williams says every student attending the school will receive a lap top computer.
"We're going to start our youngsters out in the sixth grade with a laptop computer to tie in with the teaching and learning process," Williams said.
Williams says they'll accept 80 students for the sixth grade class and another 80 students entering ninth grade this September. Enrollment will eventually expand to 600 students.
Applications are available by calling the student placement office at 816-3717.