The Career Academy model debuted in Toms River Regional Schools in September 2017 and has continued to grow and evolve, providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, develop real-world skills, and prepare for college and future careers.
Our Career Academies offer specialized programs of study that expose students to innovative teaching methods, industry-specific tools and resources, authentic learning experiences, and challenging coursework. Through partnerships with colleges and universities, businesses, industry professionals, and community organizations, students are able to connect what they learn in the classroom to opportunities beyond high school.
The Academies are designed to prepare students for specialized college programs and careers by providing high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences, many of which offer opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized certifications, college credit, and other credentials. The Academy model also allows the district to develop and strengthen pathways that can expand opportunities for students across all three high schools.
Arts Academy
At High School North, the Arts Academy builds on a strong culture of arts-infused education, preparing students to pursue pathways in the Performing, Fine, and Digital Arts while also teaching them to apply creativity across disciplines. Students learn to experiment, innovate, create, collaborate, and express themselves, skills that are valuable in college, careers, and beyond.
STEAM Academy
The STEAM Academy (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) at High School East includes specialized areas of study in Engineering, Biomedicine, Digital Media and Broadcast Journalism, and Environmental and Marine Science.
Coursework provides students with opportunities to explore areas such as medicine, engineering, scientific research, genetics, advanced manufacturing, media, and environmental science. Students engage in hands-on learning with a strong emphasis on problem solving, inquiry, innovation, and the design process.
Business Academy
High School South is home to the Business Academy, featuring pathways in Finance and Entrepreneurship/Real Estate. Whether students are interested in finance, marketing, real estate, entrepreneurship, or starting their own business, the Academy provides opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected economy.
Army JROTC Academy
The Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Academy, housed at High School North and open to high school students throughout the district, develops leadership, citizenship, character, student achievement, health and wellness, and teamwork. The program is conducted through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense and Toms River Regional Schools.
Through cadet-led programs, competitions, service, and leadership experiences, students develop valuable skills including communication, teamwork, time management, self-discipline, and leadership while preparing for a wide range of postsecondary options, including college and the workforce.
Future Teacher Academy
New for the 2026–2027 school year, Toms River Regional Schools is excited to launch the Future Teacher Academy at all three district high schools, creating a new pathway for students interested in exploring a future in education. As the Academy’s first cohort, students have the unique opportunity to help shape a new program while getting an early start on their own path toward becoming an educator.
The Future Teacher Academy combines education-focused coursework with authentic, hands-on experiences designed to give students a true look at the teaching profession. Students have opportunities to earn college credit through dual enrollment, participate in field experiences throughout our district schools, and work alongside experienced educators who serve as mentors.
By connecting high school coursework, college learning, mentorship, and real classroom experiences, the Future Teacher Academy creates a pathway from our classrooms back to our classrooms, inspiring the next generation of educators while giving students a meaningful head start on college and their future careers.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Since their inception, our Career Academies have connected students with mentors, community partners, colleges and universities, guest speakers, and industry professionals. These partnerships have provided students with access to new spaces, equipment, technology, experiences, coursework, and real-world learning opportunities.
As our Career Academies continue to grow, so does our commitment to creating pathways that allow students to discover their strengths, explore possible futures, and graduate prepared for what comes next.