Our History
The story of where we started, and where we’re going next.
A word from our founder, Gail Ewell
It was 2001. As I looked at the educational landscape, I saw a need that I was compelled to meet.
My sons were in elementary school, and I noticed that students with diverse learning styles were often separated from their peers, who continued their education in traditional classrooms.
With my background in education and my experience in fully inclusive community programs, I could see that this model was creating a concerning gap in the academic and social-emotional development of all students. Neurodiverse students were experiencing unnecessary isolation, and neurotypical students were missing the social-emotional growth that comes from being exposed to perspectives different from their own.
I soon developed a deep conviction that I carry with me to this day: Everyone benefits when education is accessible to all.
I envisioned a school where both classrooms and communities were inclusive and innovative, providing an excellent academic and social-emotional education to all.
I can proudly say that over the past 20 years, with the help of our amazing HTS community of students, families, staff, donors, and volunteers, we have made this vision a reality. By promoting inclusion and providing every student with the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, we are closing that educational gap.
Since its inception, Hope Technology School has grown from a single classroom pilot program of five students to a fully licensed and accredited preschool through 12th-grade institution that has served more than 2,000 students. We have expanded our programs to include a high school, vocational education, and various on-site therapy services. Our student body has also grown, reflecting the increasing demand for inclusive education in our community.
Students from HTS have gone on to pursue higher education at schools such as the University of San Francisco, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University, San Francisco State University, Emerson College, University College of London, and a number of other institutions including culinary and trade schools. We have seen our students move forward from Hope Technology School as confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who are prepared to be inclusive leaders in their communities.
We chose the name “Hope Technology School” to reflect our commitment to providing a hopeful and inclusive educational environment where technology plays a vital role in enhancing learning for all students. I continue to look at the future of education with hope as new generations of learners and educators believe in the power of inclusivity.
I thank you for your interest in HTS and I personally invite you to join us on this mission of hope in education. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our children, our future, and the world, closing the gap one student at a time.
Sincerely,
Gail Ewell, Founder and Executive Director
A brief timeline
Vision
A pilot program was launched on the campus of Franklin Elementary School in Burlingame, CA, with one classroom of just five students.
Beginnings
After growing into a preschool, full K-8, and Vocational Education program (later renamed Life Skills Pathway), HTS moved to its current location in Palo Alto, CA.
Connections
The innovative use of technology at HTS caught the attention of Hewlett-Packard and gave them a vision for how their touchscreen technology could change the lives of people with special needs.
This connection led to an ongoing partnership with HP. In 2012, HTS was showcased in the award-winning documentary “I Want To Say,” spreading awareness about the vast improvements that touch technology has made for nonverbal members of the autism community. HTS was also featured in a Fast Company magazine wrote article about the documentary.
Expansion
The HTS high school was opened and our elementary and high schools became fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC is a world-renowned institution that validates school programs through a rigorous evaluation process. Our WASC accreditation provides assurance to our community that HTS is trustworthy program for student learning.
Response
While COVID-19 negatively impacted schools and students alike, our classes were prepared to adapt immediately. Because technology was already infused in every aspect of our programs, the transition to online learning was near-seamless as we continued to meet student’s individual educational needs.
Impact
HTS has hosted several international visits from countries like Laos, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands whose educators are eager to learn from our inclusive and innovative educational framework. HTS has also been added to the prestigious “Best of the Best Hall of Fame,” after having been voted “Best of the Best” by Bay Area Parents for 2023, as recognition of its outstanding STEM subject support, preschool and childcare center, private high school, and technology program.
Where we’re going
Today, Hope Technology School is an accredited preschool-through-twelfth-grade private school in Palo Alto. After over 20 years of supporting families from around the Bay Area, we continue to enjoy success in inclusive education, inspiring remarkable student growth and achievement.
Our generationally diverse staff is continuously developing to become thought leaders and experts in the field of inclusive education.
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