Bergen Academies

I am a sophomore student in ABF (the Academy for Business & Finance). Going into BCA last September, I was so excited to be a part of this great, prestigious school. My only hesitation was that I wasn't really that interested in the Academy I had been accepted into. However, despite my worries, my Freshman year turned out to be great, and even though I wasn't enthralled by what I've learned so far in ABF, I must admit all of the business topics covered I found very interesting. BCA, whether you like it or not, isn't like any other high school in Bergen County, NJ - it is special and unique in a number of great ways. In middle school, I felt like an outcast because I was "an over-achiever", but at BCA, I fit in perfectly and I have a number of friends. On another note, the diversity at BCA is great (nothing like I experienced in middle school), and I am so so so lucky to have been accepted into this wonderful school.
--Submitted by a student

I'm a parent who was fortunate to have two children at BCA. One was in the Academy for Science and Math, while the other was in the the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. Both found friends, had successful high school careers, and went on to fine college programs that suited their interests. BCA is "HIGH SCHOOL," with all that entails. It's not perfect, but it allows kids to succeed without making them feel like dweebs.
--Submitted by a parent

I fully agree with the student below who advised not sending a child here. The administration/teachers fuel this pressure cooker environment in which there is excessive quantity rather than quality homework in many classes. This results in dangerous chronic sleep deprivation especially in upper classmen. Unfortunately it may take a student tragedy to illuminate these stresses to effect change in BCA.
--Submitted by a parent

As a graduate of this high school, I find that the environment was amazing. So many different types of kids housed under one roof with one commonality among us - the desire to succeed. I believe that the reason I enjoyed my time there was because being in a competitive environment made each student strive to do better and succeed at greater levels. The teachers are wonderful, as are most of the administrators. I will say, however, that this school is not for everyone. If a student is not dedicated and good at self-motivation they will fail in this environment.
--Submitted by a student

Do not listen to these reviews. Unlike these parents, I actually went to school here, in AEDT (the Engineering and Design Academy), and graduated from this school. If you value your child's freedom, creativity, and especially if you want him to actually enjoy his high school years, I would not suggest sending him or her to this school. I've read parents describe the environment as 'friendly.' It's pretty clear that they haven't actually experienced this school. The environment is brutal - intolerant, extremely competitive - in a word, cutthroat. If you live in a town with a good school system, there is just no reason to send your child here. The commute is incredibly long, the day is way too long and filled with filler electives and wasted time (and the administration passes it off as 'progressive' that the school day is so long...and the parents just ooze with delight).
--Submitted by a student

On the positive side the kids are mainly happy here and there's a great atmosphere in school with lots of freedom. The teachers also are generally quite dedicated and work hard. However the child is pigeonholed into whatever academy they chose and cannot change. The introductory science courses for 4 academies (ABF, ACAHA, ATCS, AVPA) are weaker than those found in a regular h.s. course. These students are not allowed to access a 'honors' level introductory science class since they are in a non science academies. Beware if your child likes science as well as other disciplines!!
--Submitted by a parent

It has the most amazing staff and the most talented students. There is always something interesting going on, and the environment for the students is more challenging than can be found at their local high schools, yet with a friendly atmosphere. It has a lot of opportunities that are never even thought of at some high schools and it is just such a great school.
--Submitted by a student

I love Bergen Academies because it provides so many opportunities that you would never find at another high school.
--Submitted by a parent

BCA has a great atmosphere and a unique approach to academics, which not only benefits its students, but also challenges other local high schools to do the same so the education for high schoolers everywhere has changed!
--Submitted by a parent

The people and the teachers here are absolutely amazing and help to make this learning environment so much fun!
--Submitted by a student