Garrett Morgan Academy

Part of the Paterson Public Schools, the Garrett Morgan Academy is an Innovative Academy high school for 100 students in grades 9-12 interested in building careers in transportation and technology, as well as other math and science related careers. NJCDC assists in the operation of the Academy by providing an array of support services, including operating an after-school program, coordinating activities with partners such as Rutgers University and NJIT, and bringing in corporate partners and other resources to enhance students’ experience.

At Garrett Morgan Academy (named for the turn-of-the-century African-American inventor of the traffic light), students engage in college prep coursework and receive one-on-one attention typically not possible in larger school environments. With a 100% graduation rate, Garrett Morgan Academy has sent students on to colleges and universities such as NJIT, Rutgers, Allegheny, Lehigh, and Delaware State.

As an Innovative Academy, Garrett Morgan utilizes three styles of learning, including project based learning (such as working directly with corporations to create innovative engineering solutions), service learning (including volunteering in the community and assessing impact) and fun competitive learning (such as participating in robotics and engineering competitions). These styles address students’ diverse needs with an eye toward holistic education.

Garrett Morgan Academy, an Innovative Academy high school, has a 100% graduation rate.