Gotham Tech

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Gotham Tech was nominated

The pillars that differentiate Gotham Tech are (1) all students participate in robotics, which is the first for a school in NYC, and (2) all students engage in a capstone project. Gotham Tech is an open, welcoming and culturally affirming community using robotics and challenge-based learning to empower students with the mindsets and skillsets to solve problems that matter. Our graduates will engage in joyful and meaningful learning, think deeply and critically, and grow emotionally and socially.

Student experience design

Our mission is to use robotics to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders. Our vision at Gotham Tech is for every student to thrive in an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment. We are committed to developing each individual to be self-, socially, and globally aware; collaborative; goal-oriented problem solvers. With these competencies, our graduates can achieve excellence in their post-secondary pathways, excel in a dynamic world, and make a positive impact. Anchored in the critical thinking, collaboration, and joy of robotics* and in its partnership with NYC FIRST - it is leveraging design thinking, challenge-based learning, and competency learning and assessment in all subjects, crafting the mindset and skills society needs to address problems that matter. In developing this breakthrough model, Gotham Tech is working on three interrelated elements: Gotham Tech’s approach to curriculum, planning, and instruction is increasingly challenge-based, cultivates design thinking, and is competency based, incorporating both rigor and joy: throughout the curriculum, in planning and students’ classroom experiences; in robotics classes and competitions; and in other student experiences. Gotham Tech supports young people to apply design thinking to their own life, through advisory, mentoring, and work based learning. Gotham Tech engages students in collaboration with community partners - with NYC FIRST, schools of higher learning, and corporate partners - to enrich their experiences and prepare them for life’s responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
All Courses Designed For Inclusion	3-4 years
No Tracked Classes	3-4 years
Performance Based Assessment	3-4 years

All Practices

Assessments For Career Readiness

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Co-leadership

Community And Workforce Partnerships

Culturally Responsive Practices

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics

High Quality Instructional Materials

SEL Integration School-wide

Student-led Conferences

Students Access Their Own Data

Tutoring

Universal Design For Learning

key reasons for innovating