1-05-2024 1:06pm

Morris Academy Tops New Jersey School Rankings, Showcases Exceptional STEM Education

The Academy for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at Morris County Vocational School District Achieves Statewide Recognition for Academic Excellence.

Rockaway, NJ: Morris County Vocational School District's (MCVSD) Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering has been named New Jersey's best public high school, according to the latest Niche.com rankings. Demonstrating academic excellence, the academy received an overall grade of A+, standing out in the state for its outstanding performance in STEM education.

With an enrollment of 180 students across grades 9-12, the academy is a four-year institution focused on providing a rigorous and highly specialized program. Primarily catering to students with a keen interest in engineering, the academy boasts impressive academic achievements. State test results reveal a high level of proficiency among its students, with 90 percent scoring at least 90 percent in math and reading.

The academy holds prestigious rankings nationally: 3rd in STEM out of 9,676 schools and 15th among 20,446 public high schools. Other notable national accolades include being ranked 3rd for best public high school teachers, 8th best magnet high school, and 39th for best college prep public high school in America.

Located at Morris Hills High School in Rockaway, the Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering is one of six satellite academies under MCVSD. The district continues expanding its educational outreach with its ten academies on the Denville campus.

A notable development in this expansion is the groundbreaking of MCVSD’s new Career Training Center at the County College of Morris (CCM), which took place this past September. This initiative, supported by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, aims to enhance career-focused education. Commissioner Director Christine Myers highlighted the center's potential to grow the district by 30 percent, offering 500 students specialized training for in-demand careers.

The new two-story, 45,940-square-foot facility, valued at $24.8 million, receives substantial financial backing. Morris County contributes $6.2 million, with the state providing $18.6 million under the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act. Commissioner John Krickus also noted that the county would cover the increased operational costs post-construction.

These academies offer high school students an enriching curriculum, preparing them for college, post-secondary technical training, or entry-level employment. Applications for the four-year academy are accepted in the fall of 8th grade, although they are closed for this year.

MCVSD is currently accepting applications for 15 Share Time and Technical Education Programs. These programs span various fields, including carpentry, auto body, allied health, advanced manufacturing, exercise science, cosmetology, plumbing, and electrical trades. For more information, prospective students are encouraged to visit the MCVSD website.