John P. Stevens High School

John P. Stevens High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school located in Edison, New Jersey, operating as part of the Edison Township Public Schools. Serving students in grades nine through twelve, the school is named for John P. Stevens, a prominent local industrialist and philanthropist. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Greater Middlesex Conference for athletic competition.

History

The school opened its doors in 1959 to accommodate the growing population of the post-war Baby Boom in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It was named for John P. Stevens, a former president of the J. P. Stevens & Co. textile empire and a major benefactor to the Edison community. The original campus was expanded significantly in the 1970s, with additions including a new library and additional classroom wings. Throughout its history, the school has been recognized for academic excellence, earning accolades from publications like *U.S. News & World Report* and the *Washington Post*. The school's architecture reflects the Mid-century modern style prevalent during its construction era.

Academics

The academic program offers a comprehensive curriculum including numerous Advanced Placement courses across disciplines such as Calculus, Biology, United States History, and English Literature and Composition. Students consistently perform above state and national averages on standardized assessments like the SAT and ACT. The school features specialized programs in STEM fields, including partnerships with local institutions like Rutgers University and competitions such as the Science Olympiad. World language offerings include Spanish, French, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese. The school is also home to an award-winning Model United Nations team and a nationally recognized DECA chapter focused on business education.

Athletics

John P. Stevens High School athletes, known as the Hawks, compete in the Greater Middlesex Conference and are classified within the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association's Central Jersey, Group V section for postseason tournaments. The school fields teams in a wide array of sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, wrestling, track and field, cross country, tennis, swimming, and bowling. The wrestling program has produced multiple individual state champions and the school's football team has won several NJSIAA sectional championships. Athletic facilities include an on-campus stadium, multiple gymnasiums, and dedicated fields for lacrosse and field hockey.

Extracurricular activities

A broad spectrum of clubs and activities includes a nationally competitive Academic Team, a Robotics team that participates in the FIRST Robotics Competition, and an active Thespian Society. The performing arts program features award-winning marching band, concert band, orchestra, and choir ensembles that perform at venues like the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Student publications include the *Hawkeye* newspaper and the *Aerie* literary magazine. Other notable organizations are the Environmental Club, the Future Business Leaders of America, and chapters of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Notable alumni

Notable graduates include Anthony Davis, a former National Football League linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams; Danny Graves, a former Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds; and James P. O'Neill, the former Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department. In entertainment, alumni include actress Michele Lee and film producer Kevin Messick. In academia and science, graduates include Dr. Nancy Connell, a noted microbiologist and professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Category:Public high schools in New Jersey Category:Educational institutions established in 1959 Category:Edison, New Jersey