VALLEJO, CA – Mare Island Technology (MIT) Academy has been granted a five-year charter renewal following a unanimous vote by the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) Board of Education. Students, staff, and families gathered at last Wednesday’s board meeting to support the renewal, marking a continued commitment to high-quality education in Vallejo.

The renewal process for the school, which was founded in 1999, began in December 2024 when a dedicated group of MIT Academy students, staff, and parents presented the charter petition for review. At last Wednesday’s meeting, the VCUSD board heard a staff report, followed by a presentation from MIT Academy leadership, highlighting the school's progress and impact.

“We are incredibly grateful to the students, staff, and parents who attended the board meeting and spoke on behalf of Mare Island Technology Academy,” said GTA Superintendent Nick Driver. “This renewal reflects the district’s confidence in our mission and our 25-plus years of dedication to student success in Vallejo.”


The presentation emphasized MIT Academy’s recent achievements, including improved student performance in English language arts and mathematics, strong attendance rates, and a decline in suspension rates among Black, Latino, English learner, and low-income students. Parents and students also shared personal testimonies about the school’s positive influence.

“I could have stayed at my old school, but I strongly believe that it is a good thing to take risks and try something different in hopes that it would be better for me,“ said eighth-grader Ethan Santa Maria. “I strongly believe I made the right choice.”

“As a parent who stands firmly on accountability, MIT Academy drives and reinforces the same sentiment,” said Leandra Pitts. “The leadership program is teaching these students to try and fail, the power in community, responsibility and teamwork.”

About Griffin Technology Academies
GTA is a local network of four high-performing, tuition-free public charter schools dedicated to serving the Vallejo community's diverse, underserved student population. The four schools consist of: Mare Island Technology Academy (MIT MS 6-8), MIT Academy (MIT HS 9-12), MIT Griffin Academy Middle School (Griffin MS 6-8), and Griffin Academy High School (Griffin HS 9-12). Our mission is to prepare students to be ready for college, career, and life through diverse, innovative instructional programs that focus relentlessly on student academic achievement and social and emotional well-being. To learn more about GTA, please visit https://griffintechnologyacademies.org or gtaschools.org.