Welcome to High School Choice

Paterson Public Schools’ High School Choice Program empowers incoming ninth-grade and newly enrolling students with the flexibility to select from a diverse array of high school pathways tailored to their individual interests and academic ambitions. This choice-based model offers unique themes and career-focused academies—ranging from performing arts to STEM, technical education—to ensure a personalized and meaningful high school experience.

To streamline the application process, the district operates a single, unified application. Every student must make one “required” selection—either Eastside or John F. Kennedy High School—and may include additional “optional” selections such as Cosmetology at EHS, JROTC at EHS International High School, Paterson P‑TECH, Paterson STEAM, and Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts. Should placement in an optional school not be granted, students will be assigned to either Eastside or John F. Kennedy based on their primary selection.

The school choice process not only offers students tailored academic options but also supports personalized social and academic experiences, fostering productivity, engagement, and collegiate and career readiness. Moreover, the district ensures inclusive and supportive application planning for students with disabilities: the Child Study Team collaborates with families to match students to academies that meet both their interests and individualized education needs in alignment with New Jersey’s Special Education Code and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

In summary, through the High School Choice Program, Paterson Public Schools offers a vibrant, student-centered approach to secondary education—one that aligns pathways with passions, supports diverse needs, and builds a foundation for future success.

If you have questions about any of our high schools or about the high school choice process, please email highschoolchoice@paterson.k12.nj.us