Our School
We are a small academic community, offering a strong curriculum in the humanities and the sciences. The school was founded in 1969 as School Within A School (SWAS), and housed in South Side High School. It was designed to provide college preparatory classes to Newark students. In 1977, we moved to High Street and changed our name to University High School to indicate both our purpose and proximity to major universities. There we became a school, rather than a program. In 1982 we moved into our present location, the old Clinton Place Jr. High.
Students are recommended for admission by their elementary guidance counselors. They face a battery of standardized tests and must submit recommendations. This process has produced a student body composed of young people who have demonstrated academic motivation, intellectual curiosity and high achievement during their elementary school years. These students continue to excel through such extracurricular activities as sports, the award winning Phoenix Flame newspaper, ACT-SO competitions, National Forensic Debate Competitions, and Student Leadership groups among others.
We continue to grow. University High School is now home to the Gifted and Talented Program. Students are accepted after passing a test. They are taught a rigorous curriculum, in a departmentalized setting, which includes Algebra, English I, and a world language, in addition to traditional course work in their grade level.
The Information Age is very much with us, as we integrate technology into our curriculum. We boast an electronic card catalog, various electronic data bases, and computer labs. University High School's ITV room has become a hub of activity, as we offer and receive courses.
In 1997, New Jersey Monthly Magazine named us as the second highest school in our District Factor Group. This ranking is based on several factors, including combined SAT scores, percentage of students passing the HSPT11, percentage of Advanced Placement subjects tested, and the amount of daily instruction time, among other criteria.
The School Leadership Council at University High School is a collaborative, decision –making body dedicated to improving all aspects of teaching and learning within the confines of our school building.
Mission Statement
University High School has historically been synonymous with academic excellence within the city of Newark and beyond. Our goal is to regain the heights for which we were honored and respected throughout the district. To rise again, we will foster within our walls a community of leaders that will hold themselves responsible for their actions and affect a sea of change within our school family that will help transform the city. Our core values of responsibility, integrity, service, and excellence (R.I.S.E) will be consistently practiced, pursued and pervasive throughout the University High School family. Our school symbol, the Phoenix is a mythical bird that defies the expectations of the natural world by rising from its own ashes to soar to greater heights. With a renewed sense of purpose, we will work hard to turn mythology into reality at “The” University High School of Newark, New Jersey.
If you should have questions, or suggestions, please contact us at (973) 351-2010 & FAX: 973-351-2110
Vision Statement
University High School will become one of the leading academic institutions in the city, district, state and nation. With the assistance of parents and other stakeholders we will once again claim our rightful place as the best school in Newark, NJ. By providing our students with a rigorous education they will attain the tools and strategies to learn and succeed in a global society.