JERSEY CITY -- So many kids wanted to go to Jersey City's new specialized public high school that the district had to hold a lottery.

More than 300 students were entered in the 110-spot public lottery, which was scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, in the Snyder High School auditorium, the district said.

Innovation High School, which opened this past September, decided to hold the lottery because of "such a high level of interest amongst eighth grade students" for its next ninth grade class, according to a press release.

"We are thrilled that the number of families interested in Innovation has doubled from last year. It affirms our commitment to provide high quality choices to the families of Jersey City," said Superintendent Marcia Lyles, in the release.

The school, which focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math, or "STEAM," is supported by strong partnerships with New Jersey City University and the Institute for Student Achievement, school officials said.

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A new high school opened its doors to Jersey City students for the first time this morning.

The newly created Innovation High School, which is housed inside Snyder High School, welcomed its first class of 110 9th graders.

The school was founded through a partnership with the Institute for Student Achievement and New Jersey City University. In addition to following the district curriculum, there will be a focus on S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math), Iannucci said.

?The day has gone wonderful so far,? said Frank Iannucci Jr., principal of Innovation High School. ?The students are very engaged.?

NJCU will be providing professors to support the school?s curriculum, and students will be able to take college classes at NJCU as part of their coursework.

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"The program will provide the students with their first steps towards graduation and a jump-start on a college education," NJCU President Sue Henderson said. "NJCU faculty and students are engaged and enthusiastic about this community outreach program. We want to help our neighbors succeed."

Innovation students were chosen for the school through a lottery system after the number of applications exceeded the number of open spaces.

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Cool partnership.


I went to a HS that was part of a university system and it definitely had an extremely strong college going culture, where it was assumed we were all going to college and grad school. This kind of expectation, or lack of, can make or break a kid's future.

The ability to take colleg courses for credit, while in HS, was also invaluable. It broadens the kinds of classes you can take, and is super cool to show up to college with some courses under your belt.

Best wishes to Innovation High. Did they say how students will be selected?

Julie Kayzerman | The Jersey Journal

Jersey City's newly created Innovation High School will be opening in the fall with its first class of ninth graders.

The small school, housed inside Snyder High School, will be run in partnership with New Jersey City University, the Institute for Student Achievement and the district. Innovation will include a rigorous curriculum with opportunities for students to participate in college-level classes prior to graduation and receive college credit.

"Innovation High School teachers and New Jersey City University professors, in close collaboration, will help students take their first steps toward college when they take their first steps in high school," said Sue Henderson, president of NJCU.

The school's partnership with NJCU will allow professors to research innovative ways to ensure that students are prepared for college, Henderson said. In addition by collaborating with ISA, the high school will be able to help "under-served and under-performing students" by preparing them for the future.

"It's a way for us to connect in a really meaningful way with the students," Henderson said.

The Jersey City Board of Education appointed Frank Iannucci Jr. as the principal of the school, which will integrate a focus on S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math), a press release said. Iannucci has previously served as a math supervisor and AVID Coordinator at West Orange High School, where he received a Milken Educator Award in 2011.

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