NEW JERSEY’S HONORED TRAILBLAZER AND PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATE JEANNINE LARUE TO SERVE AS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER FOR CENTRAL JERSEY COLLEGE PREP’S 2025 GRADUATING CLASS

100% of CJCP’s Class of ‘25 to Attend College Next Fall – For the 15th Straight Year!

[Franklin, New Brunswick and North Brunswick, New Jersey – June 12, 2025] Central Jersey College Prep Charter School (CJCP), rated the top-ranked public charter high school in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report, announced today that Jeannine LaRue will serve as Commencement Speaker for its in-person graduation ceremony taking place on Wednesday, June 18th at 5:30 pm.  

Ms. LaRue follows a distinguished list of CJCP speakers that have included in recent years, New Jersey State Senator and Education Committee Chair Vin Gopal, JerseyCAN Executive Director Paula White, New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Chief Community Development Officer Tai Cooper, and The Rev. DeForest B. Soaries, former Secretary of State of New Jersey and chairman of the federal Election Assistance Commission.

With over 40 years of public service and perspective, Jeannine LaRue’s professional experience within New Jersey has been unparalleled.  Currently, Ms. LaRue serves as Partner at Moxie Strategies, a newly established public affairs firm owned by women, minorities, and LGBTQIA+ professionals, and is the founder of the well-known blog and podcast, the LaRue List Cafe.  Prior, she served Rutgers University as Vice President of Public Affairs, where she was a member of the University President’s Cabinet and charged with advancing the University’s goals of cultivating and maintaining relationships with key leaders in the public and private sectors; was appointed by former Governor Jim Florio to a five-year term to the Casino Control Commission; and served as Deputy Chief of Staff for former New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine, where she directed the Office of Appointments, the Office of Constituency Services and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.  She also served as Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs for RWJBarnabas, New Jersey’s largest healthcare system and the State’s third-largest private employer. During her decade-long tenure at the RWJBarnabas, Ms. LaRue advised the CEO, senior management, and physicians on legislative and regulatory matters.  

Ms. LaRue is also a former New Jersey Penns Grove High School English teacher.  In 1979, she was elected in Winslow Township as the first woman, first minority, and the youngest person elected to public office, sitting on both the Board of Education and Town Council for 12 years. A long-time champion of issues affecting women and children, she convened the first-ever Statewide Women’s Summit in 1992.  The event's success was noted by then-Governor Whitman, who made the annual event a function of state government and changed the name to The Governor’s Conference for Women.  Serving on scores of charitable and non-profit boards, Jeannine has been honored by more than 70 organizations. She is a former Chair of Women Advocating for Good Government (WAGG) and Women’s Political Caucus-NJ’s (WPC-NJ) Political Action Committee. She is a founding board member and former chair of the Wynona’s House Child Advocacy Center in Newark and was the first African American woman to serve as President of the prestigious Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ), the region’s leading not-for-profit organization promoting women’s executive leadership in business and on corporate boards.  She is a graduate of Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan University, and is the mother of two children and grandmother of five.

"The CJCP community is honored to have Jeannine serve as the Commencement Speaker to our graduates this year.  She is a New Jersey trailblazer in every sense of the word," stated Dr. Namik Sercan, CJCP's Chief Education Officer.  "Her perspective on life and her deep experience and expertise in core areas of our state, such as government service, policy expertise, and advocacy, are simply unmatched.  To anyone who knows Ms. LaRue, she is a living New Jersey treasure.   Her work, leadership, passion, and activism stretches throughout many areas of New Jersey, and her words and perspective will provide deep impact and reflection for our students and families.  We are grateful for her support and look forward to celebrating as a community later this month.”

"CJCP is showing parents throughout Central Jersey and electeds in Trenton that many solutions to our education challenges are being solved right here at home,”  stated Jeannine LaRue. "I am so honored to join Dr. Sercan and the CJCP community for graduation, and I look forward to meeting and celebrating with the Class of ‘24.” 

Just last week, CJCP announced today that for the fifteenth straight school year, 100 percent of its senior class will be graduating on time this Spring and that every member of the Class of ‘25 has also been accepted to a college or university next Fall, continuing an unprecedented senior class streak for CJCP which began in 2011.  For the last number of consecutive years, in its annual nationwide ranking of high schools, U.S. News and World Report has ranked CJCP as the top public charter high school in  New Jersey and has also ranked CJCP in the top ten percent of all high schools ranked in New Jersey.  The U.S. Department of Education has named CJCP a “National Blue-Ribbon School,” the highest possible designation granted to a K-12 school. The New Jersey Department of Education has provided CJCP with a Tier 1 designation, the highest possible ranking for a public charter school in the State.  In addition, the school has been widely cited for its exemplary high-performing classrooms and work in closing the achievement gap within the Central Jersey region. 

WHO:        Jeannine Larue - Commencement Speaker

WHAT:       CJCP's Class of 2025 Graduation

WHEN:      Wednesday, June 18th at 5:30 pm

WHERE:    Central Jersey Collegiate Prep,
                   101 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873

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CJCP CLASS OF 2025: A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE CONTINUES…
SENIOR CLASS ACCEPTED TO THE TOP SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY

For 15th Year in a Row - ​​Senior Class Concludes School Year with

100% Graduation and 100% College Acceptance Rate

[Franklin, New Brunswick and North Brunswick, New Jersey – June 9, 2025] Central Jersey College Prep (CJCP) announced today that for the fifteenth straight school year, 100 percent of its senior class will be graduating on time this spring and that every member of the Class of ‘25 has also been accepted to a college or university next fall, continuing an unprecedented senior class streak for CJCP which began in 2011.  

This year’s graduating class will once again attend some of the most elite institutions in the country, such as West Point, Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University: Tepper School of Business, Georgetown University, Rutgers Honors College, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of North Carolina, and University of Maryland, many with significant merit-based and need-based scholarships totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, 

For the last number of consecutive years, in its annual nationwide ranking of high schools, U.S. News and World Report has ranked CJCP as the top public charter high school in  New Jersey and has also ranked CJCP in the top ten percent of all high schools ranked in New Jersey.  The U.S. Department of Education has named CJCP a “National Blue-Ribbon School,” the highest possible designation granted to a K-12 school. The New Jersey Department of Education has provided CJCP with a Tier 1 designation, the highest possible ranking for a public charter school in the State.  In addition, the school has been widely cited for exemplary high-performing classrooms and its work in closing the Achievement Gap within the Central Jersey region. 

“CJCP is so proud to provide Central Jersey parents with one of the best public high schools in the county, and this time of year serves as a very special moment to showcase the great success, hard work, and results of our academic community,” stated Dr. Namik Sercan, CJCP’s Chief Education Officer. “Once again, our graduating scholars showcase what positive, generational change in our public schools can look like, if given a chance.  CJCP educates some of the most at-risk and educationally disadvantaged students living in Central Jersey, with many never daring to dream of attending college before setting foot in our school.  Yet, each year, parents depend on CJCP and are provided with the security and trust that every child, regardless of race or income, will receive a great education, graduate on time, and be accepted to college.  This is our promise - and we have now delivered for 15 years in a row.  While we have so much to celebrate, our students' accomplishments once again remind us that every New Jersey public school student can succeed if provided with access to great teachers, facilities, and a strong learning environment.  We are so proud of our students and thankful for the tremendous support we have received throughout our communities, and wish our seniors the very best.”

“CJCP demonstrates how public charter schools change lives and strengthen communities,” stated Harry Lee, President and CEO of the Public Charter Schools Association.  “For fifteen consecutive years, every single student who has graduated from CJCP has graduated on time and has been accepted to college.  CJCP is a shining example of the potential and value that a strong public charter school can provide to a community. The teachers they have recruited and trained, the learning environment they have built, the commitment and love they provide their students, and the opportunity this has all created are the reasons why parents so deeply want their children to attend CJCP.  We congratulate CJCP for this impressive record and wish the senior class the very best.”

CJCP PTSO President, Jennifer Yamout Mwango, added, “As Central Jersey parents, we couldn’t be more proud of our students and our deep connection to CJCP’s academic community. The success of our children is a reflection of what happens when dedication, support, and opportunity come together. We hope this moment and their success will serve as a needed call to action.  We must continue to fight to ensure every child in our area is provided the opportunity to attend a great school.”

“CJCP gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had elsewhere,” said Burak Cebe, graduating senior, Congressional Award Gold Medalist, and future West Point cadet. “Being able to start student-run clubs and dive into unique academic interests helped me grow and stand out in college admissions. I’m grateful for the high expectations, the values CJCP instilled in us, and the experiences that prepared me for this next chapter. I hope more students in our area get the same public school opportunity I had.”

“CJCP allowed me to earn an associate’s degree while still in high school, which played a key role in my acceptance to Georgia Tech.  Having access to that kind of academic opportunity early on made a real difference in shaping my college journey and future life,” stated Dev Patel, CJCP graduating senior, Congressional Award Gold Medalist.  “One of CJCP’s greatest strengths is its unique K-12 community, which allows elementary and middle school students to witness the achievements of their older peers firsthand. I remember and knew those before me.  The daily exposure to role models fosters ambition, focus, and a long-term mindset. Their example had a real impact on me, and I hope that, in some way, the Class of 2025 will leave a similar legacy for the CJCP generations that come after me and my graduating class.”

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US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT'S ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS NAME CENTRAL JERSEY COLLEGE PREP THE TOP PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL IN NEW JERSEY

Award-Winning Blue-Ribbon High School Also Ranked 1st Nationally in Graduation Rate and 29th as the Overall Best High School in New Jersey

[New Jersey – September 6, 2023] As classroom doors open throughout the Garden State, marking the beginning of a new school year, U.S. News and World Report announced its annual nationwide ranking of high schools, naming Central Jersey College Prep (CJCP) as the top public charter high school in the State of New Jersey. In addition to its top public charter designation, CJCP also ranked #29th as the overall best high school in New Jersey and tied for #1st in the entire country in graduation rate. The annual national report also goes on to cite CJCP's student body, with over 89% minority enrolment and over 25% of its student body as "economically disadvantaged."

 "For generations, families in Central Jersey lacked resources, opportunity, and consistency regarding their public education system, especially for minority families in our area. CJCP is proud that our teachers, staff, students, and parents have been instrumental in changing the learning paradigm in our local communities," stated Dr. Namik Sercan, CJCP's Chief Education Officer. "Whether it be the awards, graduation rates, test scores, or college acceptance, there is no question that together, we are truly changing lives for students who have been ignored for far too long and providing real hope to Franklin, North Brunswick, and New Bunswick's most at-risk students. While CJCP is so proud to have received top honors from U.S. News and World Report's annual high school rankings, we also fiercely believe that every student in our area deserves a great education. We hope these kinds of accolades may hopefully provide justification and approval from the State to serve more students in the future."

"As the waiting lists to attend CJCP piles up each year, it truly pains me that more students are not allowed to attend CJCP," stated Makeda Fryson, CJCP PTSO President. "Parents should have the ability to choose which public school best serves the needs of their child - and shouldn't be concerned about availability nor backlash when having to make such a crucial decision. Parent's choice matters - and it's a choice that is not taken lightly. While I love celebrating the kinds of results U.S. News and World Report indicated in their rankings, I am not surprised because their focus has always been the students. Everyone's focus should be the students."

Today's announcement continues CJCP's long standard of national excellence. The U.S. Department of Education previously named CJCP as a "2016 National Blue-Ribbon School," the highest possible designation granted to a K-12 school. CJCP has also been widely cited for exemplary high-performing classrooms and their work closing the achievement gap within the Central Jersey region. In addition, CJCP has also been awarded by the New Jersey Department of Education with a Tier 1 designation, the highest possible ranking for a public charter school in the State.

For more information on how U.S. News and World Report evaluates public high schools, please see their methodology.

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FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER TO HONOR CENTRAL JERSEY COLLEGE PREP CHARTER SCHOOL FOR "STUDENT LEADERSHIP"

[Somerset, New Jersey – April 17, 2021] The Franklin Township's Chamber of Commerce will honor six Central Jersey College Prep Charter School (CJCP) students during its annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 19th. Joining a variety of other 2023 honorees, such as previous chamber leaders and local stalwarts in areas such as "Public Service" and "Small Business," CJCP students Chakshu Mittal, Daniel Spencer, Elif Cebe, Rayan Dumasia, Adwita Jagannathan, and Sohum Sheth will be recognized for their service in the area of "Student Leadership."

"The CJCP community is truly honored that our students will be recognized by the Chamber for their commitment to leadership in Franklin Township," stated Dr. Namik Sercan, CJCP's Chief Education Officer. "Every Franklin family deserves a thriving public education system, regardless of their income bracket, skin color, or special needs. We remain committed to recruiting of the best public school teachers in the country, ensuring our community's public school students receive greater opportunity and access to college, and, most of all, that as a community, we all work together to address the high expectations of our local parents. A big part of realizing this mission is ensuring that our students reflect the values of our great community and that each is instilled with a real sense of responsibility to give back to Franklin. For this reason, we are so thankful to the Chamber for honoring these great students and pleased their hard work and commitment to the community will be showcased town-wide."

The following details the community work of the six CJCP students that will be honored on Wednesday, April 19th:

• Chakshu Mittal has raised thousands of dollars and awarenesses for various humanitarian aid programs, showcasing her selfless spirit and commitment to positively impacting society. She will attend Rutgers University Pharmacy School in the Fall.
• Daniel Spencer is a multifaceted talent who has been admitted to the prestigious West Point Academy, the world's premier leader-development institution. 
• Elif Cebe has received the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the U.S. Congress's highest honor for youth, for her outstanding achievements and contributions. She will attend Brown University's pre-law track in the Fall.
• Rayan Dumasia, Adwita Jagannathan, and Sohum Sheth are winners of the Future City Awards in STEM and engineering. Each has received numerous awards for their creative thinking, engineering skills, and innovative projects. 

Since the school first launched in 2011, 100% of CJCP's senior class has graduated on time each Spring and been accepted to a college or university for the following year.  Last year, U.S. News and World Report announced in its annual nationwide ranking of high schools that CJCP ranks as the top public charter high school in the State of New Jersey and also ranked the school #32 among all 406 high schools in New Jersey and #707 out of nearly 24,000 public high schools in 50 state and the District of Columbia. The U.S. Department of Education previously named CJCP a "National Blue-Ribbon School," the highest possible designation granted to a K-12 school, and has also been awarded by the New Jersey Department of Education with a Tier 1 designation, the highest possible ranking for a public charter school in the State. 

For those interested in attending or supporting the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Diner, please contact the Chamber at [email protected].

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US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT’S ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS MAKES CENTRAL JERSEY COLLEGE PREP THE TOP PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL IN NEW JERSEY

Award-Winning Blue-Ribbon High School Also Ranked #1 Nationally in Graduation Rate and Named #33 as the Best Overall High School in the State

[Somerset and New Brunswick, New Jersey – May 4, 2021] U.S. News and World Report announced last week in its annual nationwide ranking of high schools, that Central Jersey College Prep (CJCP) was ranked as the top public charter high school in the State of New Jersey, along with the top national ranking for its 100 % graduation rate.  In addition to its top public charter designation, CJCP also ranked #33 among 424 high schools ranked in New Jersey, #797 in its national ranking system, and #157 compared to other public charter schools nationwide.  The 2021 edition of Best High Schools includes a numerical ranking of nearly each of the 18,000 public high schools nationwide. 

“We are so proud to have received this top honor from U.S. News and World Report’s annual high school rankings, but let’s not forget that our most important rating system comes from the work we do to confront systemic racism in our public education system and creating generational change for some of the most at-risk students in New Jersey,” stated Dr. Namik Sercan, CJCP’s Chief Education Officer.  “Whether it be through awards, graduation rates, test scores, family demand, or student success after graduation, we have seen success in many ways since we first launched in 2006.  Every one of these accolades comes from the cumulative passion and dedication of our committed parents, teachers, staff, and students.  Together, we have built a community that is based on high expectations, opportunity for all, and our deep-seated roots to the towns of Somerset and New Brunswick which we serve.”

"CJCP is a great school of choice for the Somerset, North Brunswick, and New Brunswick families for one simple reason; parents know if our kids attend CJCP, we have faith that our kids will be receiving a great education and find the opportunity to build a strong future. We see the statistics that prove CJCP carries its promise every year," stated parent Kimberly Davison. "While other high schools in our area spend upwards of $10,000 more tax dollars per student, CJCP somehow does far more with far less. My only wish was that more people in our community had the opportunity to attend this nationally recognized public school."

In addition, to today’s announcement, CJCP has a long standard of national excellence.  The U.S. Department of Education has previously named the public charter school a “2016 National Blue-Ribbon School,” the highest possible designation granted to a K-12 school.  CJCP has also been widely cited for exemplary high-performing classrooms and their work in closing the Achievement Gap within the Central Jersey region.  In addition, CJCP has also been awarded by the New Jersey Department of Education with a Tier 1 designation, the highest possible ranking for a public charter school in the State.

For more information on how U.S. News evaluates public high schools, please see the methodology.

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CENTRAL JERSEY COLLEGE PREP CHARTER SCHOOL

JOINS TOGETHER TO SUPPORT SPRING FOOD DRIVE

FOR THE UNITY SQUARE COMMUNITY CENTER

Community Service Project Showcases the Importance of Being a Part of the Community

[Somerset/New Brunswick, New Jersey – April 22, 2021] Central Jersey College Prep Charter School (CJCP) announced that students, teachers, parents, and staff joined together and organized a Spring Food Drive that benefited Unity Square Community Center. Today's announcement comes on the heels of a recent project to support the Franklin Township Food Bank. 

Michele Gil, Community Organizer, expressed gratitude on behalf of Catholic Charities and Unity Square Community Center for the CJCP's food donation to the underserved residents of the Unity Square Neighborhood. She added, "Under the auspices of Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, Unity Square provides food and other needed items to the community every Tuesday." 

"Right now, throughout our area, families face food insecurity. In the midst of a global pandemic, it has been especially tough for many non-profits in our area as they address the needs of so many," stated Dr. Namik Sercan, Chief Education Officer. "It is so important to understand that education goes far beyond lesson plans and classroom work. Giving back and remaining loyal to our community serves not only as an important value that CJCP showcases to our student body, but it's an anchor in everything we do. CJCP community prioritizes service, and we are so proud to see our community come together to support Spring Food Drive. We urge everyone to please contribute to this important cause."

"CJCP is a community first - and school second," stated Sherrie Schneider, PTSO President. "I am proud of the top-notch education my child is receiving and reassured every day knowing she is attending one of the highest performing schools in New Jersey. I am far more impressed with the values that they instill into our students and our families on giving back to the community and those in need. CJCP is always finding ways to reach out and support local families, shelters, and our food bank at every opportunity."

The CJCP community outreach team is looking out for opportunities to facilitate mutual collaborations with local community centers, food banks, libraries, senior centers, animal shelters, and more. 

Central Jersey College Prep Charter School is one of the highest-performing public schools in the State of New Jersey and named by the US Department of Education as a "National Blue-Ribbon School."

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SOMERSET AND NEW BRUNSWICK PARENTS
LOOK FOR STRONGER ACADEMICS AND GREATER OPPORTUNITY
AT CENTRAL JERSEY COLLEGE PREP

[Somerset and New Brunswick, New Jersey - March 15, 2021] Central Jersey College Prep (CJCP), one of the highest-performing public schools in the State of New Jersey, announced today that over 1,400 parents have attempted to enroll their children in the school for the 2021-2022 school year. CJCP, a public charter school open to all families free of charge within the Somerset, North Brunswick, and New Brunswick school districts, will only have 150 open classroom seats available to the community for next year.

With the line of parent interest in CJCP far exceeding the enrollment limit allowed by the New Jersey Department of Education, almost 90 percent of all enrollees will not be allowed entry to the school. On March 17 and 18th, CJCP will be forced to conduct a lottery to determine acceptance.

Based on national standards of excellence, CJCP has previously been named by the US Department of Education as a “National Blue Ribbon School.” This is the highest possible designation granted to a K-12 school and has been cited for exemplary high-performing classrooms and their work in closing the Achievement Gap within the Central Jersey region. In addition, CJCP has also been awarded by the New Jersey Department of Education with a Tier 1 designation, the highest possible ranking for a public charter school in the State.

“This time of year is always bittersweet. While we are so thrilled and thankful for the passion and interest of parents, we also are concerned and frustrated that there are thousands of families waiting for the State to provide greater opportunity and access to our classrooms,” stated Dr. Namik Sercan, Chief Education Officer for CJCP. “Parents are demanding that their children attend CJCP because we have the greatest track record of achievement of any public school in the area. Our students are provided the strongest academics and support possible – and we ensure that every one of our students attends and stays in College. We look forward to our lottery this week and ushering in our allotted 150 new students. Still, CJCP will continue to fight for the many families who continue to wait, hoping for equity, respect, and the hope for a better life for their children.”

“Look at the data. This happens every year. Thousands of parents are not being allowed access to this great public school. As a CJCP parent and community leader, there is nothing more painful than our annual lottery. Talking to parents who do not “win” the lottery is heartbreaking, and it does not need to be this way,” Sherrie Schneider, CJCP PTSO President. “All children, no matter who they are, deserve an outstanding education and hope for the future. I am proud of the academic success of CJCP. But I am prouder that each year, the school challenges the NJDOE to open its enrollment to more families throughout our area. We simply cannot forget the families that are waiting. There are a small handful of elected officials who simply do not care about the needs and demands of parents. Instead, they create unnecessary division and roadblocks rather than do what is best for our kids – and that is a shame.”

"If I hadn't attended CJCP, I wouldn't have access to the amazing opportunities that the school has to offer and the strong support system from the faculty, staff, and other students attending here as well. I wouldn't be where I am today at Princeton University without the inspiration from those around me," stated CJCP graduate, Christine Nguyen. "Every day I realize that the day I was picked by the lottery system to enroll in this school was a big turning point that enabled me to grow as a student, and as a person through my experiences here that I felt I would not have gained enrolling in a public school in my township. I'm proud to attend this school and hope that in the future, others will recognize that the values CJCP enforces works to encourage students to reach success in their own ways, and the fate of our community is dependent on allowing more students to attend a great school like ours."

To review a full report of the various awards provided to CJCP, please click here.

This year’s CJCP lottery will occur on Wednesday, March 17 for K-5 and Thursday, March 18 for grades 6-12. Both lotteries start at 1:30 pm and can be viewed online on CJCP’s YouTube Channel.

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