Career Readiness
We believe that there’s nothing more important to a child’s schooling than preparing them for life beyond school. That’s why we place an intense focus on post-secondary pursuits, whether that means attendance at a university or community college, enrollment in a vocational institute, or immediate job placement after high school graduation.
To equip students with the tools and skills they’ll need to succeed in the future, we integrate job coaching and life skills training into the curriculum in creative and relevant ways. Math lessons may be centered on banking and checkbook maintenance, for example, and simulated on-campus work experiences teach young adults about job expectations and occupational standards. Student interests and innate talents naturally come to the fore, and we nurture those proclivities and proficiencies, guiding students toward career paths that will be most suitable for them and most fulfilling to them.
Shared-Time Partnership Program
A highlight of High Point School’s career readiness training is our Shared-Time Partnership Program, through which eligible juniors and seniors participate in on-site vocational training Monday–Friday at one of our partnership institutions of learning. Transportation is provided, enrollment comes at no additional cost to the student’s family or home district whatsoever, and—best of all—upon successful completion of the program’s requirements, students receive either post-secondary education credits, post-graduation admission at the vocational institution of their choice, scholarship funds to continue pursuing their education, or even certification in their chosen field upon passing the New Jersey State Board Exam.
We currently partner with the following local educational facilities:
- Lincoln Tech (Mahwah, NJ): automotive industry training for students in 11th grade and above; initial coursework completed in high school rolls over toward post-graduation continuation of the program.
- Eastwick College (Hackensack, NJ): offers two vocational tracks: Healthcare Assistant (which prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare positions, including medical front office, reception, and home health aide); and Culinary Arts I & II (which includes a wide range of safety/equipment/preparation skills and a comprehensive introduction to the food services industry). Program consists of 60 hours theory + 165 lab hours per semester.
- HoHoKus School of Trade & Technical Sciences (Paterson, NJ): vocational programs in the fields of carpentry, building/home maintenance, electrical technology and repair, machine shop/precision sheet metal, HVAC, residential plumbing, automotive service, welding and metal theory, and basic electronics/computer technology.
- Branford Institute (Paterson, NJ): a robust job placement assistance and training program for a wide variety of health care positions, including: dialysis, EKG, phlebotomy, pharmacy, and patient care technician; certified home health aide, medical assistant, and nursing assistant; and massage therapist (see full list and learn more here). Upon completion of five-week course of study, students are eligible to earn their certification through the New Jersey State Board of Education exam in the applicable field.
- Hudson County Community College: allows qualifying seniors to study various subject areas (in the sciences, computer arts, liberal arts, and more) through HCCC’s LEAP Program. HPS students can earn up to 12 college credits per year, attending the program for a maximum of 5 hours per day, 3 times per week.
On-Campus Culinary Arts Program
Another standout component of our career readiness program is our in-school Culinary Arts Program, led by a trained chef and former owner-operator of a catering company. The curriculum is designed to develop an understanding of nutrition principles, cooking as a life skill and for enjoyment, and career paths in the culinary industry.
Through our hands-on program that is conducted in our on-site, fully functioning kitchen equipped with professional-grade appliances, our students:
- Prepare and cater meals for in-school events and diners
- Prepare and cater meals for community-based events
- Attend fundamental culinary classes in which they learn about kitchen safety, food preparation, and diverse recipes and menus
- Join our extracurricular Culinary Club to further build skills
- Practice “on-the-job” skills and are exposed to workplace expectations
DVRS
For those students who need extra assistance after high school graduation, High Point School provides support through our Community Services curriculum. Any student with an IEP is eligible to receive this support through our school’s social workers, who connect students with New Jersey’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and its Career Connections program to plan out the next best steps for their future.