Marine Academy of Science and Technology

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Marine Academy of Science and Technology
Location
305 MAST Way

Sandy Hook, New Jersey 07732
USA

Information
School district Monmouth County Vocational School District
Principal Dr. Paul J. Christopher
Enrollment

278 (as of 2005-06)

Type Public magnet
Grades 9-12
Color(s) Blue, gold
Established 1981
Information (732) 291-0995
Homepage

The Marine Academy of Science and Technology (M.A.S.T.) is a coeducational four-year magnet public high school located in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, serving students in ninth through twelfth grade. The school offers learning in all subjects, specializing in marine technology and science. It is one of five career academies administered by the Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD). The M.A.S.T. program requires each student to participate in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC).

The Marine Academy was founded in 1981 as a part-time program which has since grown to become a full-time diploma-granting program. The school's curriculum focuses on marine sciences and marine technology/engineering. The school offers small classes with close personal attention.

The Marine Academy is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology. For the 1997-98 school year, the Marine Academy was designated a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education,[1] and was selected by the Department of Education as a New American High School for the 1998-99 school year;[2] these are just two of the many honors and awards the innovative program has received throughout its years. On April 15, 2007, at the Marine Academy's 25th Anniversary Breakfast, a proclamation by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders declared April 15 as "the Marine Academy of Science and Technology Day" in Monmouth County.

Contents

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[edit] Location and Campus

M.A.S.T. campus is located in the Fort Hancock Historic Area, is adjacent to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the country, and is within walking distance of several beaches. The campus includes thirteen newly renovated buildings and various laboratories devoted to Marine Biology, Oceanography, C.A.D., and Multi-Media Laboratory. A Technology Workshop, a Media Center containing a Computer Classroom, a Naval Science Building, and other classrooms round out the facilities. Also, there is hands on instruction on the school research vessel, the Blue Sea.[3]

[edit] N.J.R.O.T.C.

All students at the Marine Academy participate in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC). The unit is designated as an Area 4 school and participates in many inter-unit competitions, the most prominent of which is the Drill Team. Motivated cadets can particpate in several disciplines including Freshmen, Color Guard, Armed Platoon, Unarmed Exhibition, and Armed Exhibition. In the past, MAST has been successful at three area competitions; Neptune, Linden, and Area 4. Exceptional performance has qualified the school for national competition in Pensacola, Florida.

Each year, cadets at MAST are subject to a Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The standards for this exam are based upon Navy guidelines. Grades are based upon a point scale and range from Unsatisfactory to Outstanding. These superlatives translate into number grades and are a portion of the Naval Science grade for credit. Additionally, PFT performance is criteria for advancement and promotion.

At the end of each year, qualified cadets are promoted to a rank and billet commensurate with academic performance, ability, and PFT results. The MAST unit is organized into a Battalion with four companies and a headquarters section. The highest rank a cadet can achieve is Cadet Commander.

[edit] Awards

  • For the 1997-1998 school year, Marine Academy of Science and Technology received the Blue Ribbon Award from the United States Department of Education, the highest honor that an American school can achieve.United States Department of Education,[4]
  • MAST was one of two high schools recognized in state, in 1st year of NJ "Star School" program in 1993-94.[5] MAST has been honored twice since with the New Jersey Department of Education's the highest recognition for a New Jersey school, in both 1997-98 and 2003-04.[6]
  • For the 1998-1999 school year, MAST received additional national recognition as a the New American High School.[7]
  • Best Practice Award (1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001,& 2003)
  • New Jersey Governor's School of Excellence Award, October 2005
  • Intel Scholastic 21st Century Schools of Distinction, 2004 finalist
  • Toyota Tapestry Award, 2002
  • Designation as NJROTC Honor Unit/CNET Unit or Distinguished Unit: 15 years in succession
  • In 2005-06, the school averaged a 1,875 combined SAT score, sixth highest of all public high schools statewide.[8]

[edit] Career academies

Marine Academy of Science and Technology is one of five career academies in the Monmouth County Vocational School District. These are referred to as sister schools:

[edit] References

[edit] External links