MTHS Outperforms More than Half of NJ Schools in College, Career Readiness

Montville Township High School has been ranked as having a "high" level of students graduating with college and career readiness when compared to other schools in the state according to new information released Wednesday by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Data was released on the 2011-12 school year. The new NJ School Performance Reports not only compare districts and schools to others in the state, but also to "peer" districts with students of similar demographic characteristics, such as the percentage of students who are in special education programs, limited English proficiency programs or who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Morris County schools in Montville's peer group include Whippany Park High School, Pequannock High School, Mountain Lakes High School and Chatham High School.

"The new School Performance Reports are designed to enhance both educator and stakeholder engagement in discussions about how well a school is preparing their students for college and careers," the state said in an introduction of the data.

The results show MTHS as having a "very high" level of performance when it comes to graduation rate and the school is ranked as about average when compared to peer schools.

MTHS met all its targets related to the percentage of students participating in the SAT and PSAT exams and ranked in line with peer schools for having 58 percent of students achieving above 1550 on the SAT. The school did not meet its target, however, for the percentage of students taking at least one AP exam in English, Math, Social Studies or Science and was behind some peer schools. But the school did meet its target for percentage of students who took the AP exam scoring a 3 or greater.

The high school's overall graduation rate, according to the data, is 97 percent. MTHS' dropout rate is just .3 percent.

"The accomplishments of the Class of 2012 are a testimony to the value of our programs, the motivation of our students, the dedication of our outstanding teachers, and the efforts of our parents and community," MTHS Principal Doug Sanford said in the narrative of the school's report.

He noted proudly the academic, athletic and extra-curricular programs the school has built to be able to offer a well-rounded educational experience for Montville students.

"Our student-athletes have garnered local, state, and national recognition. Thus, we can proudly state that Montville Township High School ranks among the top high schools in New Jersey," he said.