“Bring higher education to the area” was the intention. Here we are in front of Henry Snyder High School. This is a place with a story deeply connected to Jersey City.
Henry Snyder High School opened its doors in 1924. But the story began earlier. In 1921 the land was purchased for $57550. Construction started in 1923. The school is named after Henry Snyder. He came to Jersey City in 1887. Snyder taught Latin and Greek at Jersey City High School. That school is now known as Dickinson High School. Later he became superintendent of schools.
Henry Snyder High School is not just a place of learning. It is also home to the Academy of the Arts. This four-year performing arts program serves students from ninth through twelfth grades. The Academy operates as part of the Jersey City Public Schools.
Henry Snyder High School has been accredited since 1940. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools gave the accreditation. As of 2023-24 school year, the school had 747 students. There were 69.1 classroom teachers. The student-teacher ratio was 10.8:1.
The school’s colors are black and orange. The sports teams are called the Tigers. They compete in the Hudson County Interscholastic League. Henry Snyder High School also participates in the North Jersey Super Football Conference.
Henry Snyder High School has a rich athletic history. The boys bowling team won the overall state championship in 1963. The boys track team has also achieved significant success. They won the Group IV indoor track championship multiple times.
The boys basketball team won the Group III state championship in 1990. They defeated John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in the final. The score was 65-46.
Many notable people have walked the halls of Henry Snyder High School. Nick Adams was an actor who appeared in Hollywood films and on television. Rafael Addison played professional basketball in the NBA. Walker Lee Ashley played in the NFL. Glenn Cunningham served in the New Jersey Senate and was the first African American Mayor of Jersey City. Leon Gast was a film director best known for his documentary “When We Were Kings”. Derek Luke is an actor who won awards for his performance in the film “Antwone Fisher”. Harold Reitman is an orthopedic surgeon and professional boxer. Peter Sliker was an opera singer with the Metropolitan Opera.
The school’s principal is Troy Smith. He leads the school with three assistant principals.
As you leave Henry Snyder High School remember its history. Think about the students who have passed through its doors. Consider the contributions they have made to the world. This school has stood as a beacon of education in Jersey City for a century. It continues to shape young minds and inspire future generations.