Somerset County graduates include Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, NYU Stern, University of Michigan, UCLA, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt University, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and Penn State.
Central Jersey College Prep Charter School (CJCP) announced today that for the 14th consecutive year, 100% of its senior class will graduate on time this spring and that all members of the Class of 2024 have been accepted to college. Next fall, CJCP's unprecedented series of senior classes that began in 2011 will continue. This year's graduating class will attend universities this fall at Harvard, University of Pennsylvania – Wharton, NYU Stern, University of Michigan, UCLA, University of Chicago, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt University, Georgetown, John Hopkins, Boston University, and Penn State.
“CJCP’s seniors have had a 100 percent graduation rate for 14 consecutive years, and we are thrilled that 100 percent will be attending college again next fall,” he said. Dr. Namik Sercan, Chief Education Officer, CJCP. “This level of success is unprecedented for a central New Jersey public school. As parents across the region know, many students in our region begin high school at an educational disadvantage, having already battled years of systemic racism and some of the most challenging and dangerous environments in New Jersey. What makes CJCP a different kind of public school is our fundamental and passionate belief that all students can succeed when provided a safe and strong learning environment. The end of the year is an important and influential moment for alumni and parents, each embodying how generational change is possible. But this moment also shows the thousands of students who remain on the waiting list to attend CJCP. We believe that every student, regardless of where they live or the color of their skin, can attend and excel at a top university. Every year, our senior class shows what is truly possible, and we will not rest until every student in our district has access to great teachers, facilities and a strong learning environment.”
CJCP Senior Nehal Bajaj, who will be attending the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania next fall, said, “It is a surreal feeling to have been accepted to two Ivy League universities and four top 20 universities. I am so grateful to all my teachers at CJCP who have supported me throughout my academic journey, starting in 6th grade. My counselor, Mr. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the support of Bright, my mentors, and my parents.”
CJCP Parent Sylvia Hidalgo, whose daughter will be attending Harvard University next fall, said: “My daughter's time at CJCP was an important part of her life, with teachers who helped her discover and strengthen her abilities and skills. She shared with her friends and classmates a time filled with laughter, games, adventures, and unique moments that will remain forever in her memory. We are so proud of Nichole and would like to see our sons graduate from CJCP with the same success.”
In 2024, U.S. News and World Report announced that in its annual national high school rankings, CJCP was ranked the best public charter high school in New Jersey, ranked 26th and second among all high schools in New Jersey. 498 of approximately 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. In previous years, CJCP has been designated a “National Blue Ribbon School” by the U.S. Department of Education, the highest rating given to a K-12 school, and has been widely cited for its exemplary performing classrooms and their activities. Closing the achievement gap in Central Jersey. Additionally, CJCP has received Tier 1 designation from the New Jersey Department of Education, the highest ranking among public charter schools in the state.