Hunterdon County Polytech to Offer First Full-Time Program

Known as New Jersey’s only career-tech high school with half-day programming, Hunterdon County Vocational School District is breaking that mold by launching its first full-time offering. Polytech Career & Technical High School is accepting applications now from eighth-graders who want to join next fall’s full-time Animal Science Program.

The expansion builds on the perennial popularity of Polytech’s shared-time program that, like others in the Polytech coursebook, enrolls juniors for two years of focused instruction. Students attend their home high schools for all academic requirements and take a bus to Polytech for half-day programs. That shared-time Animal Science Program will continue, with the full-time program a new addition for the 2020-21 academic year.

The four-year Animal Science program signals the hoped-for future of Polytech.

“We have a long-term plan of developing full-time programs like the ones offered at every other career-technical school in New Jersey,” said HCVSD Superintendent Dr. Todd Bonsall. “The Animal Science Program will be the first, but we do not intend for it to be the last.”

Polytech’s 2020-21 application process is underway, with a Dec. 15 deadline for students who want to enroll next fall. Current high school sophomores interested in one of Polytech’s 12 core program areas, as well as eighth-graders interested in the four-year Animal Science Program, can start applications using the green “Apply Today” button at hcvsd.org.

The full-time, four-year format of Polytech's new Animal Science Program follows the model of HCVSD’s three science-based academies with a focused curriculum and opportunities for high-level coursework. Students can earn articulated college credits through agreements with Harcum College and Delaware Valley University.

“We are determined to find and equip the space, and to develop the curricula to make this long-term dream a reality for the students of Hunterdon County,” Bonsall said. “We might have to do it step by step, but we want to do it.”

Animal Science students will cover the general, state-required high school coursework at Voorhees High School, plus learn about the principles of disease, anatomy, and physiology related to animal health by working with animals on the campus of the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission (ESC). Students will have the opportunity to work with alpacas, chinchillas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc., on a daily basis.

Graduates will be positioned to further their post-secondary studies in animal-related programs or directly enter the workforce. Students can take advantage of college credits and articulation agreements with Delaware Valley University and Harcum College.

“This year's class has the opportunity to participate in a field study of primates and felines in Costa Rica this summer,” said Tanya Nalesnik, director of grants management, admissions & security . “Our plan is to offer similar programs each year to broaden the experience of the students enrolled in the program.”

Students interested in the new Animal Science Program can see where the hands-on coursework will take place during an open house planned for 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the ESC, 37 Hoffmans Crossing Road in Califon. While that event is focused on HCVSD’s Academies, it will provide information and a firsthand look at the new, full-time Animal Science Program.

Hunterdon County Polytech Career and Technical School is the largest component of Hunterdon County Vocational School District (HCVSD). Polytech is the district’s high school that prepares students for a seamless transition to college and career paths. HCVSD also operates an Adult and Continuing Education school and three science-based high school academies: the Biomedical Sciences Academy, the Computer Science and Applied Engineering Academy and the Environmental Sustainability and Engineering Academy. Learn more at www.hcvsd.org.

# # #

All pupils will be given equal opportunity for enrollment in programs operated by the Hunterdon County Vocational School District regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status (34 C.F.R. Part 100, Appendix B, Section IV-A). No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives federal financial assistance, et seq (34 C.F.R. Part 104.4(a)(b).