[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 92 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ACADEMIC HIGH SCHOOL: RANKED AMONG NEW JERSEY'S BEST

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Academic 
High School. Academic has consistently been ranked one of the best 
public schools in the State, and has been ranked one of New Jersey's 
top 21 best high schools by New Jersey Monthly.
  At a time when some question the mission of our public school system, 
Academic High School is an example of what can be done with dedication 
and commitment to an ideal. Public schools can excel and anyone who 
doubts this need only take a tour of Academic High School.
  Academic High School was established in 1976 as a college preparatory 
school for highly motivated students. Academic serves an ethnically and 
racially diverse population. Prospective students must undergo a highly 
selective screening process. This process is based on the student's 
elementary school performance, standardized tests, recommendations, 
attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. With a 
student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, every student's individual academic 
needs can be addressed. The faculty shows a great deal of dedication to 
their work. This is exemplified by the fact that 51.9 percent of the 
teachers hold master's degrees--well above the State average.
  The students of Academic High School have consistently distinguished 
themselves at the Hudson County Science Fair. Academic students have 
won trips to the International Science Fair on a regular basis. 
Academic students have distinguished themselves by qualifying as 
National Merit semifinalists, as well as attending the Governor's 
Schools and the St. Peter's College Summer Scholars Program. Students 
also have received the New York Times' Young Citizen Award and placed 
first in the Kiwanis-Key Club essay contest. With achievements such as 
these, it is not surprising that 96.9 percent of the graduates go on to 
attend 4-year colleges, including the most competitive colleges, such 
as Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Cornell.
  Despite the challenges inherent in providing quality, urban public 
education, Academic High School demonstrates that it can be done. 
Providing a quality public education takes dedicated teachers, parents, 
and students working together to build a community school. I want to 
particularly note the work of School Principal Robert J. Roggenstein, 
who has worked many long hours to fulfill the school's mission.
  I am proud to have a school in my district that serves as a model for 
other urban schools. I ask that my colleagues rise and join me in 
honoring this outstanding school.

                          ____________________