Montville highlights expansion of math, science and business programs; biotechnology enrollment doubles

The Montville Township School District is expanding advanced STEM and business offerings, the district’s math, business and science supervisor told the board Tuesday, citing higher AP pass rates, growing enrollment in biotechnology and new student competitions and trips.

Sandy Schwartz, math, business and science supervisor, said four AP classes achieved a 100 percent pass rate and that Montville students outperformed New Jersey averages on statewide assessments. She noted program growth at multiple levels: nine elementary students are taking sixth‑grade math, 11 eighth‑graders are in honors geometry, and six students are enrolled in multivariable calculus.

Schwartz said the biotechnology program at the high school grew from 11 to 22 students in recent years while maintaining a 100 percent pass rate since the program’s start. She said students have presented at Rutgers’ Wakeman Scholar program, had work published, and attended the Rutgers cadaver lab. The district also has expanded forensics to a laboratory science with four sections and added HOSA and a women‑in‑science club.

At the middle school Lazar, Schwartz said staff piloted action‑based learning (ABL) initiatives and emphasized engineering and STEAM activities; elementary and middle schools have math‑focused clubs and expanded AMC participation. She also described development of a committee to study cell phone rules at the high school and a district‑wide rollout of Google Classroom to replace Schoology.

Board members praised the initiative, noting students’ real-world experiences, certifications and competitions. The presentation did not result in a vote; it served as an informational update to the board.