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Edison schools outline expansion of career academies and show student research from Rutgers FAME
Summary
The Edison Township School District presented plans to expand STEM, biomedical, computer science and business academies across its two high schools for the 2026–27 school year and showcased student work from a Rutgers FAME program; the district set an admissions timeline with applications opening Dec. 5 and decisions in March.
Edison Township officials on Monday presented a plan to expand four career academies across Edison High School and John P. Stevens High School and highlighted student projects developed in partnership with Rutgers University.
The superintendent’s office described the academies — STEM, Biomedical Science (initially at J.P. Stevens), Business and Computer Science — as pathways that provide project-based learning, clinical simulations and industry-relevant coursework. District presenters said the expansions aim to prepare students for college and careers, with programming that includes mentorships, CTSO/DECA competitions and a cybersecurity track.
The expansion follows a district strategic plan that the superintendent cited as prioritizing rigorous academies and pathways. Lianne Rubiano, a teacher at Edison High, and students from the Rutgers FAME (Food, Agriculture and Marine Ecosystems) program showed short documentaries produced during an 11‑week collaboration that placed students in Rutgers labs and connected them with researchers. Student speakers described research on plant pathogen resistance, tissue culture and gene editing and said the experience included collaboration on a USDA grant and hands‑on lab exposure.
District presenters gave a structured admissions timeline for middle‑school applicants: the application window will open Dec. 5 and close Dec. 23, teacher recommendations are due Jan. 16, entrance exams will be held in January with interviews in February, and families will be notified of admissions in March. Presenters said the process is intended to be equitable and transparent.
Board members and administrators thanked students and staff for the programs. The superintendent said the Rutgers partnership and the academies together offer expanded opportunities for student research and applied learning. The board also asked that enrollment criteria and timelines be posted online for parents and students.
The district noted that continued operation of some partnerships and programs is contingent on external funding. Presenters said Rutgers must secure certain funding for a summer cohort, but if funding is obtained the district hopes to run both summer and fall cohorts in subsequent years.
The board’s finance report said the district will soon put HVAC projects out to bid for several elementary schools to improve infrastructure, and committee members noted that additional facility and contract work is underway to support instructional spaces.
The board plans follow-up outreach to middle schools to describe academy options to families and a distribution of formal admissions materials before the application window opens.
