Beneath this very spot where James J. Ferris High School stands history unfolds. James J. Ferris High School has been a cornerstone of Jersey City education. It has been educating students from ninth through twelfth grades. Let’s dive into the story of this comprehensive public high school.
James J. Ferris High School is named after James J. Ferris. He was a civil engineer and politician in Jersey City. He is best known for his work on the Pennsylvania Railroad Harsimus Stem Embankment. He also worked on the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse foundation.
Since 1940, James J. Ferris High School has been accredited. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits it. The accreditation extends until July 2025.
As of 2023–24 school year, the enrollment was 1,345 students. The school has 94.1 classroom teachers. That makes the student to teacher ratio about 14.3 to 1. A significant portion of students are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch. 58.1% qualify for free lunch. 3.8% qualify for reduced-cost lunch.
Ferris offers specialized learning centers. These focus on Finance and Hospitality. Also Tourism and Management. Office Procedures and Marketing are included. And International Studies. The magnet courses include Accounting and Economics. Banking and Financial Planning are also available. Students can study Intro to Finance. Computer Business Applications 1 and 2 are further options. Seniors can take part in paid internships. Co-op programs are available at major companies. Companies like Merrill Lynch and Hyatt. Also Pershing and Bank of Tokyo. The Board of Education also participates.
James J. Ferris High School uses two buildings. There is a main building. Also a Junior Academy building. Each building has a gym. The school also has a swimming pool and a weight room. Next to the school is a soccer field. It’s used for activities and soccer games.
Ferris High School has various athletic teams. The James J. Ferris High School Bulldogs compete in the Hudson County Interscholastic League. The school is under the supervision of the NJSIAA. For football, they are in the North Jersey Super Football Conference.
Several notable individuals attended James J. Ferris High School. Robert Ashby was a Tuskegee Airman. June Kirby was an actress and model. Warren Loving played in the NFL. Aaron Manning also played in the NFL. Tony Nicodemo was a college basketball player. Ralph Peduto was an actor. Ray Radziszewski played professional basketball. Michael Angelo Saltarelli became a bishop. Fearon Wright played in the NFL.
In May 2019, James J. Ferris High School celebrated its 50th anniversary at the current location. Before 1969, the old Ferris High School was located where McNair Academic stands. The celebration included games, activities, and a community event. Graduates and former faculty were invited.
Kathleen, the great-granddaughter of James J. Ferris, created a fund for the school and the arts. The superintendent Mr. Franklin Walker graduated in 1970. He was invited to open the celebration.
The school’s principal is Deneen Alford-Burke. She leads the core administrative team. James J. Ferris High School continues to be a place of learning. It fosters growth and community engagement.