Oratory Prep

Founded in 1907, Oratory is a Catholic college preparatory day school for boys staffed by a religious brother, archdiocesan priests and lay teachers. The staff is selected for their ability to transmit sound values as well as their academic knowledge. Oratory’s curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in English and math skills. Various Advanced Placement courses are available for upperclassmen. Numerous interscholastic and intramural sports are available. Combined with various clubs and other extracurricular opportunities, such as campus ministry and service projects, these activities help to foster well-rounded student experiences. Oratory is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Admission is based on the
student’s overall qualifications, without regard to race, color, or national or ethnic origin. Some financial aid and scholarships are available. School facilities have been renovated in 2003, 2004 and 2005 with all classrooms including Smart Board technology, upgraded science labs, wireless computer Internet access, and a new state-of-the-art library and media center and Art Studio.

The headmaster is Timothy M. Lynch. Enrollment in the school, which encompasses
grades 7 through 12, is 270 and faculty to student ratio is 10 to 1.

Oratory Prep, 1 Beverly Rd., Summit; 908-273-5771, ext. 11; www.oratoryprep.org

Union Catholic

Inspiration takes many forms at Union Catholic High School (UC), where uncompromising academic standards, faith, diversity, and technology fuse to create a distinct college preparatory program. Situated on a remarkable 20-acre campus, this institution’s futuristic approach is garnering national attention.

“Union Catholic excels at helping each student find his or her niche,” says Betsy Thornton, director of admissions. “From athletics to performing arts to science, we have the technology, leadership and resources in place to enable our students to get to the next level.”

Laptop Learning

Technology underscores every aspect of UC’s curriculum. Initiated as a pilot in 1997, the program placed UC on the leading edge of innovation alongside the nation’s major universities.

“We believe the laptop-learning program exemplifies our commitment to preparing students for success in college and beyond,” says Karen Piasecki, assistant principal and director of technology.

Today, laptops are an integral component of UC’s “anytime, anywhere” learning, which is made possible through its partnerships with Microsoft and IBM Corporation. Fingertip access to technology enables students to take notes and conduct research, perform virtual dissections, use scientific probes, and link directly to real-time news. Students also have the opportunity to venture into areas of interest, such as music and film production and architectural design.

All Roads Lead to College

Alumni consistently mention being well-equipped for college. This is because Union
Catholic’s curriculum focuses on preparing students to maximize their individual strengths for a successful college experience. On average, 98 percent of Union Catholic’s graduates pursue higher learning. This year, UC’s 177 graduates collectively earned $8 million in scholarships.

“Our courses are offered on six learning levels, which range from remedial to advanced
placement. It is not uncommon to find a student at different levels from course to course, since many students have both academic strengths and weaknesses,” says Christine McCoid, assistant principal for student services. “Our focus isn’t simply on preparing our students for college. It is on preparing each student for the college that best meets his or her strengths, goals and interests.”

Leveraging technology and a supportive, faith-based environment, UC faculty and staff
provide an exceptional education, while helping students develop in a well-rounded manner, through outreach ministry and extracurricular activities. Whether mentoring students in one of the school’s 35 clubs, or coaching a sports team, every faculty member is hard at work helping each student find the certain something that will
maximize his or her UC experience.

Says Principal Sister Percylee Hart, RSM, “At Union Catholic, all students have the opportunity to be successful. We recognize the gifts that every student has to offer, and we challenge our students to become all God calls them to be.”

Union Catholic High School, 908-889-1600; www.unioncatholic.org

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