College credit classes, SAT prep available at a discount for Woodbridge students

Township students have the chance to take SAT prep courses and earn college credits at bargain prices thanks to partnerships the Board of Education has made with Middlesex County College and Princeton Review.

The school board approved a dual-enrollment agreement with the county college last week to allow students this summer to take pre-calculus courses for three college credits at a cost of $100. Middlesex County College is also providing scholarships for 10 students.
Assistant Superintendent Lois Rotella said the credits earned from the college are accepted by all state colleges and universities. By comparison, a credit at Rutgers costs $299, while at The College of New Jersey it's $309. The partnership will not cost the district.
Middlesex County College also will offer students Calculus 3, which will be a relief to the district and students considering the district usually does not have enough students willing to take the high-level course to justify scheduling an in-district class.
"It's very hard to get math teachers," Rotella said. "These classes are high caliber math and it's easier to send students to an institution where they have teachers for that math. Now we're not denying our student any opportunity."
Meanwhile, students looking to get a leg up on their SATs, the exam most colleges and universities use for admission, can also sign up for Princeton Review courses being offered at Colonia High School in the fall and spring at a discounted rate. The district got the deal in exchange for allowing Princeton Review to set up classes at the high school.
The $1,99 preparation course is being offered to students for $499.
"It's a fantastic opportunity as a lot of our children take the Princeton Review course anyway," Rotella said, adding that the discount takes a "tremendous burden off parents." Last year 70 percent of township high school students took the SATs.
The high school guidance offices also will receive free SAT prep books and college review manuals from the company, Rotella said.
Officials are discussing opening the classes at Colonia to out-of-district students but the discount would not apply to them, she said.

By SERGIO BICHAO