FAQ's

Q: What does being a "technical high school" mean?
A: First, it means you'll have extensive use of technology in every class in the school, including individual laptops for all students. Second, it means that in addition to courses for graduation and college admissions, you'll be taking classes that prepare you for any of a wide range of careers - including medical, computer, culinary, business, service, engineering, and industrial careers.

Q: Why should I choose this school?
A: All students take a schedule that prepares them for college and scholarships, AND every student also takes courses necessary for entry into a high-paying career field. Graduates will exit high school having earned a number of college credits AND a career certificate, and will be able to choose their path from several options: enrollment in a two- or four-year college, enrollment in a technical school, or direct entry into a career. We're EXPANDING your choices for your post-high school years!

Q: How are your electives different from other schools' electives?
A: During the freshman and sophomore years, every one of our students takes the same set of college-, career-, and scholarship- preparatory courses. At the end of tenth grade, each student selects a career focus and has four dual-enrollment, postsecondary courses in that career area for each of the remaining two years. In order to provide this highly focused education, we do not offer a comprehensive set of electives, as in many high schools.

Q: What courses do you offer that are unique?
A: Because our students dually-enroll at our postsecondary technical center, most of our career courses are unique to our school, as is the ability to complete an entire certificated program with guaranteed internship or clinical experiences. All students take Technology Studies I and Multimedia Technology, conducted in labs filled with industry standard equipment; students design web pages, 3-D animations, video games, CAD structures, and multimedia promotional campaigns. Ninth graders take Advanced Communications, which teaches verbal and multimedia communication, speech and debate, writing and presentation strategies, and digital portfolio design. Twelfth graders take Genetics, an advanced science course that explores the latest in DNA testing and exploration, biotechnology, and forensics - CSI: Walker Tech!"

Q: What access will I have to technology?
A: Our unique combination of individual student laptops and wireless computing provides extensive opportunities for technology integration into every course. Internet and multimedia projects are common across all subject areas. We also have a number of computer labs, providing access for students to scanners, industry software, and digital and video cameras.

Q: How else are you different from other high schools?
A: We offer a college-style campus; no bells; lunch options that include gourmet meals prepared by our Culinary Department; free tutoring; weekly email communications from the school to parents; a free assistance program for students working on projects or papers for any course; and a unique approach to coursework in which EVERY class combines the use of traditional strategies with projects, exhibitions, and the use of technology.

Q: How challenging is the work?
A: It's rigorous. We want you to qualify for college and be well-educated, so we challenge all students to master courses from Algebra through Precalculus, Biology through Genetics. You'll work hard - but you'll have small classes, free tutoring, and caring teachers dedicated to helping you achieve your potential.

Q: What will I need to do to graduate?
A: You'll need to fulfill the same requirements you'd have at any other public high school in Collier County, including your credits and grade point average earned. A major component of your senior year will be the development of a portfolio and career project that you have chosen, working with a faculty advisor. Your portfolio will include your own CD you have created, demonstrating your best work in high school and items which colleges and employers want.

Q: What about overcrowding?
A: There is none. Classes have no more than 25 students, and we only admit 150 students per grade level. In the 2007 - 2008 school year, we have only our ninth and tenth grades. We'll be "full-sized" in 2009-2010, with 600 students. Even then, class sizes will remain at 25 students each.

Q: Why are students scheduled together in groups, with the same set of teachers?
A: Being with the same students, with a core of teachers, allows students to get to know one another and their teachers well. Not only does this make school a friendlier place to be, it also allows teachers to target individual assistance to students they have come to know. Teachers can work with one another planning projects that span more than one class, and can schedule tests and major projects far enough apart that they don't overwhelm students.

Q: What about clubs and activities?
A: We have many clubs, including Student Government, yearbook, National Honor Society, and more. There will be Prom, school dances, social events, and field trips. We have no interscholastic athletics, but students are eligible to play for their home zoned high school teams.

Q: What's your daily and yearly schedule?
A: Our yearly calendar is the same as all other Collier County Public Schools, with the same vacations, days off, etc. Because of our unique 'hybrid' schedule, combining both academic and career and workforce courses, students have the opportunity to earn 32 credits.

Q: How much does it cost to attend your school?
A: Nothing! We are a free, public school. Even the postsecondary courses, for which adult students may pay thousands of dollars, are free of charge to technical high school students.

Q: Can I get bus transportation?
A: Absolutely! As a Collier County Public School, the district provides free bus transportation for every student who lives more than two miles from our campus.

Q: What do I need to do to be accepted into your school?
A: Complete an Application and submit it by the deadline. Because of the rigorous nature of the program, students with low grade point averages, or FCAT scores below Level 2, may need to attend preparatory sessions during the summer prior to entry into the school. If more than 150 students submit applications by the deadline, a random lottery will determine those accepted into the program. Applicants not selected in the lottery, or submitting late applications, will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Q: Once I enroll, what do I need to do to stay in?
A: As a school of choice, the Lorenzo Walker Technical High School requires that students demonstrate commitment to their academic and career education. Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior and attendance, and to achieve satisfactory academic performance in their courses. Students who experience difficulty in these areas may be required to attend free tutoring or assistance programs in order to remain in the school.