Sussex County charter school plans open house

SPARTA — The Sussex County Charter School for Technology will hold an open house on Sunday, Nov. 2, for area parents interested in sending their middle school students to the technology-focused public school.

"We are very happy to host area families with an interest in technology and an innovative public education option for their middle school students," said Jill Eckel, administrative principal of the charter school. "We are a caring community with a dedication to providing our students with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics opportunities."

The Sussex County Charter School for Technology has served students from Sparta, Sussex-Wantage, Montague, Hopatcong, Vernon, and all other surrounding towns within Sussex County since 1997. It is a public school where Sussex County parents can choose to send their students. It is aligned with the new Common Core state standards and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. There is no admissions test or tuition required to attend the school. Admission is based on a lottery process.

In addition to its engineering and lab science technology classes, students are able to take additional classes on the basics of computers, animation, video editing, drawing and drafting, 3-D design, graphic design, illustration, acoustic science, digital recording, and keyboarding.

Each of the school's 225 students also are provided with their own Chromebook laptop, adding to the school's growing technology network and educational opportunities. Students have access to thousands of educational apps that assist in student learning. The new format allows students to experience many of the essential 21st century skills necessary for collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving.

The Open House will be held at the school�s new campus at 385 North Church Road in Sparta, N.J. and will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Administrators and teachers will be available for tours and to answer questions.

For more information or a private tour, visit www.SussexCharter.org or call the school at 973-383-3250.