Are you looking for a high school that can provide your child with academic and technical education? Do you want your child to have access to specialized programs and services that cater to their learning needs and interests? If so, consider Bergen County Technical High School – Paramus, a public high school in Paramus, New Jersey. This article will give you an overview of the school, its programs, admissions, student/family information, school counseling, and some frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will better understand whether this school is a good fit for your child and how to apply.
What is Bergen County Technical High School – Paramus?
Bergen County Technical High School: Paramus is one of the three high schools in the Bergen County Technical Schools district, which also includes Bergen County Academies in Hackensack and the Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro Campus1. The school was established in 1951 and has been serving students with learning disabilities and providing both academic and technical classes. The school’s mission is to “prepare students for lifelong learning and success in a global society” by offering “a rigorous and relevant curriculum that integrates academic and technical skills “.
The school has an enrollment of 286 students and 47.5 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), with–a teacheracher ratio of 6.0:11. The school has a diverse student body, with 40% White, 30% Hispanic, 20% Asian, 8% Black, and 2% other races. The school also has a low dropout rate of 1.4% and a high graduation rate of 97.9%4.
The school is located at E.285 Pascack Road, Paramus, NJ, 07652, and its phone number is +1 201-343-6000. You can visit the school’s homepage for more information.
What are the full-time and shared-time programs offered by the school?
The school offers two types of programs for students: full-time and shared-time. The full-time program is designed for students with learning disabilities and provides both academic and technical classes and meets New Jersey high school graduation requirements2. The shared-time program is designed for students who attend their home district high school for educational courses and come to the school for technical classes2.
The school offers a variety of technical classes in different areas, such as:
- Automotive Technology
- Building Trades
- Business Technology
- Culinary Arts
- Digital Media
- Electrical Trades
- Graphic Design
- Health Occupations
- Horticulture
- Plumbing
- Welding
The school also offers academic classes in core subjects, such as:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- World Languages
The school also offers elective classes, such as:
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Health
- Life Skills
The school follows a block schedule, with four 80-minute periods per day. The school operates on a 180-day school year, with a 10-month calendar from September to June 3.
How can students apply to the school, and what are the requirements?
The school accepts applications from students in the County of Bergen who are in grades 8 to 11. The application process varies depending on the type of program the student is applying for.
For the full-time program, the student must:
- Complete an online application form and submit it by the deadline (usually in December)
- Please provide a copy of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan
- Please provide a copy of their most recent report card and standardized test scores
- Please provide a copy of their birth certificate and proof of residency
- Attend an interview with the school staff and take a placement test
- Wait for the admission decision, which is usually announced in March
For the shared-time program, the student must:
- Complete an online application form and submit it by the deadline (usually in February)
- Please provide a copy of their most recent report card and standardized test scores
- Please provide a copy of their birth certificate and proof of residency
- Attend an interview with the school staff and take a placement test
- Wait for the admission decision, which is usually announced in April
The school does not charge any tuition or fees for attending the school. However, the student may need to pay for some materials, supplies, uniforms, or transportation costs depending on the program and class they are enrolled in.
What are the resources and services available for students and families?
The school provides various resources and services for students and families to support their academic, social, and emotional needs. Some of these resources and services are:
- Special Education Services: The school offers special education services for students with learning disabilities, such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and adaptive physical education. The school also has a Child Study Team, which consists of a school psychologist, a learning disabilities teacher-consultant, and a social worker, who work with the students, parents, and teachers to develop and implement the IEP or 504 Plan.
- Career and Technical Student Organizations: The school encourages students to participate in career and technical student organizations, such as SkillsUSA, Future Business Leaders of America, Health Occupations Students of America, and National Technical Honor Society, which provide opportunities for leadership, competition, community service, and career exploration.
- Extracurricular Activities: The school offers various extracurricular activities for students, such as clubs, sports, and events, which enhance their social and personal skills and interests. Some of the clubs include Anime Club, Chess Club, Drama Club, Environmental Club, and Yearbook Club. Some of the sports include Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Soccer, and Volleyball. Some of the events include Career Day, Field Day, Prom, and Graduation.
- Parent-Teacher Association: The school has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which is a group of parents and teachers who work together to support the school and its students. The PTA organizes fundraisers, volunteers, and events, such as Back to School Night, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Scholarship Awards.
- School Website: The school has a website that provides information and updates about the school, its programs, admissions, student/family information, school counseling, athletics, staff directory, calendar, and more. The website also has a portal for students and parents to access their grades, attendance, assignments, and other resources.
What are the academic and career guidance provided by the school counselors?
The school has a team of counselors who provide academic and career guidance for students. The school counselors help students with:
- Academic Planning: The school counselors help students plan their educational program, select their courses, monitor their progress, and prepare for graduation. They also help students with academic issues, such as study skills, time management, test-taking strategies, and tutoring.
- Career Exploration: The school counselors help students explore their career interests, aptitudes, and goals and provide them with information and resources about various career options and pathways. The school counselors also help students with career-related activities, such as resume writing, job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships
- College Preparation: The school counselors help students prepare for college admission and provide them with information and assistance about college applications, scholarships, financial aid, and testing. The school counselors also help students with college visits, fairs, and workshops.
- Personal and Social Development: The school counselors help students with emotional and social issues, such as self-esteem, stress, anxiety, peer pressure, bullying, and conflict resolution. The school counselors also provide counseling, referrals, and crisis intervention for students who need additional support
What are the benefits and challenges of attending the school?
Attending Bergen County Technical High School: Paramus can have both benefits and challenges for students. Some of the benefits are:
- The school provides a unique opportunity for students to receive academic and technical education, which can prepare them for college and career success.
- The school offers specialized programs and services for students with learning disabilities, which can help them overcome their challenges and achieve their potential2.
- The school has a high-quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the Career and Technical Education Standards.
- The school provides various opportunities for students to develop their leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through career and technical student organizations, extracurricular activities, and school counseling.
Some of the challenges are:
- The school has a competitive and selective admission process that requires students to meet specific criteria and undergo an interview and a placement test.
- The school has a rigorous and demanding workload, which requires students to balance their academic and technical classes, homework, projects, and tests.
- The school has limited seats and programs, which may only accommodate some students who apply or match their preferences.
- The school has a different schedule and calendar from most other high schools, which may pose challenges for transportation, communication, and coordination with the home district and other schools.
Conclusion
Bergen County Technical High School: Paramus is a public high school that offers academic and technical education for students with learning disabilities and provides specialized programs and services for their needs and interests. The school has a competitive and selective admission process, a high-quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment, a small and supportive learning environment, and various opportunities for students to develop their skills and prepare for their future. The school also has some challenges, such as a rigorous and demanding workload, limited seats and programs, and a different schedule and calendar from most other high schools. If you are interested in applying to the school or learning more about it, you can visit the school’s website, contact the school’s main office, or attend an open house or an information session.
FAQs
Q: How long is the school day, and when does it start and end?
- A: The school day is 6 hours and 40 minutes long, starting at 7:50 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m.
Q: How many credits do students need to graduate from the school?
- A: Students need to earn at least 120 credits to graduate from the school, which include 20 credits in English, 15 credits in Mathematics, 15 credits in Science, 15 credits in Social Studies, five credits in World Languages, five credits in Visual and Performing Arts, five credits in 21st Century Life and Careers, 3.75 credits in Health and Physical Education for each year of enrollment, and 15 credits in Career and Technical Education
Q: What are the benefits of attending a career and technical education (CTE) program?
- A: CTE programs provide students with the knowledge and skills that are relevant and in demand in the current and future workforce. CTE programs also help students explore their interests and passions and prepare them for postsecondary education and career opportunities.
Q: What are the options for students after graduating from the school?
- A: Students have various options after graduating from the school, such as:
- Pursuing higher education at a two-year or four-year college or university
- Entering the workforce in their chosen career field or industry
- Obtaining an industry-recognized credential or certification
- Joining the military or a public service organization
- Starting their own business or entrepreneurship venture
Q: How can I learn more about the school and its programs?
- A: You can learn more about the school and its programs by:
- Visiting the school’s website at [https://bcts.bergen.org/index.php/paramus-campus]
- Contacting the school’s main office at +1 201-343-6000
- Scheduling a tour or a shadow day with the school’s admission office
- Attending an open house or an information session hosted by the school
