At Biotechnology High School (BTHS), students do not just receive an education; they can help educate others as well. So, that is why Students of Service, a community service at BTHS, started Biotech Spark. Biotech Spark is a learning experience designed to “spark” STEM passions in middle school students. Running from 4-6 pm on June 9th, BTHS will teach sessions on chemistry, biology, and technology. Simultaneously, middle schoolers will learn using interactive tools. After the sessions, a panel of BTHS students will be available to answer questions about their STEM journey.
As a part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District, Biotechnology High School and its sister schools are committed to in-depth education. Known as “vo-tech” schools or career academies, the MCVSD’s 5 free, public institutions focus on their designated field. These sister schools include: Biotechnology High School (biotechnology research), High Technology High School (engineering), Allied Health and Sciences (healthcare), Marine Academy of Science and Technology (marine biology), and Communications High School (communications and liberal arts). As often said at our information sessions, regular high schools are an inch deep and a mile wide, but the vo-tech schools are a mile deep and an inch wide. Being of top quality, High Technology High School is the second best secondary school in NJ, and Biotechnology High School is the seventh best.
BTHS, in particular, performs in the top 1% of NJ schools for both math and reading. Its International Baccalaureate curriculum for upperclassmen provides college credit like Advanced Placement does, but it better emphasizes interdisciplinary skills and in-depth knowledge. Likewise, BTHS students perform well on other standardized testing; the SAT average is 1473. For biology in particular, BTHS is equipped with high-tech instruments like a fluorescent microscope and a tissue culture lab. As such, BTHS graduates are well-prepared for both higher education and a career.
To gain admission into these vo-tech schools, students will need to work hard throughout middle school. First, students must be full-time residents of Monmouth County to apply to 4 out of 5 of the career academies. Only the Marine Academy of Science and Technology accepts out-of-county residents (excluding Ocean County). Afterward, prospective students attend one information session for the school they plan on applying to. Students may only apply to one career academy. Then, students must fill out an application and request forms from their school by the designated deadline. Finally, applicants must take an admissions exam at the career academy they have applied to. This, in combination with middle school grades, will determine admissions to their selected school. Certain academies will be more selective than others. BTHS, specifically, typically has an acceptance rate of 25%. Make sure not to miss deadlines; transfer students are not permitted.
While at Biotechnology High School, students can join multiple extracurricular activities, including Students of Service. This club engages in community service for both BTHS and Monmouth County. With events like Biotech Spark, coming students can educate themselves while educating others. To get a taste of it, register for Biotech Spark.
Contact jbrown@ctemc.org with any questions