Below are the most frequently asked questions; updated August 25, 2025.
If your question is not answered below, submit your question here. Envíe sus preguntas sobre los programas.
What are Magnet Programs?
These four-year programs allow students to pursue their passions in fields of study and career interests. Students and faculty join to form a unique learning community located within the comprehensive high school setting. All programs include in-depth study of targeted courses on an advanced level, with many courses meeting the requirements of Advanced Placement or college-level work. Programs prepare students to directly enter the work force, or attend a post-secondary technical program, or attend a two- or four-year college. View the presentation given to 7th graders about finding the right program.
How do I learn more about a specific program?
Students and parents/guardians can learn more about specific programs at Open Houses. These in-person presentations are held at each school. Check the Open House document for specific dates/times. Students do NOT have to attend an Open House to apply to the program.
How do I know which Magnet Program is right for me?
Students should ask themselves the following questions. Responses will help determine whether a program is a good fit.
Do my personal and/or career interests match the focus of the program?
Do my grades demonstrate that I am ready to accept the rigorous academic challenges of the program?
Am I willing to attend the high school where this program is located?
Am I willing to commit to a set program of study (specific courses) for the next four years in the program's content area?
For the Computer Science, Medical Sciences, and Science & Engineering programs, can I complete Algebra 1 or higher before September of freshman year?
How will I get to school if I am accepted into a program that is not located in my home school?
The FRHSD provides busing for all Magnet students to-and-from school. As of September 2020, after-school activity transportation is no longer provided.
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 is the criteria for admission?
The application formula considers multiple measures to ensure that accepted students are a good fit for the program. This Magnet Program Application Criteria table presents how the application components are weighted for each program.
What grades are collected and are they weighted?
The FRHSD will collect ELA and Math grades (7th grade final grade & 8th grade first marking period grade) directly from the sending middle schools. Grades are not weighted based on level (honors, advanced, academic, resource, etc.). An A+ is equal to any other A+, no matter the level of the course.
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.
How do I satisfy the Algebra 1 requirement for the Computer Science, Medical Sciences, and Science & Engineering programs?
These programs require the completion of Algebra 1 before September of freshman year. Students can either
(a) complete Algebra 1 in middle school (7th or 8th grade), OR
(b) complete Algebra 1 in the FRHSD Summer Academy Original Credit program in the summer before freshman year. Note: Original Credit courses include a tuition fee. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible for free or reduced tuition.
In both cases, students must successfully complete Algebra 1 with a passing grade.
If I choose to attend the FRHSD Summer Academy for Algebra 1, what are the requirements?
The program is in-person: all of July and into early August. Dates for Summer Academy are announced in January each year. Classes begin at 8:00 AM and conclude at 12:45 PM. Students must attend EVERY session. Any absence results in student removal from the Algebra 1 class and then the Magnet Program.
What if I cannot attend the FRHSD Summer Academy due to an obligation, such as family vacation? Are there other options?
No. If a student cannot complete Algebra 1 in middle school or at the FRHSD Summer Academy, they should not apply for the Computer Science, Medical Sciences, or Science & Engineering Magnet Programs.
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.
What is the essay question?
Each program has a unique essay question, available in the online application. Therefore, if a student applies to more than one program, they will write an essay for each unique program they are applying to. Before submitting, students must confirm that the essay was written and edited entirely by the student. Students found to have misrepresented another's work as their own (human or AI) in any step of the application will be disqualified.
How long should my response be?
The response should be about 250-500 words, or 1-2 typed pages. Students may draft their response elsewhere, then copy and paste the finished version into the application.
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.