| Bergen County Academies | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
 | |
200 Hackensack Avenue ,, 07601 United States | |
| Coordinates | 40°54′08″N74°02′05″W / 40.902203°N 74.034742°W /40.902203; -74.034742 |
| Information | |
| Former name | Bergen Academies |
| Type | Publicmagnethigh school |
| Established | 1991 |
| Founder | John Grieco |
| School district | Bergen County Technical Schools |
| CEEB code | 310118[2] |
| NCES School ID | 340147000250[1] |
| Principal | Russell Davis |
| Faculty | 93.0FTEs[1] |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 1,130 (as of 2024–25)[1] |
| Student to teacher ratio | 12.2:1[1] |
| Colors | Black Vegas gold White[3] |
| Athletics conference | Big North Conference (general) North Jersey Super Football Conference (football) |
| Team name | Knights[3] |
| Newspaper | Academy Chronicle[4] |
| Website | bergen |
Bergen County Academies (BCA) is a tuition-freepublicmagnethigh school located inHackensack, New Jersey, that serves students in theninth throughtwelfth grades from all ofBergen County, in theU.S. state ofNew Jersey. The school was founded in 1991 by John Grieco, who also founded the public magnet high schoolAcademies at Englewood inEnglewood, New Jersey.[5]
The school is currently organized into seven academies: Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST), Academy for Business and Finance (ABF), Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA), Academy for Engineering and Design Technology (AEDT), Academy for Medical Science Technology (AMST), Academy for Technology and Computer Science (ATCS), and Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA).
BCA has been recognized as aNational Blue Ribbon School, a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools, home of eleven 2020Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars including two Finalists, and a Model School in the Arts as named by theNew Jersey Department of Education.[6][7][8]
As of the 2024–25 school year, the school had an enrollment of 1,130 students and 93.0 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 12.2:1. There were 98 students (8.7% of enrollment) eligible forfree lunch and 12 (1.1% of students) eligible for reduced-cost lunch.[1]
Bergen County Academies was conceived by John Grieco. The school was founded on avocational school framework with the mission of preparing students for careers in math and science by promoting a problem-solving, project-based, technical learning environment. It has since departed from this model and adopted a more standard college-preparatory curriculum.
The school originally began as a single academy, "The Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology" (AAST), which shared the current campus with theBergen County Technical High School now located inTeterboro. The first group of AAST students was inducted in 1992 for the graduating class of 1996.[5]
In 1997, additional academies opened on the campus: the Academy for Business and Computer Technology (ABCT), the Academy for Engineering and Design Technology (AEDT), and the Academy for Medical Science Technology (AMST). The following year saw the opening of three career institutes, renamed a year later to become academies: the Academy for Culinary Arts (ACA), the Academy for Power and Transportation (APT), and the Academy for Visual Arts and Graphic Communications (AVAGC). Soon, all seven programs began focusing on college preparation, adopting aliberal arts curriculum with a focus on their respective fields.
In 2001, a dispute initiated by the Bergen County School Administrators' Association focused on whatParamus Superintendent Janice Dime called "elitism." Several sending districts threatened to withdraw funding from the school. In response, the Bergen County Technical Schools agreed to increase the transparency of the admissions process and enter into talks with a number of sending districts.
In 2002, APT was eliminated. ABCT was split into the Academy for Business and Finance (ABF) and the Academy for Telecommunications and Computer Science (ATCS). In 2012, ATCS turned its attention away from Telecommunications and towards Technology, and so was renamed the Academy for Technology and Computer Science.[citation needed] ACA addedhotel administration to its coursework and became the Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA). AVAGC expanded its scope to includeperforming arts and became the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA).[9]
The school itself has also changed its name numerous times, from "Bergen County Regional Academies" to "Bergen Academies" to "Bergen County Academy" and to the present "Bergen County Academies."
BCA was certified to offer theIB Diploma Programme in January 2004,[10] making it one of only 17 schools in New Jersey to offer the IB program at the high school level.[11]
BCA has an extended school day from 8:00 AM to 4:10 PM.
Prior to theCOVID-19 pandemic, the day would start with a 4-minute Information Gathering Session (IGS), serving the purpose of ahomeroom, followed by 27 modules (commonly referred to as "mods") that would last 15 minutes each, with 3 minutes of passing time in between each. Classes were commonly structured as either 2 or 3 mods.[12] Currently, the day consists of 9 periods that last 50 minutes each and an IGS period, with 4 minutes of passing time in between each.
All academies require four years ofEnglish,mathematics,social studies, andphysical education, as well as three years ofscience (biology,chemistry,physics, and/orpsychology) and world language (Spanish,French, orMandarin).[5] All students take three years of projects and clubs; projects take place periods 2-3 and clubs take place period 9, both on Wednesdays. All seniors participate in Senior Experience, aninternship program where seniors work and learn for the full business day each Wednesday instead of being on campus.[13] 40 hours ofcommunity service are required for graduation, up to 20 of which can be hours worked at the school.[5]
In addition to their regular classes, students of all academies have the opportunity to develop research projects. Research can be conducted incell biology, chemistry andnanotechnology,stem cells,agriscience, psychology, nano-structural imaging,optics, and mathematics, among other subjects.[14]
BCA is currently divided into seven academic and professional divisions, often referred to by their acronyms or, colloquially, by their single-word nicknames. However, BCA is treated as a single high school within the district and the state.
TheAcademy for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST; Science) was founded in 1992. AAST focuses on in-depth instruction of the sciences along with the practical applications of the scientific ideas learned in the classroom. By the end of sophomore year, students have taken courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. The academy also features a weekly lab rotation for the first two years. As the academy is science-based, many AAST students take on personal research projects in addition to their regular classes.[15]
TheAcademy for Business and Finance (ABF; Business) was founded in 2002, separating from the Academy for Business and Computer Technology that was founded in 1997. Students in ABF take courses in economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, management information systems, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. To graduate, ABF students are required to complete a senior thesis and participate in the full IB Diploma Programme. Additional ABF opportunities include participation inDECA, involvement in their global studies program, and special access to the Financial Markets Lab, funded byBloomberg technology, allowing students to conduct economic research and analysis.[16][17]
TheAcademy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA; Culinary) was founded in 1998, originally called the "Academy for Culinary Arts" (ACA). Along with their core classes, ACAHA focuses onhospitality management, entrepreneurship, and theculinary arts. As a part of the academy's curriculum, students receive certification from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation and theServSafe Managers program. Though seeking the IB diploma is optional, ACAHA also has access to International Baccalaureate business management courses. Students often participate in the ProStart Hospitality Management competition andSkillsUSA Leadership Conferences, as well as BCA's annual Chocolate Competition.[18][19]
TheAcademy for Engineering and Design Technology (AEDT; Engineering) was founded in 1997. The academy was formed "as an extension of AAST", with a concentration in engineering and design. Courses unique to AEDT also explore topics like computer science,architecture, product development, andbiomedical engineering.[20] Students often compete in variousrobotics competitions and other projects, like in theSolar Car Challenge,[21][22] in BCA's laboratories.[23]
TheAcademy for Medical Science Technology (AMST; Medical) was founded in 1997. From 9th to 11th grade, students in AMST take courses about various medical fields, such asepidemiology,pharmacology,bioethics,neuroscience,biotechnology, andanatomy &physiology. Students often take on personal research projects in addition to their regular classes. Historically, many have also opted to apply for NREMT certification. Many AMST students participate in BCA's chapter ofHOSA, though it is open to all students.[20]
TheAcademy for Technology and Computer Science (ATCS; Computer Science) was founded in 2002, separating from the Academy for Business and Computer Technology that was founded in 1997, and originally called the "Academy for Telecommunications and Computer Science". ATCS has a focus on the world of computers and the internet. Its students are prepared for careers such as computer programming, software engineering, and other computer and engineering related professions.
TheAcademy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA; Visual Arts, Theater, Music) was founded in 1998, originally named "Academy for Visual Arts and Graphic Communications". AVPA is subdivided into three concentrations: Visual Arts, Music, and Theater.[24]
Bergen County Academies' admissions process consists of three main stages: an initial application, an admissions exam, and an interview.
The online initial application, which may also be shared with the application for Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro, is submitted in December. Students may not also submit applications to other schools in the Bergen County Technical Schools district in addition to BCA.[25] As well as being aneighth grader residing in Bergen County, applicants must:[26]
In November, all applicants must take the admissions exam, consisting of a literary essay and a math test. The 45-minute long essay on a given passage is scored based on comprehension, insight, organization, support, style, and grammar/spelling. The 60-minute long math section is made up of 40multiple choice questions focused on basic skills andword problems.[26]Open-ended problems were included on the math test until 2011, when they were removed to include more word problems.[27]
Students will then receive a letter stating if they have moved onto the interview phase. Interviews are conducted on an individual basis by teams of teachers andguidance counselors. Unlike the previous two stages, which are identical for every student, the interview may be personalized according to academy. For example, applicants for AVPA in the Music and Theatre concentrations present anaudition, while applicants for the Visual Arts concentration of AVPA participate in an art workshop and present aportfolio.[26]
In 2021, BCA reported that they had a 15% acceptance rate.[27][28]
During the 2019–2020 school year, BCA had over 130 clubs.[6]
BCA has aModel United Nations team that runs its own Model UN conference for high school students, known as AMUN.[29][30][31] The team also runs its own Model UN conference for middle school, known as JAMUN.[32] The BCA Model UN team has won Best Delegation at numerous conferences, including those hosted byYale University,Princeton University, theGeorge Washington University, andNew York University.[33] The BCA Model UN team has also earned many individual delegate awards[34] and is the largest club at the school.[35]
In 2008, BCA'smath team won first place in Division B at the Princeton University Mathematics Competition, an annual competition attended routinely by the team. The school routinely has 10+ students qualifying for the USAMO (United States Mathematical Olympiad), with a student winning the competition in 2012.[36] The school captured first place at the 2009 ARML Local competition, another routine annual competition. In 2015, student Ryan Alweiss competed on the American team at the International Math Olympiad, helping the United States win the competition for the first time since 1994 with a 98th percentile score of 31.[37]
BCA's junior varsity and varsityquiz bowl teams qualified to compete in theNational History Bowl in 2013,[38] and several individuals competed in theNational History Bee.[39]
BCA had a battleBattleBots IQ team, known as the Titanium Knights.[40][41][42] The team won the 2006 national heavyweight championship in the high school division with the robotE2V2,[43] and won two other awards for another 120-pound robot,Knightrous. In previous years, the team has won second, third, and fourth place titles in BBIQ, and affiliated student teams have won numerous awards in Northeast Robotics Club events. The BattleBots team was succeeded by the school's "MAKE project",[42] which focused on allowing students to pursue a wider set science and engineering projects and competitions.[44] By 2014, BattleBots was no longer an active club at BCA.[45] However, in 2018, the moniker and spirit of the Titanium Knights were revived by the FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics club, an after-school club.[citation needed] In 2020, both of its teams qualified for the state-wideFIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition.[citation needed]
In addition, BCA also has aDECA chapter that participates in regional, state and international conferences.[46] The club requires all members to be a part of the Academy of Business and Finance.[46] It's the second largest club in the school and has over 100 members.[citation needed] In 2021, three BCA sophomores placed first at DECA’s "Stock Market Game" competition, the first time a team from the school won in that event.[47]
BCA is home to anAmnesty International student group that leads schoolwide events and attends local, regional, and national conferences onhuman rights.[48]
BCA shares its sports program with the Bergen County Technical Schools in Teterboro and Paramus to form the Bergen Tech Knights.[3] The schools compete in theBig North Conference, which is comprised of public and private high schools in Bergen andPassaic counties, and was established following a reorganization of the Northern New Jersey sports leagues by theNew Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.[49] In the 2009–2010 school year, the school competed in theNorth Jersey Tri-County Conference, which was established on an interim basis to facilitate the realignment.[50] Before the realignment, Bergen Tech had been placed in theNorthern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) at the start of the Fall 2006 athletic season. With 1,669 students in grades 10-12, the school was classified by the NJSIAA for the 2019–20 school year as Group IV for most athletic competition purposes, which included schools with an enrollment of 1,060 to 5,049 students in that grade range.[51] The football team competes in the Ivy Red division of the North Jersey Super Football Conference, which includes 112 schools competing in 20 divisions, making it the nation's biggest football-only high school sports league.[52][53] The football team is one of the 12 programs assigned to the two Ivy divisions starting in 2020, which are intended to allow weaker programs ineligible for playoff participation to compete primarily against each other.[54] The school was classified by the NJSIAA as Group V North for football for 2024–2026, which included schools with 1,317 to 5,409 students.[55]
Athletic achievements for the Bergen Tech Knights and Bergen Tech Lady Knights include:
Bergen County Academies is located on the Dr. John Grieco Campus in Hackensack. The school occupies a sprawling main building which runs along Hackensack Avenue as well as a nearby Environmental Science Center (ESC) building connected to agreenhouse.[60] Anauditorium adjoining the main building seats 1,200 people. The school's baseball/softball field, football field, and track are located behind the academic buildings.
Completed in August 2008, the school's cafeteria underwent a massive overhaul that expanded the space from 1,500 to 11,000 square feet.[61]
The school has a variety of science laboratories. Thenanotechnology lab opened in 2009 and offersspectrophotometers,differential scanning calorimeter, and aprobe station.[62] The cell biology lab opened in 2004 and has a viability analyzer, a chip array bioanalyzer, anelectroporator, andmicroplate readers.[63] Thestem cell lab opened in 2006 and features a DNA sequencer, aflow cytometer,RT-PCR and standardPCR machines, and alypholizer.[64] Theoptics lab opened in 2008 and is home to onelaser scanning confocal microscope, onescanning electron microscope (SEM) and onetransmission electron microscope (TEM).[65]
There are also laboratories largely built and designated for specific academies. A dedicated Bloomberg workstation lets students conduct independent financial markets analysis and research. The option to earn a Bloomberg Certification is also available through tutorials.[66] The school features two studio art labs. One of the studios is a visual arts lab equipped with compositing and printing equipment. A video lab broadcasts inside the school and features workstations, professional cameras, and abluescreen. The school also has a restaurant-grade kitchen for teaching culinary arts.
In 2015, Bergen County Academies was one of 15 schools in New Jersey, and one of 9 public schools, to be recognized as aNational Blue Ribbon School in the exemplary high performing category by theUnited States Department of Education.[67][68] In the same year,Newsweek ranked BCA fifth out of the top 500 public schools in America in 2015 and fourth inNew Jersey.[69]
Inside Jersey magazine ranked BCA first in its 2014 ranking of New Jersey's Top Performing High Schools. In the same year,The Daily Beast ranked BCA 15th in the nation among over 700 magnet and charter schools, second among the 25 Best High Schools in the Northeast, and first among schools in New Jersey.[70]The Washington Post designated BCA as one of 23 top-performing schools with elite students intentionally excluded from its list of America's Most Challenging High Schools "because, despite their exceptional quality, their admission rules and standardized test scores indicate they have few or no average students."[71]
In October 2020,Niche ranked the school as the #1 public high school in the nation, as well as the #1 magnet school, #3 college prep public high school, #5 teachers in a public high school, and #7STEM high school (all for America). It swept all of these categories on the state, county, andNew York City area level, with the exception of STEM school, which it came in second for with NJ and NYC area, and college prep, which it came in second for with the NYC area.[72]
In 2021,Niche ranked BCA as the #1 best public high school in America.[73] BCA was also named as one of the 23 highest performing high schools in the United States byThe Washington Post.[74]
During the 2019-2020 school year, Bergen County Academies had the best graduation rate andSAT scores in the state of New Jersey.[75]
The school's principal is Russell Davis. His core administration team includes the vice principal.[76]
The team sent delegations to three conferences this year: Monroe-Woodbury, EMPIREMUNC (held at NYU) and AMUN (held at Bergen County Academies).
last week's AMUN XXII Conference hosted by Bergen County Academies
Well we certainly did Battle Bots for a while.
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