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Joseph Tweed chatting with students at Albertus Magnus High School

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Known & Valued

How Albertus Magnus High School Empowers Students to Lead, Serve and Inspire

At Albertus Magnus High School, education goes beyond academics—it's rooted in the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community and service for a meaningful high school experience.  

Founded in 1957 by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, this independent, Catholic coeducational high school is minutes away from Bergen County.  It has remained focused on its mission: to educate and develop future leaders to achieve academic excellence, seek truth, and respect the dignity of every individual. That mission is lived out each school year, building a strong and connected community of parents, students, alumni and friends of Albertus who believe in faith and family. 

As the 2025–2026 school year approaches, Head of School Joseph Tweed and the dedicated Albertus Magnus faculty are reaffirming that commitment—ensuring that students are not just enrolled, but truly seen, supported, and known. 

“As we prepare for the next school year,” Tweed said, “we are asking ourselves as a faculty and school community: ‘Are we doing our very best to help each student reach their full potential—academically, athletically, spiritually, and socially?’” 

At the heart of that question is the school’s guiding principle: Every student should feel known and valued. That approach begins during the admissions process with Falcon Ambassadors who share interests and goals.

As prospective students attend several events, such as Lead, Serve Inspire Day, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Family BBQ, they begin to feel at home long before Freshmen Orientation. 

Over the summer, Albertus offers a Summer Bridge Academy for a successful transition to high school, and their student mentors work diligently on the Peer Mentorship Program to create an immediate sense of belonging with upperclassmen. 

As students grow, so do their opportunities. Albertus Magnus offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and structured support through its programs such as Academic Pathways, College Partnerships, the Academic Achievement Center, and a well-connected College and School Counseling Department —all designed to help students explore their strengths, set purposeful goals, and prepare for college and life. 

Students take the lead in clubs and activities as they are student-led. Moderators guide and inspire each student’s passions.  The Leadership Institute courses that all freshmen and sophomores take enable them beyond the classroom. 

Not resting on laurels, Albertus will introduce new initiatives in the Fall to further nurture student growth.  From Wellness Wednesdays—dedicated to fostering both academic and social well-being—to expanded freshman elective offerings, students gain greater flexibility and choice in their schedules.  

That emphasis on choice and personalization is, after all, the heart of Albertus Magnus’ approach. Rebecca Mills, Director of College and School Counseling, fosters an environment where each student feels heard and supported throughout their four-year journey through a comprehensive guidance curriculum rooted in success.  The purposeful intent of a small class size makes big opportunities possible.   

“Our goal as college & school counselors, as well as faculty and staff, is to really get to know each student,” Mills said. “Not just what their goals are, but who they are. As a collective and partnering with their parents, we can help each student achieve.”  

This holistic approach extends to parents as well. For the parents of new students, Albertus Magnus’ community engagement is just as strong—creating meaningful connections in every part of the school experience. Noreen Power, Director of Admissions, emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and family engagement. 

“We want parents to feel comfortable reaching out,” she said. “We are here to partner with them throughout their child’s journey.”   

These efforts are what make Albertus Magnus stand out, the ability to build powerful relationships with each student, whether they come in as a freshman or a transfer student in their sophomore and junior years.  Watching the students grow in confidence is a highlight for faculty and staff alike.

“What I’m most proud of,” Tweed added, “is seeing our mission in action. Watching strong relationships form—between students, and between students and adults in the building—is something truly special. It’s at the heart of teaching our young adults to Lead themselves, Serve others, and Inspire everyone around them.” 

For more information, visit albertusmagnus.net, call 845-623-8842, or follow them on Instagram @albertusmagnushsofficialpage.  

"Watching strong relationships form—between students, and between students and adults in the building—is something truly special." - Joseph Tweed 

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