In 2005, the Zion-Benton East school district began researching the benefits of a small learning community and discovered the innovative model and great success of New Tech Network schools. In 2008, we opened our doors to our first freshman class of New Tech students. New Tech @ Zion is about more than just a new space for a growing student population. Our focus on project-based learning and technology allows our students to be competitive in the job market after high school. Through project-based learning, our students develop strong communication, teamwork, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Our goal at New Tech @ Zion is to achieve student success through three R’s: relationships, relevance and rigor. Projects are developed from real-world situations and demand real-world solutions. In our 21st-century classrooms, every student uses a computer to access abundant information available from many sources. Students work together to give and receive detailed feedback that they put to use to improve their projects. By graduation, they have developed a digital portfolio that showcases their skills for college and careers.