Montclair High School

Message from the Principal
We at Montclair High School are proud of our rich history of educational excellence dating back to the early 1800s. The Montclair community embraces the philosophy of diversity by providing programs that foster an appreciation for the individual’s uniqueness and worth. The school encourages students to grow and develop through academic, social, civic, athletic and fine arts programs. Our graduates are attractive to the most prestigious colleges in the country because of their solid preparation for intellectual challenge.

Montclair High School engaged in a whole school reform initiative, Design for the 21st Century, to ensure that Montclair High School could offer a rigorous learning environment in which all students learn more, to which all students feel connected and in which all students are invested. The high school offers small learning communities, many diverse extracurricular activities, enhanced professional development and opportunities for increased parent involvement.

The Small Learning Communities at MHS are CGI – Civics and Government Institute, CSJ – Center for Social Justice, and the recent addition of STEM Academy (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) honoring alumnus Buzz Aldrin, Astronaut, MHS Class of 1947. They are comprised of interdisciplinary blocks of courses, some of which are multi-year. They involve the community, parents and other stakeholders in extension activities.

As a result of the shared vision of a generous benefactor, Montclair State University and Montclair High School has created the Weston Science Scholars Program, that provides a unique opportunity for students to work side-by-side with college professors, engage in significant research, attend college lectures about the human genome, astronomy and other topics, and participate in a variety of activities designed to extend their learning about the sciences.

We participate in the “Mini-Medical School” program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, which gives college credits to our students for their course work. With support from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and engineers from the community and other benefactors, we participate in local, state and national robotics competitions and exhibitions. These are only a few of the many examples of the partnerships that exist to enhance our students’ learning. MHS has become a WeatherBug location, home of live weather streaming and an opportunity for STEM students to be involved in hands-on weather research.

Our academic programs have maintained a standard of excellence necessary to continue the high levels of student achievement as National Merit Scholars and National Achievement Scholars for outstanding African-American and Hispanic students. Many students regularly attend various Governors’ Schools. Our students have placed first in the nation in the Federal Reserve Bank’s “Fed Challenge” and Euro Challenge, Model United Nations Competition and second in a national Mock Trial competition. MHS music students audition and are regularly selected for Regional and All State Band and Orchestra. More than 30 athletic programs and 85 extracurricular clubs and organizations are available as evidence of the special opportunities provided for all of our students.

Jeffrey A. Freeman 
Principal

Message from Guidance
Whether you are now in eighth grade choosing courses for high school for the first time, or an 11th grader choosing courses for your final year of high school, there is one important thing to keep in mind: the final decision about what courses to take in high school should be yours. You should seek the advice of your teachers, counselor and parents, but it is necessary to take ownership of your final choices for your future.

It is necessary to balance your goals, your skills and your commitment when choosing courses. It is desirable that you continue study in all academic areas throughout high school (science, mathematics, social studies, world languages, and English) as well as exploring other areas of interest in the fine, performing and practical arts, computers, technology and business. It is also preferable to take the most demanding courses available if you are capable of earning a grade of B or better.

For all students planning to attend college, it is important to consider a few relevant issues regarding scheduling. Most colleges treat the strength of a student’s schedule, particularly the senior year schedule, as a very important criterion in the college admission process. Thus we recommend that you continue a rigorous and consistently demanding curriculum throughout all four years of high school, while taking courses in which you will find the most success.

At Montclair High School, every student is given a pre-scheduled appointment each year to discuss his/her schedule for the next year. At that meeting, you should discuss your personal and career goals and your counselor will help you work out a schedule to best meet these goals. Your guidance counselor is the professional who has been assigned to help you grow and develop during your years in high school. Your counselor’s major role is to guide you through graduation after a high school experience that has been academically and personally rewarding. In the spring of your junior year, you and your parent/guardian will meet with your counselor to provisionally map out your path to college and your career. The following fall, we follow-up that meeting as we begin to formalize the college and career selection process. We are there for you throughout the process!

Director of Guidance