Option II

Hoboken High School - Option II 

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards establish a core body of knowledge and skills that all students need in order to become healthy, productive, well-informed, employable citizens of an ever-expanding and changing world. However, not all students will achieve the standards in the same way, at the same pace, or with the same level of success. The New Jersey Department of Education encourages local school districts to permit alternative learning experiences that are stimulating and intellectually challenging, and that enable students to fulfill or exceed the expectations set forth in the Student Learning Standards. Option Two (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)1ii) of the high school graduation requirements allows local school districts to design and/or approve educational experiences that serve as an alternative to traditional instruction. Option Two allows schools to provide a superior education for all students through the use of multiple and diverse paths. Option Two allows local school districts to design and implement curricular programs that meet the needs of all students. The regulations support student participation in deep and meaningful learning experiences that advance student learning and focus on student interest and abilities. 

Option Two allows students to obtain credit for learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom environment. Option Two may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: interdisciplinary or theme-based programs, independent study, magnet programs, student exchange programs, distance learning, internships, community service, co-curricular programs, and/or other structured learning experiences. Some of these experiences may provide real-world connections not available in the school setting. Other learning experiences may go beyond what the traditional high school can provide, allowing students to participate in research, international study, or college-level work. 

Hoboken High School Option II Form and Independent Study

Hoboken High School Alternative Physical Education Option II Form


Courses may be taken for credit through Option II only under one of the following scenarios: 

Student failed a course and must remediate 

Students who fail a course, or lose credit for any reason, can choose to remediate, or “make up,” the course during the summer, instead of taking it during the following school year. The course must meet for a minimum of 60 hours to qualify. 

The course/experience is not offered at Hoboken High School 

Students may choose to take courses related to an area of interest, elective courses and/or courses that are not offered at Hoboken High School. An application must be completed prior to enrollment in the course. No credit will be given without prior approval. Option II is not intended to replace offered courses; rather it is to enhance the existing curriculum. 

Independent Study

 Learning is a highly individualized process, since different people learn a variety of things in different ways. The Independent Study Program provides opportunities for students to make decisions for the direction of their learning. The program a student chooses may be pursued in a variety of academic areas. Working with a faculty advisor, the student prepares a proposal, which sets goals for the study. The Independent Study Program and Committee, as outlined within program policy, will continue to review all independent study programs and coordinate the efforts of the students and the resources of the district and community. 

Alternative Physical Education 

N.J.S.A. 18A:35-7 requires every NJ public high school student to take courses in health and physical education. N.J.S.A. 18A:35-7&8 requires that high school students receive 150 minutes (or two and one-half hours) of health, safety, and physical education per week, prorated for school holidays. With regards to the standards, the principal must ensure that the student has met local district curricular objectives and should carefully document the student’s achievement. To ensure that the learning experience meets or exceeds the NJDOE approved learning standards, students granted this option have additional responsibilities that are outlined in the Alternative PE Request documentation. 

Classrooms Without Walls Experiences 

This program offers structured international tours for students during the spring recess. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is critical for our students to become more culturally aware, explore new ideas and grow their potential. Students who partake in this opportunity will grow their social skills, connect to their studies outside of the classroom and set themselves apart when applying to college and their future careers. Students can also earn high school or college credit on tour by creating their own online research projects. 

Other experiences as suggested by the student

The Board of Education recognizes that students are involved in learning experiences beyond those which have already been identified in Option II. Students are encouraged to explore additional experiences with their school counselor and principal to further “personalize” their education. 

School to Career 

Students who elect School to Career will have an opportunity to demonstrate both teamwork and problem-solving skills through a structured learning experience. Examples include, but are not limited to: apprenticeships, cooperative education, school-based experiences, internships/ career shadowing and paid employment (seniors only). 

Rutgers Pre-Med Program 

The Pre-Medical Honors Program is an effort by New Jersey Medical School to identify and encourage the most qualified high school students to consider careers in medicine and the health sciences. High school students who are interested in becoming a physician, dentist, medical scientist, or other health professional should consider this program. This is an opportunity for high school students to experience a medical school education presented in lay language, provided by members of the faculty of the New Jersey Medical School who have designed a nine-week sequence of formal lectures, seminars, small group discussions, as well as several elective courses