High Technology High School

Gateway to STEM Success

With the need for talented professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) continues to grow in 2025, schools such as High Technology High School (HTHS) in Lincroft, New Jersey, are teaching the next generation of innovators. Famous for its challenging pre-engineering curriculum and collaborations with industry giants, HTHS is a top magnet school that sets students up for successful careers in technology. This blog post delves into HTHS’s history, academic offerings, admissions process, extracurricular activities, and its role in readying students for the booming tech market.

What Is High Technology High School?

High Technology High School, founded in 1991, is a four-year public magnet school that educates grades 9–12 in the Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD). Situated on Brookdale Community College’s campus in Lincroft, New Jersey, HTHS is a pre-engineering academy that aims to cultivate creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge. With an enrollment of about 300, HTHS has a selective and competitive atmosphere, drawing the best and brightest from Monmouth County and farther afield.

HTHS has received national recognition, including three National Blue Ribbon School awards (most recently in 2023) and a 2014 #1 STEM high school ranking in the US by Business Insider. Its vision is to produce future leaders who succeed in the STEM fields while valuing ethical responsibility and global consciousness. Through combining rigorous academics with experiential learning, HTHS prepares students to address actual career challenges in tech-driven fields.

Why High Technology High School is the Best

By 2025, the global technology industry is expected to create 1.2 million new U.S. jobs by 2030, fueled by developments in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. HTHS is in an ideal position to teach future-ready students for this fast-paced environment. Here’s why HTHS stands out as one of the best options for future tech professionals:

1. Cutting-Edge Pre-Engineering Curriculum

HTHS curriculum is STEM-friendly, combining challenging academics with real-world applications. Main courses are Introduction to Engineering and Design, Principles of Engineering, and Exploring Engineering, which provide the technical training. Advanced Placement (AP) courses like AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Physics C, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Statistics are also offered. With its collaboration with Brookdale Community College, juniors and seniors have the opportunity to take dual-enrollment courses, receiving college credits while still enrolled in high school.

2. Industry and Academic Partnerships

HTHS partners with industry experts and universities via its Advisory Board, consisting of experts in engineering, technology, and research fields. These collaborations open up mentorship for students, opportunities to use advanced tools, and real-world exposure. The Senior Mentorship Program pairs students with professionals in areas such as biomedical engineering, computer science, and data science, providing hands-on experience and career guidance.

3. Outstanding Competitive Record

HTHS students routinely excel in national and state competitions. In 2023, students shared research at the 69th New Jersey Academy of Science Annual Meeting, where numerous students won first-place honors and delegate status to the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS). HTHS students at the Jersey Shore Science Fair won 38 awards, including medals and scholarships in divisions such as Computer Science, Chemistry, and Behavioral Science. The school’s Technology Student Association (TSA) teams performed well, placing in the top ten in four events at the 2023 TSA National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

4. Holistic Development

Whereas STEM is emphasized, HTHS focuses on the inclusion of humanities to develop communication skills, ethical awareness, and global consciousness. The inclusion of Latin, French, and Spanish courses, as well as humanities electives, makes students well-rounded and ready for leadership in the interconnected world.

Academic Programs and Extracurricular Opportunities

HTHS’s academic model is structured to optimize learning. The school employs block scheduling, with 67-minute classes taken three times a week. AP science classes incorporate double labs (138 minutes) of hands-on experimentation, and AP Calculus classes have an additional weekly period to dig deeper. PLTW, a program that is nationally known, adds depth to the curriculum with courses such as:

Digital Electronics
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Biomedical Engineering
Computer Science & Software Engineering
Engineering Design and Development

These project-intensive courses mimic real-world engineering problems, promoting creativity and teamwork.

Extracurricular Activities

HTHS has a rich variety of extracurriculars, such as Robotics Club, Coding Club, and the Technology Student Association (TSA). These activities promote teamwork and creativity, with students participating in competitions such as robotics tournaments and hackathons. The school also sponsors clubs centered on community service, arts, and leadership, allowing students to gain varied skills.

Senior Mentorship Program

One of the distinctive features of HTHS is its Senior Mentorship Program, in which students collaborate with professional practitioners on actual projects. The program bridges the academic gap and real-world applications, equipping students for careers in STEM.

Admissions Process: How to Join HTHS

HTHS is relatively selective in admissions, and it only admits a limited number of students. The process generally involves:

Application: Send in academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and a statement of interest via the MCVSD website.
Entrance Exam: A challenging exam that measures math, science, and critical thinking ability.
Interview: Interview of shortlisted candidates to gauge interest in STEM and fit with HTHS’s mission.
Selection Criteria: Academic record, test scores, and demonstration of interest in STEM are considered by admissions.

Potential students can prepare ahead by being outstanding in mathematics and science, engaging in STEM activities, and learning about the school’s expectations. Open houses and information sessions, provided on www.hths.mcvsd.org, are informative.

Preparing Students for STEM Careers

HTHS alumni are well prepared for success in STEM fields, with many going on to attend the best universities in the country, including MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon. Alumni include Brian Christian (Class of 2002), The Most Human Human author, and Akash Modi (Class of 2013), a U.S. Olympic gymnast. Hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and rigorous coursework at the school guarantee graduates are prepared for high-demand careers such as:

Software Developers (200,000+ U.S. job listings in 2025)
Cybersecurity Experts (22,000+ job listings)
Data Scientists (15% yearly job growth)
AI Engineers (20% estimated job growth)

Challenges and Considerations

Though HTHS provides unmatched opportunities, it is not without challenges:

Rigorous Academics: The challenging curriculum entails excellent time management and stamina.
Competitive Admissions: Limited enrollment means not everyone gets in, so backup plans are necessary.
STEM Focus: The intense focus on STEM will not be appropriate for students with eclectic interests, although humanities classes offer balance.

Suggestions for Future HTHS Students

To raise your level of success at HTHS:

Ace Academically: Keep solid math and science grades.
Participate in STEM: Take part in robotics clubs, science fairs, or coding bootcamps to develop experience.
Establish Study Habits: Get ready for the demanding curriculum with excellent time management.
Research HTHS: Go to www.hths.mcvsd.org to learn about the school culture and expectations.

The Future of HTHS in 2025 and Beyond

In 2025, HTHS remains a trendsetter in STEM education, evolving to conform to new technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and green energy. Its collaborations with industry leaders and academia guarantee its students remain at the cutting edge of trends, while its competitive success reinforces its superiority. As the technology sector expands, HTHS graduates are well-suited to spearhead innovation in the areas of cybersecurity, software development, and data science.

Conclusion

High Technology High School is not just a high school—it’s a platform for future STEM leaders. With its demanding curriculum, corporate collaborations, and competitive success, HTHS positions students to excel in the technology-based world of 2025. As a student, parent, or educator, HTHS provides an inspirational learning experience that opens the doors to promising careers.