Union City High School

Can you imagine a high school with a football field on its roof? That’s Union City High School for you. Right here in Union City, New Jersey, this architectural marvel stands tall, a symbol of innovation and community spirit. Union City High School opened its doors in September 2009, a beacon of progress, merging the former Union Hill High School and Emerson High School. This wasn’t just a new building; it was a new era for education in Union City, the first high school built in 90 years. And what a building it is. Costing a staggering $180 million, the school occupies a prominent spot between Kennedy Boulevard and Summit Avenue, from 24th to 26th Street. The four-story structure boasts 66 classrooms, each equipped with Mac computers, SMART Boards, and Wi-Fi, fostering a modern learning environment. Union City High School is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a vibrant hub of learning, where students can explore diverse subjects, from robotics and forensic science to fashion design and Mandarin Chinese. The Academy for Enrichment and Advancement, located a block south on Kerrigan Avenue, provides specialized programs for students interested in science and engineering. This academy’s success has even led to the creation of another STEM academy in the city. Imagine taking advanced placement calculus while gazing at the Manhattan skyline. That’s a reality for students at Union City High School, thanks to the incredible rooftop athletic field known as the Eagle’s Nest. This unique three-acre space offers breathtaking views and eliminates the need for students to travel off-campus for sports. But the Eagle’s Nest isn’t the only special feature. The school also houses a 910-seat auditorium that doubles as the Union City Performing Arts Center, a pediatric health center, and a media center named after former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. Even the grounds surrounding the school have a story to tell. The school sits on the former site of Roosevelt Stadium, a historic Art Deco stadium that hosted countless events, including Thanksgiving Turkey Games between the former rival high schools. A piece of the old brewery foundation that predated the stadium was even unearthed during construction. Union City High School is a testament to the power of community and the belief in providing quality education for all. It’s a place where students are encouraged to soar, both academically and personally.