ABOUT US

 

The Essex County Vocational Technical School-North 13th Street Campus is a microcosm of our diverse world. We highly value the responsibility that comes with educating the hundreds of students that come through our doors everyday for a valuable education, and the promise of a better future. We offer the most exceptional education to all students who enroll in our program, which includes low income students, special education students, those with diverse backgrounds, and the most gifted students.

 

The wealth of our success is reflected mainly through student academic achievements, and also accomplishments in the technical and extra-curricular programs of study. Our growing institution is proud to be accredited as a bronze medal winner by US News & World Report in their first ever rankings of American High Schools. To that end, the North 13th Street Campus maintains its mission by living at all times by the philosophy of C.A.N.I.: Constant and Never Ending Improvement.

 

In addition to the exceptional vocational and technical opportunities available to our students, we also offer the most comprehensive academic programs. Our Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, World Languages, and Physical Education curriculums all address the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. We provide students with the most proficient course offerings that enable them to achieve academic excellence on all federal and state mandated testing. Our results speak very loudly to this end. For the first time in school history, the 2007 school year brought astounding test score results, allowing our institution to meet 41 of 41 state and federal benchmarks under No Child Left Behind.

 

A number of teachers at North 13th Street utilize technology-infused classrooms to further aid students in the learning process. As a result of our district technology initiatives, we currently enjoy a ratio of one computer for every two students, and all classrooms have access to the internet. All freshman students have to demonstrate basic computer competency through our Core Technology Program. Most students who are enrolled in our Tech Prep and Academy programs are enrolled in college level courses. This helps prepare some of our most talented students who are required to complete four years of Mathematics.


The critical underpinning of our mission is to prepare students for the world of work or post secondary educational opportunities. To that end, students in our school have an opportunity to receive occupational training in the following technical areas: Business Technology, Allied Health, Computer Assisted Drafting and Design, Architectural & Mechanical Drafting & Design, Computer Electronics, Network Technology, Computer Repair, Graphic Design, Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Law and Public Safety, and Culinary Arts. We also have an outstanding Cooperative Industrial Education Program, and a job coach to assist students obtain quality employment opportunities.

The North 13th Street Campus has developed partnerships with local and state businesses such as PSE&G, Strauss Auto, and Essex County Department of Economic Development. We have also partnered with institutions of higher learning such as New Jersey City University, Farleigh Dickinson University, Bloomfield College, Rutgers University, and Essex County College. These partnerships assist students with the transition from secondary education to post secondary options such as two or four year colleges, technical schools, military, and employment. These opportunities are the foundations of our School-to-Career program.


North 13th Street Campus utilizes an 80 minute block schedule to allow for increased time on task. Our schedule also allows our talented instructors more time to explore innovative pedagogical methods such as cooperative learning, multiple intelligences, differentiated instruction, alternative assessment, and comprehensive guided practice. Our most firm belief is students must work diligently without interruption in order to achieve scholastic superiority.

As we challenge young adults with our rigorous academic and technical program, we have not overlooked the importance of student participation in extended school day activities designed to enhance learning. School organizations include Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), National Honor Society (NHS), Student Council, Book Chatter, Mock Trials, and the Gifted & Talented Program. These programs further challenge our students to think critically outside of the classroom and positively interact with students, parents, and community members. Our primary goal is to involve students in programs that will complement their academic agenda and increase their literary, communication and overall intellectual skills.

 

North 13th Street Campus offers various athletic opportunities to students to further enhance their high school experience. Our teams have undeniably capitalized on these opportunities. In the past few years alone our teams have won state vocational championships and won Northern New Jersey Technical League divisional championships. During this time our organization has seen student-athletes become proud scholarship winners to Colleges and Universities all across the country, and additionally win student-athlete teamwork awards from the highest administrators in Essex County. Our sports program helps keep our students focused on positive results, hard work and true dedication, and this inevitably spills over to all areas of their academic and social career at North 13th Street.

 

Key to our success is the bond and commitment between home and school. We use technology systems such as our online homework system to enable students to have the necessary resources to aid achievement, and maximize the school to home communication process. Our Parent-Teacher-Student-Association (PTSA) helps further that bond and involves parents in all areas of their child’s valuable education.

 

We extend our hand, resources, and gratitude at all time to parents and community stakeholders. We welcome and invite all stakeholders’ ideas, support, and commitment while working toward the shared goal of continually growing and improving our rich program. We’re making ’08 Great!