DHS considers expanding New Tech program to freshmen

DANVILLE — Since launching in fall 2009, Danville High School's New Tech High has been open to only sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Now school officials are hoping to expand the program to include freshmen. By doing that, they say, students will adapt earlier to the New Tech culture and learning style — which is much different than the traditional one they're used to — and be more successful in their high school career and beyond.

"Right now, we're putting our students behind the 8-ball," said Assistant Principal Darin Chambliss, the program's director. "New Tech is designed on a four-year instruction model. We're trying to cram four years into three."

Chambliss presented the idea to the Danville school board recently. Members could vote on a formal proposal on Dec. 14.

If approved, Chambliss could accept 100 to 120 ninth-graders into the program next school year.