Career Academies Announce Open House Dates

Several information sessions are available and open to the public for students interested in one of Monmouth County's Vocational Schools.

But if you wait too long, and if you arrive late to the auditorium, you might be listening to the principal's speech with the overflow crowd in the hallway, as it happened last winter at the highly competitive High Tech High School. 

At most schools, currently enrolled students offer information about the school's curriculum and culture to prospective students. Candid questions are encouraged, and parents are invited to stay for a frequently asked questions session at the end.

Eighth graders can only apply to one school, and the staff wants to be sure they know as much about the school as possible. 

All Saturday sessions begin at 10 a.m. and all weeknight sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. 

• The Academy of Allied Health & Science, 2325 Heck Ave. in Neptune, is designed for students whose interests are in the health science and medical areas. The dates of the Allied Health & Science High School sessions are Wednesday, Oct. 5; Saturday, Oct. 22; Wednesday, Nov. 2, and Saturday, Nov. 19.
• Biotechnology High School, 5000 Kozloski Rd. in Freehold Township, focuses students on a college preparatory program related to biological research technologies and is suited for students interested in careers in pharmaceutical and biological research. The dates of the Biotechnology High School information sessions are Thursday, Oct. 13; Saturday, Oct. 22; Tuesday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 5.
• Communications High School, 1740 New Bedford Rd. in Wall, is designed for students interested in various communication technologies including computer applications, graphic design and publishing and network technologies. The dates of the Communications High School sessions are Saturday, Oct. 1; Wednesday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Oct. 29, and Wednesday, Nov. 16
•  High Technology High School, 665 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft, is a pre-engineering college preparatory program with an emphasis on technology, mathematics and science.  This career academy opened in 1991 and continues in partnership with the county’s Brookdale Community College. The dates of the High Tech High School sessions are Saturday, Oct. 15; Wednesday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Nov. 5; and Tuesday, Nov. 15.
• Marine Academy of Science & Technology (M.A.S.T.), Building 305 at Sandy Hook/Gateway National Recreation Area provides an educational program for students interested in marine and environmental science. The dates of the M.A.S.T. high school sessions are Saturday, Oct. 1; Thursday, Oct. 6; Saturday, Oct. 15, and Thursday, Nov. 3.

After attending an information session, the student will be able to obtain an application. Detailed information about the individual academy curriculum, schedule, transportation and complete application process will be provided at each information session.

Applications for the Class of 2016 are due on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011.

Additional information about the county’s career academies and other vocational school district services can be found on the county Web site or at www.mcvsd.org