Union Senior High School

I went to Union High School for three years and it was the most increable experince in my entire life the teachers weren't just teachers they were my friends and even though the school was labeled 'ghetto' everybody got along. I was really upset I had to go to Roselle Park High School I really wanted to finish up in UHS not only because I knew everyone and they knew me becasue really I had more acdedemic options and a wonderful 3 years I would give anything to finish my Senior year (2011) in UHS. Despite it's flawless.

I am currently a senior at UHS. I must say within the past four years of my high school career this school has gone downhill. In 2006 this school was filled with various programs to help you build a successful future either through college or anything else. It valued its AP students, its C.A.S.T and Allied Health Programs and etc. However as the years progressed the school's environment decreased. Students from other townships entered and disturbed the traditionally values and the students of Union. There were more failures and less AP students. More bathroom restrictions and less privileges. In the end we've reached a point where electives and AP and Honors courses are being cut because there are not enough students taking these classes and too many kids have failed state tests. I am totally displeased with the current and future states of the school.
--Submitted by a student

I am currently a senior attending Union High School and have witnessed the changes over the years. I find my high school experience extremely enriching. This mainly correlates with the fact that I have had honors and AP classes all my life. Senior year there were not many courses that I was interested in that were honors or AP so I opted to take 'regular' classes for a change. Some teachers spoon-feed their students more than others, which can be a good and bad thing. Union High School also offers a competitive JROTC program, athletics, clubs and PAC. I have participated in most of them and students that do not get involved really miss out. I do, however, realize that the administration is not always at its best. My year, class of 2009, has experienced the most changes when it comes to UHS protocol.
--Submitted by a student

As a junior, I went to one of the best schools in Henrico County,Virginia (Godwin High School) and moved to Jersey and went to this school. At first it was a BIG culture shock because the school was so diverse and my old school was mostly white, but that is why i loved it so much. Academics here are a joke, atleast compared to my old school. The school is kind of 'ghetto', i have never been to a school where there was atleast 2 fights per week, and i have never been to a school where ceilings are falling because they are leaking ! All in all, i loved my experience here. The teachers were so nice and helpful ! I recently moved back to VA and really wish i could have stayed because i loved it here so much
--Submitted by a student

I am currently a sophomore in Union High and I have to say, despite a few derelicts, this is a very good school. The teachers actually do challenge you, even in remedial classes (from what I have heard.) This school offers a wide variety of electives and advanced placement classes, some of which will give college credits at both UCC and Seton Hall. While this school is known for its JROTC program and we are the number one unit in the state, we are no longer the number 1 drill team. Rahway high has the best... My only real complaint is the ceiling. It is leaking and the school board refuses to repair it.
--Submitted by a student

I just moved out of Union last year, and everyday I miss it. The school I attend now is suppose to provide me with more college opportunites, but I oppose of that everyday. This is because Union provides Honors and AP to students so early on, 8th grade to be exact, which prepares them to be in Honors and AP courses later in their high school careers. The teachers always challenge you, but if you do need help, they wouldn't hesistate to help. It's true that some students seem to put a bad reputation on Union, but I believe they are such a small percentage. Everyone that I met in Union High School seem very educated and proper. I never disliked Mondays all because the atmosphere around Union was so comfortable. Therefore, please don't believe that Union is becoming innercity because it has so much to offer and everyone is friendly.
--Submitted by a student

My friends and i are juniors, and we sit at lunch and discuss how we are the last civilized class year in the school. Personally we feel the school is going downhill each year in quality. I still like Union Highschool because i've been in the Union school system all my life but i have a feeling that when i graduate it's just going to be another inner city school with bad grades and troublesome students.
--Submitted by a student

Personally, I'm sorry we didn't move out of Union, 15 years ago when I wanted to just so that my children wouldn't have to go to Union High School. My children are not getting the education they should be getting because teachers have to spend a great deal of time calming students down before actually being able to begin teaching. I, as a decent parent, have taught my children not to misbehave in school or anywhere else and also not to start trouble. They are therefore, a minority in the school system. I strongly feel that if children do not want to be in school for the education they are entitled to, then they should not be allowed to go to school and disrupt the students that do behave and want to learn and further their educations and lives.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a little bit of everything. I just graduated from there a couple years ago and I can tell you every year it gets worser and worser. But if your kid can overcome peer prssure and just worry about himself and his school work he should be alright.
--Submitted by a former student

While there are excellent programs, the level of student is declining. I suppose if a student truly wants to learn they can, but I feel there should be as few distractions as possible, and this is not always the case in this school. The teachers are great, but can be overwhelmed by the lack of cooperation from students who would rather not be there.
--Submitted by a parent