The application deadline for 2025-26 enrollment in the Stone Bridge Middle School or Allentown High School Choice Academies is November 25, 2024.  
Please Note: Notice of Intent to Participate Form Must be submitted to the applicants residence district no later than November 25, 2024.

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All students applying from outside the district must submit their applications by November 25, 2024. Upper Freehold, Millstone and Allentown students will apply for academies in the Spring.

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The Upper Freehold Regional School District provides sibling enrollment preference to applicants. Siblings meeting the program criteria will be offered a Choice seat before non-sibling applicants and they will not be included in any lottery that is held.  Siblings must be enrolled during the same academic year. The number of seats to be offered to non-sibling applicants will be determined after all qualified siblings have been placed.

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Applications
Stone Bridge Middle School - Academy of Advanced Mathematics
Allentown High School - All Choice Academies
Please send all high school applications to:

Mr. Todd Pae, Principal c/o Carri Natalicchio
Allentown High School
27 High Street
Allentown, NJ 08501

Please send all middle school (grades 5-8) applications to:

Mrs. Stefanie Folino, Principal c/o Maureen Scibilia
Stone Bridge Middle School
1252 Yardville-Allentown Road
Allentown, NJ 08501

* Stone Bridge Middle School and Millstone Middle School 8th graders applying for acceptance into an AHS academy must submit an application by Tuesday, April 7, 2025.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Upper Freehold Regional School District (UFRSD) is proud to present the following seven Inter-district Public School Choice programs for the 2025-2026 school year:

• Academy of Agricultural Sciences 

• Academy of the Arts

• Academy of Engineering

• Academy of Tomorrow's Teachers

• Academy of Public and International Affairs

• Academy of Advanced Mathematics (Stone Bridge Middle School)

• Academy of Business

The Upper Freehold Regional School District Choice Program has over 20 seats available for any of the following programs and grade levels.

Please view the table below to see which grade levels are associated with each program. Additionally, see the descriptions of each academy further down the page.

Academy Grade Levels/School Range of Seats available

Academy of Agricultural Sciences 9-12 / Allentown High School 2-6

Academy of the Arts 9-12 / Allentown High School 2-6

Academy of Engineering 9-12 / Allentown High School 2-6

Academy of Business 9-12 / Allentown High School 2-6

Academy of Tomorrow's Teachers 9-12 / Allentown High School 2-6

Academy of Public & International Affairs 9-12 / Allentown High School 2-6

Academy of Advanced Mathematics 5-8 / Stone Bridge Middle School 2-5

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Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Program Description

The award-winning agricultural science program at Allentown High School offers excellent opportunities for students to pursue vital and exciting career paths in the growing and important field of agriculture. The courses available through the program include plant science, animal science, veterinary and equine studies, aquaculture, greenhouse, nursery and landscape management, agricultural mechanics, bio-technology and a cooperative agricultural experience with a professional in the community.

Students in the agricultural science program also have the opportunity to participate in the nationally recognized Allentown High School chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA is the only national youth organization to be chartered and mandated by federal legislation and is recognized by Congress as an integral part of agricultural education. The FFA program provides the real world experience associated with classroom theory and instruction. It makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for career success through opportunities for leadership, public speaking and cooperative problem-solving.

Admission into the Agricultural Science Program would be based on the submission and evaluation of the following:

Letter of Interest explaining why you want to be a part of the program - see Rubric. Letter or Recommendation from Teacher or Community Member who knows you well.
Grade of "B" or better in Science
Attendance rate of at least 90%
School Transcript Most recent standardized test scores
Students not meeting the minimum requirements outlined above can request a meeting to explain their interest in the program and any experience related to the field of agriculture

PARENT INFORMATION CENTER:

Allentown High School

(609) 259-7292 ext. 1708

Contact: Carri Natalicchio - natalic@ufrsd.net

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2025, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Procedures for Choice students.

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 Academy of the Arts

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is designed for those students with demonstrated passion, talent and commitment in one or more of the following arts areas:

- Instrumental Music
- Vocal Music
- Theater
- Visual Art
- Video Production

Course sequences in each of the areas have been specifically designed to broaden student's artistic understanding and enhance their ability to perform, create, critique and compose. In addition, the academy offers students numerous opportunities beyond the school day to perform for a live audience or to present their work in adjudicated competitions.

Admission into the Arts Academy will be based on the evaluation of a portfolio for Visual Art and Video Production and/or an audition for Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, and Theater. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

Please look for more information about the program and the selection process on our district website.

PARENT INFORMATION CENTER:

Allentown High School

(609) 259-7292 ext. 1708

 Contact: Carri Natalicchio -  natalic@ufrsd.net

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2025, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Procedures for Choice students.

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Academy of Engineering

Program Description

The Allentown High School Engineering Academy is designed to prepare students with skills and understandings from coursework leading to a career in engineering or engineering technology.

The Allentown High School Engineering Academy uses Project Lead the Way, a nationally recognized curriculum that is rigorous, interactive and process based. It also provides students with the opportunity to explore and experience engineering through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving. The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to subjects that apply the math and science learned in traditional courses, and provides them with a strong foundation for achieving their academic goals. Students will experience an educational program that is challenging and relevant to their lives, and has established a proven path to college and career success in STEM related fields.

The Engineering Academy also offers students the opportunity to participate in the FIRST Robotics Challenge, Panasonic Creative Design Challenge, and a variety of competitive events sponsored by the Technology Student Association. Through a partnership with the Naval Air Engineering Station at Lakehurst, NJ, students will have the opportunity to learn about naval air engineering from experienced Aerospace Engineers.

Admission into the Engineering Academy would be based on the submission and evaluation of the following:
- Letter of Interest explaining why they want to be a part of the program

- Students should have taken Algebra I
- Students should have received at least a "B" average in Algebra or "A" in Math
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher

 PARENT INFORMATION CENTER:

Allentown High School  

(609) 259-7292 ext. 1708

Contact: Carri Natalicchio - natalic@ufrsd.net

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2025, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Procedures for Choice students.

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Academy of Business
 Program Description
The Allentown High School Business Academy is designed to prepare students who wish to better understand and pursue opportunities after high school in the business world. While the courses for the Business Academy, offered through the Finance and Business Technology Department, cover a wide variety of the aspects of business, the Business Academy will focus on two major streams: Marketing and Computer Science. The program's sequence of courses is outlined below by grade level.

Marketing Pathway

9th Grade: Principles of Business & Finance

10th Grade: Marketing & Social Media

11th Grade: Sports & Entertainment Marketing

12th Grade: F&BT Department Elective

Computer Science Pathway

9th Grade: Python 1

10th Grade: Cyber Security/Advanced Cyber Security*

11th Grade: Python 2

12th Grade: F&BT Department Elective
*Advanced Cyber Security is a 300 level college equivalent course, where students will have the opportunity to earn college credit through St. Peters University.

PARENT INFORMATION CENTER:

Allentown High School

(609) 259-7292 ext. 1708

Contact: Carri Natalicchio -  natalic@ufrsd.net

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2025, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Procedures for Choice students.

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Academy of Tomorrow's Teachers

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is designed for those students who feel they may be called to serve this world as future educators. The program will provide them with the knowledge and practical experience to confirm their calling and to prepare them to pursue teacher education programs at the collegiate level. All students accepted into the program will have automatic membership in the New Jersey Future Educators' Association and will be able to participate in NJFEA conferences and service projects. The program's sequence of courses and experiences is outlined below by grade level. It culminates with an education course students may take for college credit and with a supervised internship in a K-12 classroom.

• Grade 9: Child Development Course + Observation in Elementary Classroom

• Grade 10: Psychology Course + Weekly classroom work with an individual child

• Grade 11: Experiencing Education Course + Observation of how a specific subject is taught at multiple grade levels

• Grade 12: Semester-long Practicum in K-12 Classroom

Admission into the Tomorrow's Teachers program would be based on the submission and evaluation of the following:

• A transcript documenting at least a "B" average in the current school year

• A teacher recommendation

• A recommendation from a community member

• A list of community service activities or involvements

• A letter explaining the student's interest in the program and in the field of teaching

If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

Please look for more information about the program and the selection process on our district website.

PARENT INFORMATION CENTER:

Allentown High School

(609) 259-7292 ext. 1708

Contact: Carri Natalicchio -  natalic@ufrsd.net

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2025, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Procedures for Choice students.

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Academy of Public and International Affairs

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is focused on preparing students to be active citizens and effective leaders who have the knowledge and practical experience to make a difference in their community and in the world. Internships and field experience would combine with in-class work in public policy, economics, domestic politics, and international relations. All students would participate in community service, and all students would be actively involved in using the political process to bring about some change in their world. Students interested in the program would be asked to submit an application including:

• A transcript documenting an "A" average for courses in Social Students and English

• Most recent standardized test scores

• A teacher recommendation

• A list of community service interest and involvements

Additionally, students would come for an interview (see Interview Rubric) in which they would be asked to reflect on their achievements, challenges and goals as well as on issues of importance of them locally or globally. Students would also be asked to read an article provided by the district and respond to it in writing. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

Please look for more information about the program and the selection process on our district website.

PARENT INFORMATION CENTER:

Allentown High School

(609) 259-7292 ext. 1708

Contact: Carri Natalicchio -  natalic@ufrsd.net

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2025, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Procedures for Choice students.

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Academy of Advanced Mathematics

Program Description

The Advanced Mathematics program at Stone Bridge Middle School is designed for students in grades 5-8 with a demonstrated readiness to learn math at a faster pace and to experience a variety of engaging math challenges. The Advanced Level Math or ALM classes meet every day in grades 5-7 and cover the grade level curriculum. In grade 5, the classes use the Envisions Mathematics Program published by Scott-Foresman. In grades 6 and 7, the classes use Glencoe's Mathematics: Applications and Concepts, Course 1 and 2 respectively. By moving through the curriculum at a faster pace, additional time is then devoted to rigorous and engaging math problems or experiences that extend students' thinking and challenge them to apply their mathematical understanding to novel situations.

The Algebra class in grade 8 is designed for students with a demonstrated ability to pursue mathematics at an accelerated level. These students take Algebra I in lieu of the regular grade 8 mathematics curriculum. Students who successfully complete Algebra I in grade 8 typically enroll in Honors Geometry in grade 9.

In selecting students for the ALM program, the district will look carefully at the recommendation from the prior grade's teacher and at the following measures:

• Overall math grade from the prior year

• End-of-course math assessment

• Commercially developed problem-solving test

• Most recent standardized test scores

A student's performance on each of the measures is assigned a point value. Those students scoring above a particular threshold are placed in the program. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

In selecting students for the 8th grade Algebra program, we look carefully at the recommendation from the seventh grade teacher and at the following measures:

• Overall grade in 7th grade mathematics

• End-of-course math assessment

• Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test

• Most recent standardized test score

A student's performance on each of the measures is assigned a point value. Those students scoring above a particular threshold are placed in the program. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

Please look for more information about the program and the selection process on our district website.

PARENT INFORMATION CENTER:

Stone Bridge Middle School

(609) 259-7292 ext. #5800

Contact: Maureen Scibilia -  scibilma@ufrsd.net

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2025, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Procedures for Choice students.

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District Choice Policies

Yes/No

a. The district accepts Tier 2 students. Yes

b. The district gives enrollment preference to students who have siblings currently attending the choice district. Yes

c. If currently in a formal sending/receiving or constituent relationship with a choice district, the district gives enrollment preference to choice students who have completed the terminal grade of the sending district. Not applicable

d. The district gives enrollment preference to resident students who move before the application deadline. If resident students move and file choice applications for the following year prior to the deadline, the district will give them enrollment preference (i.e., accept them after the enrollment preference students described in b. and c. above, but ahead of other applicants), provided there are choice seats available in the choice-approved grades/programs and the students meet any program-specific criteria. If the district has already reached its approved choice enrollment maximum, this preference will not apply. Yes

e. The district gives special consideration to resident students who move after the application deadline. Students in this situation may apply as late applicants and be added to the front of the district’s waitlist, provided the students will enroll in a choice-approved grade/program and they meet any program-specific criteria. No additional choice seats above the maximum will be approved by the NJDOE to accommodate these students. 

Yes

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The District's decision on acceptance/rejection of a choice school application shall be made without regard to an applicant's race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy), familial status, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability, perceived disability and AIDS and HIV status. UFRSD will follow the NJ laws and regulations governing Choice schools.