Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The new year has brought a new start of sorts for students and staff at Syracuse’s fifth high school – The Institute of Technology. Everyone there has finally settled into their school, which took two years to renovate.
The traditional classrooms are a far cry from the school many of the seniors knew four years ago.
Senior Kreisha Gray told NewsChannel 9, “When we first had it, it was, comfy as a school, that’s the word to use, but now we really stand on our own.”
After two years away, Principal Matt Williams says the students are finally getting a feel for it and have really settled in.
"While we're using the skeleton of an old building, everything is brand new and state-of-the-art and truly what our kids are deserving of in the city,” Principal Williams said.
The auto facility has been completely revamped and combines practical training with the latest in technology. The goal Williams says is a type of education that engages kids in an activity and also fits in core material, too, just like the culinary program.
There’s even a new café space and a new gym. It’s actually their first gym ever. The school didn’t have one before. They used to have physical education classes at the downtown YMCA and basketball and volleyball games were played at Lincoln Middle School.
“This school didn’t really have much when I first came here, so it’s like, now you have all this technology and everything looks brand new and it’s just so amazing,” said Senior Deqwan Green.
It’s been a slow and steady climb from their start five years ago, but you can safely say the Institute of Technology is a legitimate fifth high school in Syracuse.
The 2012 graduation rate for the Institute of Technology was 78 percent. It’s projected to be close to 80 percent next June. The district average is closer to 50 percent.
