By: Richard L. Smith
Central Jersey College Prep charter school announced Thursday that, for the fourteenth consecutive year, 100 percent of its senior class will be graduating on time this spring, with every member of the class of 2024 also accepted to a college or university for the fall.
This impressive streak of success began in 2011 and continues to highlight the school's exceptional academic environment.
School officials confirmed with RLS Media that The class of 2024 will attend prestigious institutions this fall, including Harvard, University of Pennsylvania - Wharton, NYU Stern, University of Michigan, UCLA, University of Chicago, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt University, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Boston University, and Penn State.
“We are thrilled that for fourteen straight years, our senior class has continued to show a 100 percent graduation rate and that, once again, 100 percent will also be attending a college or university next fall,” stated Dr. Namik Sercan, the Chief Education Officer.
“For a public school in Central New Jersey, this level of success is simply unprecedented. Many students in our area begin high school educationally disadvantaged, having already battled years of systemic racism and some of the most challenging and at-risk environments in New Jersey.
What makes us different is the fundamental and passionate belief that every student can succeed when provided with a safe and strong learning environment.
The end of the year is an important and impactful moment for our graduating students and their parents, and each embodies how generational change is possible. But this moment also showcases the thousands of students who remain on waiting lists to attend. We believe that every student, no matter where they live or the color of their skin, can attend and excel at an elite university.
Every year, our senior class shows what is truly possible, and we will not rest until every student in our area is provided with great teachers, facilities, and a strong learning environment.”
Senior Nehal Bajaj, who will be attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania next fall, expressed gratitude for the support received.
"Being accepted into two Ivy League colleges and four Top 20 schools is a surreal feeling. I am so thankful for all the teachers who have supported me throughout my academic journey since 6th Grade. Without the support of them, my counselor Mr. Bright, my mentors, and my parents, I would not be the person I am today."
Parent Silvia Hidalgo, whose daughter will be attending Harvard University next fall, praised the school's impact.
"My daughter’s time here has been an important part of her life, with teachers who helped her discover and strengthen her abilities and skills. She shared time with friends and classmates filled with laughter, games, adventures, and unique moments that will remain forever in her memory. We are so proud of Nichole and cannot wait to see our boys graduate with the same success.”
In 2024, U.S. News and World Report ranked the school as the top public charter high school in New Jersey and #26 among all high schools in the state, as well as #498 out of nearly 24,000 public high schools nationwide.
Previously, it was named a “National Blue-Ribbon School” by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizing its exemplary high-performing classrooms and efforts to close the Achievement Gap within the Central Jersey region.
Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Education awarded the school a Tier 1 designation, the highest ranking for a public charter school in the state.
