JAMES J FERRIS

Overview
The School of International Enterprise at James J. Ferris High School provides a high-quality education for the multi-ethnic students of Jersey City. As such, we are the beneficiary of our city's long history of ethnic and cultural diversity. Located downtown, James J. Ferris High School is within a short commute of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Science Center. The diverse student body benefits and reflects the riches of a metropolitan area in the midst of its own municipal renaissance.

The James J. Ferris High School community promotes the ideal that education is a shared learning experience that enriches and ennobles the individual. To realize that ideal, we are committed to meeting our students’ needs and expectations by working with them and their parents or guardians as partners. Our school, therefore, is a vital social agency that provides a clean, safe, open environment for the dissemination of information, the exchange of ideas, and the opportunity for all our students to advance and mature according to their own capabilities and talents.

The administration and faculty are committed to ensuring that the educational programs provide each student with varied experiences that are both challenging and worthwhile. Our curriculum prepares students to meet all state-mandated requirements and provides the skills necessary for successful entry into college and/or the workforce. A variety of instructional practices are employed to support the individual learning styles of our students, foster high order thinking skills, and underscore the value of collaboration. Working in conjunction with district personnel, parents and community leaders, we have developed a curriculum that is tightly aligned with relevant academic employment and workplace standards.

Small Learning Communities
Ferris High School offers an exciting array of career academies for students with particular interest in learning more about the world around us, how cultures interact within it, and what financial and commercial elements make the innovations essential to a dynamic and productive society possible. These small learning communities are supported by a full range of solid and engaging elective courses, as well as extra-curricular offerings which complement study and broaden the scope of students' experiences within the programs. The implementation of the small learning communities for the 2008-2009 academic school year includes the construction of a new school store, common planning time for teachers housed in each community, as well as each wing of the building serving as a host for each career academy. The career academies which are housed at Ferris High School include those listed below:

The Finance SLC is an exciting, fact-paced program which offers courses in business, economics, banking, and financial planning. Students address pertinent questions such as: How does the stock market work? How can I make money by trading futures and options? What types of investments should be included in an investment portfolio? The program goal is to provide an opportunity for students to explore careers such as stock broker, financial analyst, banker, finance director and real estate agent.

The Hospitality & Tourism SLC offers students an understanding of the various components of the hotel and travel industry. The program provides an in-depth look at all aspects of tourism and hospitality, and is supported by coursework in business, geography, hospitality and economics which reflect the multicultural diversity and global orientation of this growing industry. Throughout the duration of the program, students integrate academic learning with practical business applications and hands-on work experience related to the world of hospitality and tourism. Graduates of the program are well prepared to pursue both post-secondary study and careers in this exciting field.

The Management/Office Procedures SLC is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary for today’s technological workforce. Students work with a variety of computer programs and gain insight into the fields and careers related to management. Through involvement in the program, students develop an understanding of the importance of organization, accuracy, co-workers, employers and time management as they collaborate in an office setting to solve problems and develop personal leadership qualities.

The Marketing SLC engages students in the study of advertising and the sale of various products and goods produced within our society. Students have the opportunity to learn important marketing concepts such as target markets, marketing mixes, marketing research, and marketing strategies. Students are expected to make wise decisions based on the analysis of data which they collect. In addition, students learn their rights as consumers and cooperate in the creation and maintenance of their own entrepreneurial business.

The International Studies SLC is a highly-focused program for students with a specific interest in international studies and public relations. It introduces students to the complex and diverse world in which we live through a strong focus on foreign languages, translation, geography and cultural studies. Students gain a valuable awareness of the intricacies of the political and social relations of the many people of the world, with particular focus on diplomacy through good communication skills, cultural sensitivity and respect for other practices and beliefs. Students explore careers in diplomacy, journalism, and government agencies such as Customs and the FBI.

The Newcomer SLC is a board of entry program whereby students who are new to the country and have limited knowledge of the English Language will be placed at Ferris High School. Their placement is directly related to the score they receive at the Intake Center upon enrolling in the Jersey City Public School District. Specific courses have been designed for the sole purpose of servicing these students as they transition to not only a new school, but a new country. Additionally, a “Buddy Mentoring” Program has been developed to ease the transition for these students from a social standpoint.

Extra Curricular Activities
Along with the movement towards small learning communities, James J. Ferris High School offers a wide array of athletic programs for their student-athletes. Student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in both the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic Association on a county level and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association on a state level.

Aside from the Athletic Program, students have the opportunity to pursue other interests in Extended Day Programs including Project Graduation, T.R.A.C., the Literacy Magazine, School Newspaper and Yearbook, Young Men and Women of Excellence Club, and the National Honor Society. Ferris High School also offers a tutoring program for students who wish to improve their HSPA and Advance Placement scores.

Educational Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Extending learning beyond the classroom is an ongoing goal of the Ferris High School administration team. As a result, we encourage our students to participate in all educational opportunities. During the last summer, a number of students enrolled in the NJCU Summer Scholars Program. Students had the opportunity to take 3 college credits in a course of their choice at no expense to them. This opportunity was opened to students who demonstrated academic excellence through their first three years of high school.

Students also have an opportunity to study abroad through the “Holocaust Program.” If selected by the district, students could have the opportunity to tour Europe and gain first hand knowledge of World War II during their Spring Break as they review historical sites that sparked a world of change.

With the emphasis that has been placed on Math and Science by the Federal Government, James J. Ferris High School offers an Underwater Robotics, Lego Robotics, and Bio Medical Robotics Program. Through the use of authentic learning, students can enhance their knowledge in Math and Science and in the process compete in tournaments statewide. Teachers involved in the program have received grants from companies like ING to further enhance the development of this program.

James J. Ferris High School has established partnerships with companies like the Hyatt Hotel, Merrill Lynch, and Pershing in order to afford our students with hands on real life experience. During their junior and senior year, students who again have demonstrated academic excellence have the opportunity to intern for one of the above mentioned companies. This educational opportunity allows our students witness first hand how the skills they acquired at Ferris High School transition into the work force.

Conclusion
James J. Ferris High School is dedicated to serving the students, parents and members of our community. Our comprehensive educational programs provide our students with a solid academic foundation and prepare them for their future. Our hope is that all students may develop into life-long learners and successful citizens ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.



Jaime Morales
201-915-6660