High Tech High Tops A Survey of Best High Schools for Math and Science

Editor's Note: The story was corrected on Sept. 30 to say that 41 Holmdel students currently attend High Tech. A previous version of this story said that 41 students were accepted at High Tech High School last year. Patch regrets the error.

High Technology High School in Lincroft, a magnet school which attracts a large number of Holmdel students, is the best performing high school for math and science in the nation, according to a survey in US News and World Report released Tuesday.

The rankings were based on the level of student participation and success in Advanced Placement (AP) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses and subsequent tests administered by the College Board. The survey used data from 2008 graduates.

"Needless to say, I am extremely proud of our students and staff for
achieving this recognition," said Principal Daniel D. Simon, Sr.

High Tech is one of five career academy schools within the Monmouth County Vo-Tech system, and it is located on the campus of Brookdale Community College. Students learn in modern labs, take coursework that earns them college credits, and do meaninful internships in their field of interest.

Getting in is extremely competitive. Each year, 300 applicants from 52 school districts apply, but only 75 talented and qualified students get the golden ticket.  In 2011, 14 Holmdel students were offered a place, and 11 accepted, according to Simon.

Overall, 41 Holmdel students are enrolled in all four grades at High Tech, according to Guidance Dept. Superviser Eric Swensen.

The annual open house sessions are drawing near. (The dates of the High Tech High School sessions are Saturday, Oct. 15; Wednesday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Nov. 5; and Tuesday, Nov. 15.) Attendance is mandatory for aspiring students.

"Its so hard to predict, but I can say for sure that all the recent attention -- so close to the start of information sessions -- is certainly going to draw large crowds," said Principal Daniel D. Simon, Sr.

Also ranked nationally for Best in Math and Science was the Academy of Allied Health and Science in Neptune (#66) and the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook (#147).

Read a profile of the school from the US News & World Report website.