By Camila Barajas

Right now, eighth graders are making choices that will literally shape our futures: What high school to go to. Here in Bradley Beach, we have the opportunity to select from a handful of different public high schools that could help us with our future educational endeavors, from large to small. Although we are far from college, the schools we choose are where we spend the next four thrilling years of our lives.

At this moment, you might not have put your finger on the high school you are passionate about and 100% ready for. But do not worry, I’m here to guide you.

If you are looking for a high school that will put you on an elite academic track, you should think about applying to one of the five Monmouth County Vocational School District high schools: the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Biotechnology High School, Communications High School, High Technology High School, and MAST (The Marine Academy of Science and Technology). These schools accept one student per school district as long as they meet minimum requirements. All other spots are given to applicants with the highest total points. The points are made up from exams as well as grades in core subjects in seventh and eighth grades. Overall, these programs look for reliable and consistent students who are on an advanced academic track.

Allied Health is a great place to look into if you take interest in medical topics and or are looking for new opportunities in the medical field. It sits close to Neptune High School, only a few short minutes away. Communications, in Wall Township, provides exemplary learning experiences in areas such as digital video, journalism, publishing, commercial art, computer programming, and TV/radio broadcasting. Every course is offered at the honors level. Biotech, in Freehold, concentrates on laboratory science, research, mathematics, and technology. High Tech, in Lincroft, focuses on technology and engineering and is a great school to kickstart your STEM career. And lastly for the vocational schools is MAST, on Sandy Hook. MAST focuses heavily on marine science and technology and prepares its students for a career in its respective specialties. 

Furthermore, Red Bank Regional High School and Neptune High School are also great options for students who are ready to take that next step. 

Red Bank offers a handful of academies you could apply to. These academies include Early Childhood Development, Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, and lastly Visual and Performing Arts. Red Bank does require an essay noting why you are interested in one of these academies and an entry exam in late January. The Visual and Performing Arts program requires a portfolio of work.

If these do not appeal to you, Neptune High School is also a great high school to attend. Neptune can give you a chance to grow wherever you want to pursue your future career. This high school only sits a few minutes away from Bradley Beach and it offers a wide variety of options in academics and athletics. The cafeteria food is supposed to be pretty good too. Best of all, all of our students are eligible to attend.

If you want to get a jumpstart on college classes, the Poseidon program at Neptune High School is the place for you. Poseidon only accepts first-generation students to attend their academy (meaning their parents cannot have graduated from college). If you want to attend Poseidon, you will need to complete an entrance exam, get teacher recommendations, and write a 500-word essay explaining why you’re interested in their academy. If you apply to Poseidon, take note that you will still attend Neptune High School. College classes will be given through Brookdale. 

Lastly, whichever high school you choose (or which chooses you), remember that high school is what you make it. All of the above high schools carry most of the same classes and courses and can all aid you in your journey after middle school. We have a great team of faculty and teachers who can help us with any questions we have. To the next step!