FIRST, STUDENTS SHOULD ASK

THEMSELVES…

Freehold Regional

High School District

There are currently 6 Learning Center programs and 6 Academy programs available to choose from.

Learning Centers- A bit more competitive, these are four-year programs of academic study offered to a selected group of highly motivated students who have demonstrated interests and abilities in particular fields of study

Academies- four-year programs of specialized coursework and experiences for students who have a particular career interest. The programs integrate career and technical courses in addition to the traditional academic curriculum.

Click here to visit the FRHSD website:

WWW.FRHSD.COM

for more detailed information

Learning Centers & Academies Overview

Business Administration Learning Center** (housed at Marlboro HS) Management, finance, economics, computer technology, law Competitions sponsored by Future Business Leaders of America and Federal Reserve ** Completion of Algebra I by the end of 8th grade (≥ B average)

• Global Studies Learning Center (housed at Freehold Township HS)

– Global regions, international development, cultures, economics, governments, diplomacy (art of negotiations), world order (relationships between countries)

– Encourages gaining proficiency in a world language

• Humanities Learning Center (housed at Howell HS) – American culture, anthropology, history, philosophy, government, literature, arts – Develop advanced research techniques, writing acuity, verbal communication skills,

analytical and critical thinking skills

• Law & Public Service Learning Center (housed at Colts Neck HS) – History, politics, government, law

– Externships (school, local, state, national levels) – government offices, volunteer agencies,

law-related institutions, police departments, emergency + fire services

• Medical Sciences Learning Center** (housed at Freehold Boro HS) – Students interested in the medical and natural sciences – Affiliated with CentraState Medical Center, private practices, colleges, research centers

– ** Completion of Algebra I by the end of 8th grade (≥ B average)

• Science & Engineering Learning Center** (housed at Manalapan HS)

– Math, science, computer science, electronics (science + technology controlling electrons

in information storage and retrieval, device control)

– ** Completion of Algebra I by the end of 8th grade (≥ B average)

Law Enforcement & Public Safety Academy (housed at Manalapan HS) Career interests in law enforcement, fire fighting, homeland security, first response, forensic science, physical

training Training towards certification in public safety areas (ex. Red Cross First Aid + CPR) Dialogue with local police

• Navy JROTC Academy (housed at Colts Neck HS)

– Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps

– Leadership and character development program consisting of 4 areas: Leadership, Academics (naval sciences), Military skills (military customs, courtesies, drills, ceremonies), Physical Fitness

– Makes direct recommendations to military service academies

– Requires 1 additional recommendation from someone who can speak to your leadership capabilities

– Requires an interview • Computer Science Academy** (housed at Freehold Boro HS)

– Career interests in Computer Science or Computer Engineering (computer science + electrical engineering, computer systems, software design, robotics) or programming

– ** Completion of Algebra I by the end of 8th grade (≥ B average)

• Animal & Botanical Sciences Academy (housed at Freehold Township HS) – Career interests in biology, biotechnology, food science, greenhouse management, floriculture, landscape design,

business, marketing – Community service: National Future Farmers of America Organization + Supervised Agricultural Experience – Able to earn college credits through Mercer County Community College

• Fine and Performing Arts Academy (housed at Howell HS) – Majors: Acting, Dance, Entertainment Technology (music or video production tracks) – Produce and perform in showcases – Must have prior training in order to apply – Requires 1 additional recommendation from someone who can speak to your performing arts talent and audition

• Culinary Arts / Hospitality Management Academy (Freehold Boro HS)

– Career interest in hospitality industry – Culinary and hospitality management, food science, food preparation, menu planning – Professional skill development through operation of Five Star Café – licensed restaurant at the high school – National Restaurant Association ServSafe’s safety/ sanitation certification tests – Community service learning projects, professional skill competitions – Develop career portfolios – Culinary schools admission preparation – College or placement credit through The Culinary Institute of America

The items that appear in blue are part of the on-line application which is completed by the student. The items that appear in black are to be completed separately by either teachers or the school counselor. Students will receive a registration ticket for the exam once the application has been processed:

Basic student contact information including a parent/guardian e-mail address

Student’s choice of up to two programs (either two Learning Centers,

two Academies, or one of each)

One student essay for each program

A list of student’s activities and interests

Student’s academic records including 7th + 8th grade report cards

Recommendations from appropriate teachers or professionals

Entrance Exam for all Learning Centers and for the Computer

Science Academy

Audition for Fine and Performing Arts Academy

Interview for Navy Junior ROTC Academy

Application

TIMELINE

October Attend open houses (orientation, meet staff, students, tour)

Online application opens for approximately 1 month

• November • Essay deadline

• December • Recommendations are due by middle of month*

• Entrance exams (usually held on a Saturday morning)

• February • Notifications are sent as to those accepted, rejected or waitlisted

• *Check online periodically to make sure your

application is updated as recommendations are submitted

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION…

FRHSD provides transportation

If you decide to attend a Learning Center or Academy, the school in which the program is housed becomes the student’s HOME school – student plays sports, participates in activities, attends school events at that school, not at Freehold Township

Students can NOT take Algebra I the summer before 9th grade

For further information, please click here www.FRHSD.com

Monmouth County

Vocational School

District

Career Academy- Specialized academies, career and technical programs

Applicant pool consists of 50+ school districts (300 students)

There will be more applicants than available spaces in these programs

Academic records and entrance exam is considered for acceptance into these programs

Students accepted into these programs generally average a B or better in middle school

Students can apply to only 1 of the 5 Academies

Please click here to visit MCVSD website for more info:

www.mcvsd.org/acad

Academy Websites

Career Academies Overview

• High Technology High School (housed on Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ campus)

– Pre-engineering career academy

– Math, science, technology, humanities

– Able to earn college credits through: Brookdale, Rochester Institute of Technology, Georgian Court University

– Approximately 75 students accepted

• Academy of Allied Health & Science (located in Neptune, NJ) – Career interest in medical sciences, health technology

– Emphasis on computer technology in health fields

– Classes ½ of school year; Mentorship and internship programs with health care professionals the other ½ of school year

– Volunteer opportunities at Jersey Shore Medical Center

– 4 class periods (85 minute periods)

– Able to earn college credits through: University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, Georgian Court University

– Approximately80 students accepted

• Communications HS (located in Wall, NJ) – Digital Media, Publishing, Digital Printing, Journalism, Communications Art, TV/Radio

Broadcasting

– Community and industry partnerships

– Mentorship program

– Courses articulated with Seton Hall University

– Approximately 85-90 students accepted

• Biotechnology HS (Freehold, NJ)

– Career interest in bio/pharmaceutical field

– Bio-medical and agricultural sciences, genetics, environment

– *Algebra I is not a requirement

– Approximately 85-90 students accepted.

• Marine Academy of Science & Technology (Sandy Hook, NJ)

– Marine science and technology, marine and systems engineering, environmental studies, math

– Regular scientific contact with beaches, ocean

– 65-foot research vessel (“Blue Sea”)

– NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserves Office Training Corps) replaces

physical education classes

– Classes on alternating days with 80 minute periods

– Approximately 70 students accepted

STUDENTS CAN APPLY TO ONLY

ONE OF THESE FIVE ACADEMIES

APPLICATION Criteria Maximum Score Academic Grades 7th Grade 15 8th Grade (1st MP) 15 Admissions Exam (multiple choice) Math 35 Reading/Language 35

Total 100

Minimum score required to qualify 75 Average score 85-90

TIMELINE • Late summer

• Schedule of open houses publicized (check

website or call 732-431-6291)

• October - November

• Open houses – Attendance is MANDATORY in

order to receive application

• December

• Applications due my middle of the month

• January

• Admissions Exam

ADMISSION

1st Round - Highest scores from all districts are

given admission

2nd Round – Remaining scores in rank order

regardless of district are given admission

depending on available spots

Can re-apply in 10th grade

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION…

Student’s home district provides transportation

to these academies

If student attends one of these academies, he/she

can participate in sports, extracurricular

activities, etc. at their home school, Freehold

Township High School

COMPARABLE PROGRAMS

FRHSD MCVSD

Science & Engineering

Learning Center

High Technology HS

Biotechnology HS

Medical Science Learning

Center

Academy of Allied Health &

Science

Navy JROTC Academy Marine Academy of

Science & Technology

Questions?

Please contact

Miss Colford, School Counselor

ccolford@freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us

732.431.4403 ext. 2121