The Upper Freehold Regional School District (UFRSD) is proud to present the following six Interdistrict Public School Choice programs for the 2020-2021 school year:

• Agricultural Science Academy Arts Academy
• Engineering Academy Tomorrow's Teachers Academy
• Academy of Public and International Affairs Academy of Advanced Math and Algebra
• Advanced Level Mathematics (ALM)

Program Description

The Advanced Level Mathematics (ALM) program is designed for students in grades 5 – 7 with a demonstrated readiness to learn math at a faster pace and to experience a variety of engaging math challenges. Classes meet daily and present the grade level curriculum at a faster pace. Grade five students follow the Scott-Foresman Envisions Mathematics Program, and students in grades 6 and 7 use the Glencoe Mathematics: Applications and Concepts Course 1 and 2 respectively. The fast pace of the program allows the students to use the saved time to attempt math challenges and rigorous math problems that will extend the students’ thinking and challenge them to apply their mathematical understanding to novel situations. The Algebra course in grade 8 is designed for students with a demonstrated ability to pursue mathematics at an accelerated level. Students will take Algebra I in lieu of the standard grade 8 curriculum. The Algebra text is published by Glencoe and students that successfully complete Algebra I in grade 8 typically enroll in Honors Geometry in Grade 9.

Arts Academy

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is designed for those students with demonstrated passion, talent and commitment in one or more of the following arts areas:

• Instrumental Music
• Vocal Music
• Theater
• Dance
• Visual Art
• Video Production

The program at Stone Bridge Middle School is for students with passion, talent and commitment in one or more of the following arts areas: Instrumental Music

• Vocal Music
• Theater
• Visual Art

Course sequences in each of the areas have been specifically designed to broaden student's artistic understanding and enhance their ability to perform, create, critique and compose. In addition, the academy offers students numerous opportunities beyond the school day to perform for a live audience or to present their work in adjudicated competitions.

Engineering Academy

Program Description

The Allentown High School Engineering Academy is designed to prepare students with skills and understandings from coursework leading to a career in engineering or engineering technology.

The Allentown High School Engineering Academy uses Project Lead the Way, a nationally recognized curriculum that is rigorous, interactive and process based. It also provides students with the opportunity to explore and experience engineering through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving. The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to subjects that apply the math and science learned in traditional courses, and provides them with a strong foundation for achieving their academic goals. Students will experience an educational program that is challenging and relevant to their lives, and has established a proven path to college and career success in STEM related fields.

The Engineering Academy also offers students the opportunity to participate in the FIRST Robotics Challenge, Panasonic Creative Design Challenge, and a variety of competitive events sponsored by the Technology Student Association. Through a partnership with the Naval Air Engineering Station at Lakehurst, NJ, students will have the opportunity to learn about naval air engineering from experienced Aerospace Engineers

Tomorrow's Teachers Academy

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is designed for those students who feel they may be called to serve this world as future educators. The program will provide them with the knowledge and practical experience to confirm their calling and to prepare them to pursue teacher education programs at the collegiate level. All students accepted into the program will have automatic membership in the New Jersey Future Educators' Association and will be able to participate in NJFEA conferences and service projects. The program's sequence of courses and experiences is outlined below by grade level. It culminates with an education course students may take for college credit and with a supervised internship in a K-12 classroom.

• Grade 9: Child Development Course + Observation in Elementary Classroom
• Grade 10: Psychology Course + Weekly classroom work with an individual child
• Grade 11: Experiencing Education Course + Observation of how a specific subject is taught at multiple grade levels
• Grade 12: Semester-long Practicum in K-12 Classroom

Academy of Public and International Affairs

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is focused on preparing students to be active citizens and effective leaders who have the knowledge and practical experience to make a difference in their community and in the world. Internships and field experience would combine with in-class work in public policy, economics, domestic politics, and international relations. All students would participate in community service, and all students would be actively involved in using the political process to bring about some change in their world. Students interested in the program would be asked to submit an application including:

• A transcript documenting an "A" average for courses in Social Students and English
• Most recent standardized test scores
• A teacher recommendation
• A list of community service interest and involvements

Additionally, students would come for an interview (see Interview Rubric) in which they would be asked to reflect on their achievements, challenges and goals as well as on issues of importance of them locally or globally. Students would also be asked to read an article provided by the district and respond to it in writing. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery. Please look for more information about the program and the selection process on our district website.

Agricultural Science Academy

Program Description

The award-winning agricultural science program at Allentown High School offers excellent opportunities for students to pursue vital and exciting career paths in the growing and important field of agriculture. The courses available through the program include plant science, animal science, veterinary and equine studies, aquaculture, greenhouse, nursery and landscape management, agricultural mechanics, bio-technology and a cooperative agricultural experience with a professional in the community.

Students in the agricultural science program also have the opportunity to participate in the nationally recognized Allentown High School chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA is the only national youth organization to be chartered and mandated by federal legislation and is recognized by Congress as an integral part of agricultural education. The FFA program provides real world experience associated with classroom theory and instruction. It makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for career success through opportunities for leadership, public speaking and cooperative problem-solving.

The purpose of the chart below is to inform parents of choice seat availability before the application deadline in early December. After the deadline, the information will be outdated.

The Department of Education limits the number of choice seats that each district can fill. The “maximum number of new choice students that can be enrolled” tells parents how many new choice students the district can enroll in the next school year. If more than the maximum number of applications is received, a lottery will be held and a waitlist will be developed. Waitlists will be developed for all approved choice grades even if no seats are currently available. NA indicates the district is not accepting choice applications for those grades.

Maximum Number of New Choice Students that can be Enrolled: 26
School Name: Allentown High School; Stone Bridge Middle School