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Photo Credit: Jason Kim
Jason Kim, known as a mentor in education for the Korean community, shares insights.
Jason Kim, the first Korean-American to serve as the Palisades Park Board of Education and later as a city council member, has devoted over a decade to the advancement of Palisades Park. As a first-generation immigrant, Kim has actively engaged in both American and Korean communities, advocating for their rights and serving the education sector. He currently serves as the Chairman of Bergen County Academy's Board of Education and recently provided an overview of the Bergen County Technical School District.
Information Provided by Jason Kim, Chairman of the Board of Education, Bergen Academy
Bergen Academy is a public school operated by the county. According to the educational and political structures in the U.S., schools challenging to operate financially by local towns are established by the county. Initially focused on vocational and special needs education, the school has evolved since 1990 into a recognized top-tier school. Despite earlier challenges in promotion, dedicated efforts by administrators have elevated the school's status.
Many perceive Teterboro Technical School simply as a vocational school. In reality, it was established to accommodate overflow applicants from Hackensack Bergen Academy. To address deficiencies, subjects in humanities were integrated. While Bergen Academy offers various specialties like science and engineering, Bergen Tech encompasses law enforcement and six other specialties.
Among the specialized high schools operated by Bergen County, Hackensack Bergen Academy is a prestigious institution attracting top students. Known for its academic excellence, about 50-70 graduates enter Ivy League schools annually. Based on a competitive selection process involving GPA, essays, SSAT, PARCC scores, and interviews, the school maintains rigorous standards.
Established with a federal grant aimed at identifying essential professions, Applied Technical School opened on the Bergen Community College campus. It offers specialties such as Computerized Automation, focusing on automotive robotics. While maintaining a standard curriculum, the school integrates additional technical subjects.
Interview with Ms. Andrea Sheridan, Principal of Applied Technical School, Assistant Superintendent of BCTS
Q: When was Applied Technology High School established?
A: Applied Technology High School welcomed its first class in September 2015, with an Engineering Technology program.
Q: How many students are currently enrolled?
A: Currently, 88 students are enrolled. We plan to expand in 2018 to include a Health Professions program.
Q: What is the school’s mission?
A: The mission is to offer a comprehensive education that prepares students for lifelong learning and careers in a global community.
Q: What are the admission requirements?
A: Applicants should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and academic achievement. Admission involves meeting certain standardized test scores.
Q: What are the benefits of graduating from this school?
A: Graduates earn high school diplomas and up to 30 college credits, applicable toward an Associate’s degree or transferable to a four-year institution.
