Principal’s Welcome

Welcome to Impact Academy of Arts and Technology (IA), a member of the Envision Schools network.  Founded in 2007 by a devoted group of educators and community members, our small high school of choice is driven by the fundamental belief that all students deserve access to a high-quality education, and that transformational learning occurs when students are empowered to think critically and apply their knowledge to solving real-world problems.

Our highly skilled, experienced teaching staff engages students in integrated, relevant, standards-based instruction that prepares them for success in college and in the global marketplace.  In order to graduate, Impact students must satisfy California’s A-G course requirements, complete a Workplace Learning Experience, apply to college, and present and defend a portfolio of their best original work.  In 2012-13, our school-wide improvement efforts will focus on developing strong academic literacy skills and cultivating a positive, student-centered culture of high expectations for all.

At IA, we also place a strong emphasis on building powerful relationships between kids and adults, as all of our students spend their four year high school journey as part of close-knit advisories, a “family” that nurtures and supports each other’s social, emotional, and academic growth.  Each week, our student body comes together for student-led Community Meetings, where we celebrate our “Spartan Pride,” set new goals, and honor one another’s unique perspectives and accomplishments.

IA is indeed a remarkable place, a place where children are becoming young adults and scholars, where lives and futures truly are being transformed by the power of great teaching and learning.  As many of Impact’s recent graduates realize the powerful and transformative dream of becoming the first members of their families to attend a four-year college, their achievements become a living testament to our legacy and core mission, and inspire all of us to work even harder to ensure that college access is universal.

I want to thank you for visiting our website, and invite you to come visit us in Hayward.  I hope you’ll consider joining our family, as we celebrate together what Impact has been, and dream about what it can and will be in the years to come.

- Jesse Bean, Principal