The school has a television studio with three cameras and sophisticated editing systems, five computer labs, and Internet access in every classroom. In addition, there is a mobile computer lab -- a cart with twenty laptops equipped with antennas used for research in humanities classes and for science labs. It's the only high school in the city to have its own Web server (every student learns HTML), and there is a course dedicated to creating and maintaining the school's Website: www.hstat.org.

Many staff development days have been devoted to how to do interdisciplinary work, especially in English and social studies, and how to use Websites in a classroom. English honors students created a Web page to show off what the class had learned about author Toni Morrison and her novel Song of Solomon. Students were asked to write two original essays, one discussing the importance of names in the novel and the second exploring a theme of their own choosing. They also provided online photographs and a biography about the author and links to relevant sites.

Some schools build their reputation by attracting high-achieving kids. Telecommunication is building its reputation by attracting first-rate teachers. Instead of being assigned according to seniority, as is the norm in New York City public schools, prospective teachers are interviewed by the staff and asked to teach a demonstration class.

"This is a school that combines a hardworking faculty with academics, athletics, and the arts," says sophomore Vanessa Poggioli. "If you're not doing well in a subject, there will be a resource; if you want to start a club, they'll help."

School site

Description from the Board of Education

1999-2000 School Report from Board of Education (pdf format)