It does not take long to notice a difference when you visit the campus at Union Catholic located on Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains. The sense of pride is palpable. It comes from each student and faculty member that walks by, knowing they are a part of something bigger than themselves. It is visible on the hallway walls and the banners waving in the gym. Pride lights up the electric signage at the front entrance, recognizing the school’s accomplishments for all to see.
The leadership at Union Catholic will tell you, “This isn’t just a school; it’s a launchpad for success, shaping students into confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for whatever path they choose”. Since opening their doors in 1962 Union Catholic has committed to providing families with far more than just a High School education and academic excellence. An investment in Union Catholic opens doors to long-term opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.
What differentiates Union Catholic? Approximately 600 co-ed students coming from across 5 NJ counties enjoy 6 learning levels to ensure individual success. The 14:1 Student to Faculty ratio allows educators to identify students’ unique needs whether it be additional support or advanced challenges. It is no wonder Union Catholic boasts a 100% college acceptance rate.
From a financial investment standpoint, UC’s Dual Enrollment Program offers students the opportunity to earn the equivalent of a full year of college credits while enrolled in high school. There are 24 Endowed Scholarships Opportunities and almost 40 other scholarships/funds available including monies dedicated to every grade level. The graduating class of 2024 was awarded an astounding $29,774,432 in Scholarships, including Ivy League and top colleges. This does not happen by accident. UC staff have forged relationships across colleges and universities to be able to proactively advocate for their students, whether it be for acceptance or additional funding.
Perhaps the greatest thing that sets Union Catholic apart is the vast network of over 12,000 alumni who have gone on to thrive in prestigious careers across industries. From Fortune 500 companies to groundbreaking entrepreneurs to NJ Supreme Court justices to Gold Medal Olympians, UC graduates make an impact wherever they go. And they help out their fellow alumni. Students graduating from Union Catholic lean into the alumni network for letters of reference, job interviews and coveted internships. The value of the alumni network is immeasurable, particularly for young people entering the workforce.
Union Catholic is well regarded for its Athletics Program with over 25 varsity sports and championship teams. What a lot of people don't know, however, is that it has also led the way with technology. UC served as pioneers using laptops in the classroom as early as 1997 and recently earned a Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Learning (RAIL) Endorsement.
Perhaps most importantly, Union Catholic is focused on character building; always working to foster authentic leadership in its students. With exclusive access to leadership development programs, career exploration opportunities, and mentorship from successful professionals, students are led by example to lead by example.
The sense of pride you feel walking the halls of Union Catholic is well earned. Every student embraces and embodies the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Compassion and Community. They represent these qualities every single day, and throughout their lives passing them on to future generations. And the impact of that is… priceless.