Wendell Krinn Magnet School Among 60 In U.S. To Receive Certification

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Wendell Krinn Technical High School (KTECH) in New Port Richey has been recognized as a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School by Magnet Schools of America.

Nationally certified magnet schools provide high-quality, innovative educational options to families and students that promote choice, diversity and academic excellence.

Magnet Schools of America, the national association of magnet and theme-based schools, created the national certification process to recognize the nation’s exemplary magnet schools and to help them continue providing high-quality magnet programs. Magnet schools are schools that offer specialized courses in themes that are designed to attract students from outside of traditional school boundaries.

“With less than 60 schools nationwide earning this designation, and being the first high school in Pasco, it truly is wonderful that our staff and students are receiving recognition for the incredible work that they do each and every day,” said Principal Dr. Chris Dunning.

“This is a tremendous honor for Wendell Krinn Technical High School and our school district as a whole,” said Kurt Browning, Pasco superintendent of schools. “I know the students and staff are very proud of what they’ve accomplished; and the hard work and dedication it takes to meet the highest standards of excellence isn’t lost on this superintendent.”

Wendell Krinn Technical High School provides access to 14 in-demand career and technical education programs, including auto service, biomedical sciences, commercial art, computer systems, pharmacy tech, cybersecurity, digital cinema, electricity, HVAC, robotics, welding and more.

KTECH, located at 7650 Orchid Lake Road, New Port Richey, offers more college dual-enrollment credits on campus than any school in Pasco.

The school opened as a dedicated magnet school for the 2018-19 school year. Before the renovation and reopening, the school Ridgewood High School, a regular zoned high school named Ridgewood High.

Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year will open in January.