New Tech Academy accepts 131 students

The final count is in for student enrollment at the Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy.

A total of 131 students applied for the 125 slots available at the school, and Niles Community Schools Superintendent Richard Weigel said all 131 students will be accepted into the freshman class.

“Because the number was close to 125, we thought it was important to have all. We felt this was very important to our kids. We decided to roll with it,” Weigel said.

Out of the 131 students accepted, 10 are considered out of district. Seven students are already part of the Niles Community Schools school district through schools of choice. Three students are considered additions to the current enrollment, one coming from home-schooled education and two being new Schools of Choice.

“I’m glad that they’re part of the New Tech culture,” Weigel said.

Those students who apply from this point on, he added, will go on a wait list.

Now, as teachers prepare for ongoing training prior to the start of the school year and the school continues to work on defining its culture, the question remains just how much of an impact will the endeavor have on the district and the community?

Weigel is well aware that many eyes will be on the school and its potential to bring positive results to the district.

“People are beginning to see that Niles Community Schools is going to provide one of the best educations in the state to the children of this community … to give them the skills to be successful in the 21st century,” Weigel said.