High Tech Academy (HTA) is an innovative school, with elements of the international curriculum, American curriculum, and Project Based Learning (PBL), in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. This dynamic and forward-thinking school aims to provide students with critically important skills for the 21st century while continuing to develop innovative educational practices relevant to the needs of modern learners.
HTA’s location in Almaty makes it a hidden gem. The beautiful, green, yet cosmopolitan city is surrounded by mountains, with lots of hiking, camping, and skiing opportunities. Plenty of local cafes, bars and restaurants cater to all tastes. The cost of living in Almaty can be as inexpensive as many South American and Eastern European cities.
Led by Jani Ristimäki from Parviainen Architects, specialists in school design, HTA was constructed to feature the beauty of a very picturesque and sunny slope 1,000 meters above sea level. The highly environmentally-sustainable and earthquake-resistant building, filled with natural light, comprises five blocks, all connected by a spacious atrium: a preschool, elementary, middle and high school as well as a sports and arts center.
High Tech Academy’s innovative facilities were planned to enhance student engagement and provide creative opportunities for higher academic achievement and active citizenship. Designed for 540 students, the school includes a child development center with a capacity for 55 children. The building and grounds provide for group instruction and individual studies, leisure, sport, and art, with specially-equipped spaces such as the Fablab technological facilities, which consist of more than 90 types of equipment, including woodworking machinery, 3D printing, power tools, and more. The chemistry, physics and biology classrooms are supplied with high-tech equipment whose safety is guaranteed by the venerable German company Waldner. Classrooms are also equipped with switch cabinets through which the teacher controls gas, water, or electricity for each student. Classroom equipment matches the quality of those in European technological universities, and all laboratories are provided with reliable safety equipment and storage areas for chemicals. The school also boasts two music classrooms; a home economics room; library; concert hall; offices for administration, medical, and counselling services; and an outdoor sports field.
The furniture design supports the school’s teaching and learning approach: cozy spaces with desks and chairs designed as transformers, easily rearranged for group and individual work. Use of green wood and compliance with the requirements of eco-friendly production help make the school environmentally friendly.
HTA is licensed by Ministry of Education & Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan and undergoing the accreditation process through the Council of International Schools. Currently, 269 students enrolled in Grades K–12 follow the U.S. Common Core curriculum through inquiry-based instruction. While 94% of the students are Kazakhstani, 6% come from North America and the U.K. The teaching staff of 51 includes 40 educators from Kazakhstan.
The general educational curriculum of the school includes mandatory participation of all HTA students in sports such as swimming, martial arts, and basketball. However, the 3,500 square meter Sports and Arts Centre at the heart of HTA allows children to attend additional classes and specialized clubs—such as choreography, visual arts, music, and pottery—without leaving the school building. Inside one can find a swimming pool, rock-climbing wall, studios for art and martial arts, music school, and a sports hall equipped with specialized flooring that automatically lights individual marking lines for various sports!
HTA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children along with the greater community. Rooms are supplied with equipment for determining the quality of air, as well as UV re-circulators for air disinfection. The building is also regularly cleaned using environmentally friendly detergents. A security agency provides round-the-clock protection and security services for the grounds, building, and property of the school. Video surveillance cameras are installed throughout the interior and exterior of the building. Finally, there is an access control system in the building, preventing children from accidentally entering technical sectors of the building or special facilities.
HTA is interested in hiring certified teachers of diverse profiles, including couples with a non-teaching partner and newly-certified candidates. This trilingual school seeks energetic and enthusiastic teachers experienced in working with English as an Additional Language learners, and who are sensitive to cultural differences, committed to equity and inclusion, and interested in the development of innovative approaches and new teaching methodologies. Teachers must hold their academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. Candidates up to the age of 65 may obtain a work visa.
The benefits package includes a moving allowance, fully-furnished accommodation with utilities as well as annual airfare for home leave. HTA also provides free school tuition for up to two dependent children. Other bonuses include three school meals per day and use of the fitness center facilities for all staff members. Throughout the academic year, the school provides teachers with at least one hour of professional development (PD) three days per week, either in-person or online. In August, HTA provides new teachers with two weeks of training led by Korda Institute for Teaching and one week of PD on in PBL and the Finnish Method of teaching. Local health insurance, which includes emergency evacuation, is fully covered by the school. However, teachers preferring to use their own health insurance may opt to receive an allowance instead. The HTA package allows for substantial savings or the chance for a family of four to live on one salary.
To gain access to High Tech Academy’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of any vacancies, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
