Pupils to be introduced to special h.s. programs
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

A series of open houses will be held throughout the Freehold Regional High School District for area eighth-graders and their families.

“Our specialized programs offer a variety of options to district students with strong interest and skill levels. The programs offer unique opportunities for in-depth experiences and study in specific areas of interest,” Superintendent of Schools James Wasser said.

Eighth-graders who are interested in attending the district’s specialized learning centers and academies will be provided with an overview of the prerequisites for admission, course of study and application procedures. Students and parents will be able to meet with staff members and with students who are presently enrolled in the programs.

The first open house will be held on Oct. 5 at Freehold Township High School from 7-9 p.m., according to Ilse Whisner, public information coordinator. It will feature the international studies, law and public service, business, global languages, and humanities programs.”

At Manalapan High School, the automotive technology academy will combine its open house with a career fair and antique car show on Oct. 6 from 6-9 p.m., Whisner said.

Manalapan will also host an open house on Oct. 7 from 7-9 p.m. for the science and engineering, and medical sciences specialized learning centers.

The Navy Jr. ROTC will be highlighted at Colts Neck High School on Oct. 12 from 7-9 p.m.

Howell High School will host an introduction to the fine and performing arts academy on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.

Freehold Township High School will showcase the district’s agriscience academy on Oct. 14 from 7-8 p.m.

The culinary arts, and computer science academies will hold their open houses at Freehold High School, Free-hold Borough on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

“Specialized learning centers and academies are concentrated programs of study for highly qualified and motivated students,” Whisner said. “Admission into the programs is very competitive and is based on grades, teacher recommen-dations and an on-line application which includes essays. Learning centers require a district-administered standardized test as an additional criteria for consideration.”

Attendance at any of the FRHSD’s specialized centers and academies is open to students from Colts Neck, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan and Marlboro.