• How many programs may I apply to?

You may apply to up to two (2) Magnet Programs.  In addition, students districted for Freehold Township HS, Freehold HS, Colts Neck HS, Manalapan HS, and Marlboro HS may also declare their interest in the FTHS International Baccalaureate Program.  

However, students may only attend one Magnet Program OR the IB Program.

• How do I apply?

The online application will open on September 17, 2025.  Click here to see the schedule of deadlines.  The application MUST use the parent/guardian's email address. 

• Can I apply to the Magnet Programs if I do not live in one of the towns districted for the FRHSD?

Yes, we will accept applications from students who live out-of-district. However, students must be domiciled in and be registered with the FRHSD by June 30th of their 8th grade year.

• If I apply to two programs AND the IB @ FTHS Program, can I be accepted to all three?

Yes.  You can be accepted to two Magnet Programs and be offered a seat in IB @ FTHS. You will have one week to make your choice.  Once you accept enrollment in one program, you give up your place in the other one. 

• What is the waiting list and how does it work?

Because we have limited positions in each program, we begin by offering enrollment to the top students who qualify for admission.  However, not all those students choose to enroll.  Therefore, we offer other students who meet all the standards for acceptance a place on the wait list.  As students make their choices to enroll or not, we invite students from the wait list to enroll.  Because this is a fluid process, we cannot tell you your likelihood for acceptance.  We encourage you to make decisions based on your interests. Students may accept a place on one or two wait lists. 

• When will you review my application?

We will monitor the applications coming into our system during the application period, but we will not begin the review process until after all parts of the application are complete, including parts that are coming from your school.  Note that applications that are incomplete (that is, missing required items such as, but not limited to, essays, parental/guardian signatures) will not move forward for consideration. 

• When will I find out if I have been accepted?

We will notify students in February 2026.  We notify applicants via email to log back into our online application system to obtain their status.

The selection process considers many different criteria and involves large amounts of data collection with partner middle schools. As such, the selection process is a lengthy one. Private schools, the Monmouth County Vocational School District, and other schools have selection and registration processes that are separate from the FRHSD.  We are unable to accommodate requests for early decision.

• What happens if I am not accepted to any program?

You will attend your home school.  All FRHSD high schools offer excellent rigorous courses that will meet your interests and abilities.  

• If I am accepted and enroll in a Magnet Program at a school that is not my home school, can my sibling(s) attend the same school I will attend?

There is no sibling waiver.

• What if I do not live in one of the sending municipalities? How do I get my grades submitted for the application?

We contact all out-of-district applicants about uploading their 7th and 8th grade report cards in early winter. Parents/guardians must upload 7th and 8th grade report cards via this form.

• What is the entrance exam?

The district utilizes percentile scores from a nationally administered assessment of cognitive ability. This is not a subject-specific test like the NJSLA, NJGPA, or SAT, but a test of skills and abilities that many schools use to determine appropriateness for specialized programs.

• What programs require the entrance exam?

Business Administration, Computer Science, Global Studies, Humanities, Law & Public Service, Medical Sciences, and Science & Engineering.

• If I am applying to two of the programs that require the exam, do I have to take two exams?

No.  The exam results are applied to both applications.

• Can I prepare for the entrance exam?

Here are sample questions for students to preview the format of the test.

The FRHSD does not endorse, nor has an affiliation with any company soliciting students to take a review class or practice test to prepare for the FRHSD entrance exam.  

• What if my child has a 504 or IEP?

If you think your child is eligible for accommodations or modifications provided in a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the entrance exam, parents/guardians must provide the Office of Curriculum & Instruction with a copy in advance. Complete this form and upload a signed, current copy of the 504 or IEP.

If you have questions, contact the Office of Curriculum & Instruction (732-792-7300, ext 8529 and 8599). 504 Plan or IEP modifications or accommodations will not negatively affect a student’s application. 

• When is the entrance exam?

The exam is on Saturday, December 6, 2025; see our Dates and Deadlines page for specifics. 

If you or your child cannot make this Saturday exam due to illness or conflict, there are make-up sessions during the week. Call the Office of Curriculum & Instruction to arrange for this make-up session: 732-792-7300, ext. 8529.

• How long is entrance exam?

 Actual testing time is 90 minutes.  With instructions and distributing / collecting materials, the exam takes a little over two and a half hours.

• What kind of photo identification does my child need for the day of the exam?

Students must bring photo identification to the exam. Acceptable forms include:

• • BEST OPTION: a print out from Genesis or PowerSchool with the child’s photograph and personal information,

  • school ID cards,

  • Monmouth County Youth ID card,

  • school yearbook.

• Why must I audition for FPAC and interview for JROTC?  How do I schedule an appointment?

These programs are focused on a student’s talents and potential for growth in unique areas of interest.  The professionals who work in and with these programs will evaluate you, utilizing carefully designed criteria.  You will be emailed in mid-December specific details. 

• What if my child has a 504 or IEP?

If you think your child is eligible for accommodations or modifications provided in a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the FPAC audition or NJROTC interview, parents/guardians must provide the Office of Curriculum & Instruction with a copy in advance. Complete this form and upload a signed, current copy of the 504 or IEP.

If you have questions, contact the Office of Curriculum & Instruction (732-792-7300, ext 8529 and 8599). 504 Plan or IEP modifications or accommodations will not negatively affect a student’s application. 

• How can my child prepare for the ROTC interview? Can we get the questions in advance?

Since interviews are a test of a person’s ability to speak extemporaneously, we do not give out the questions in advance. However, there are things you and your child can do to prepare:

• • Express concisely and specifically why they want to be a part of the ROTC Magnet Program.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ROTC Magnet Program.  Researching the program ahead of time can show your level of interest and full understanding of how it differs from other options.  

  • Practice answering interview-like questions with an adult in a clear, conversational tone.

  • Learn to listen carefully to what is being asked and respond to the actual question.

  • Practice appropriate interview body language:  eye contact, shaking hands, good posture. Learn how to express enthusiasm through body language.

  • If your child is an introvert, practice acting like an extrovert for five minutes.  Likewise, if your child is an extrovert, practice keeping responses short, sweet, and not overshare.