{{Short description|Magnet high school in New Jersey, US}} {{Use American English|date=June 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}} {{Infobox school | name = Bergen County Academies | logo = Bergen_County_Academies_Logo_2021.png | image_size = 150px | established = 1991 | founder = John Grieco | grades = [[ninth grade|9]]–[[twelfth grade|12]] | district = [[Bergen County Technical Schools]] | former_name = Bergen Academies | type = [[state school|Public]] [[Magnet school|magnet]] [[Secondary education in the United States|high school]] | principal = Russell Davis | enrollment = 1,130 (as of 2024–25)<ref name=NCES/> | faculty = 93.0 [[full-time equivalent|FTEs]]<ref name=NCES/> | ratio = 12.2:1<ref name=NCES/> | us_nces_school_id = 340147000250<ref name=NCES/> | ceeb = 310118<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021|title=Bergen County Academies Class of 2022 Profile|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/pdfs/BCA_School_Profile.pdf|access-date=October 30, 2021|website=Bergen County Academies Admissions}}</ref> | team_name = Knights<ref name=NJSIAAprofile/> | newspaper = Academy Chronicle<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024|title=Academy Chronicle - The student news site of Bergen County Academies|url=https://academychronicle.com}}</ref> | athletic_conference = [[Big North Conference (New Jersey)|Big North Conference]] (general)<br />[[North Jersey Super Football Conference]] (football) | colors = {{Color box|Black}} Black<br />{{Color box|#C5B358}} Vegas gold<br />{{Color box|White}} White<ref name=NJSIAAprofile/> | address = 200 Hackensack Avenue | city = [[Hackensack, New Jersey|Hackensack]] | county = [[Bergen County, New Jersey|Bergen County]] | state = [[New Jersey]] | zipcode = 07601 | country = United States | coordinates = {{Coord|40.902203|-74.034742|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | free_text = | free_label = | website = {{URL|https://bergen.org/bergencountyacademies}} }} '''Bergen County Academies''' ('''BCA''') is a tuition-free [[state school|public]] [[Magnet school|magnet]] [[Secondary education in the United States|high school]] located in [[Hackensack, New Jersey]], that serves students in the [[ninth grade|ninth]] through [[twelfth grade]]s from all of [[Bergen County, New Jersey|Bergen County]], in the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Jersey]]. The school was founded in 1991 by John Grieco, who also founded the public magnet high school [[Academies at Englewood]] in [[Englewood, New Jersey]].<ref name="BCAwelcome">[https://bcts.bergen.org/index.php/about-us/admissions-bca Admissions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116021404/https://bcts.bergen.org/index.php/about-us/admissions-bca |date=November 16, 2016 }}, Bergen County Academies. Accessed November 15, 2016.</ref>

The school is currently organized into seven academies: Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST), Academy for Business and Finance (ABF), Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA), Academy for Engineering and Design Technology (AEDT), Academy for Medical Science Technology (AMST), Academy for Technology and Computer Science (ATCS), and Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA).

BCA has been recognized as a [[National Blue Ribbon Schools Program|National Blue Ribbon School]], a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools, home of eleven 2020 [[Regeneron Science Talent Search]] Scholars including two Finalists, and a Model School in the Arts as named by the [[New Jersey Department of Education]].<ref name="Profile">[https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/pdfs/BCA_School_Profile.pdf Class of 2020 Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016220419/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/pdfs/BCA_School_Profile.pdf |date=October 16, 2019 }}, Bergen County Academies. Accessed October 16, 2019.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Regeneron STS Finalists |url=https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2020-finalists/ |website=Society for Science & The Public |access-date=January 30, 2020 |archive-date=January 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130011756/https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2020-finalists/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Regeneron STS Scholars |url=https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2020-scholars/ |website=Society for Science & The Public |access-date=January 30, 2020 |archive-date=January 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130011800/https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2020-scholars/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of the 2024–25 school year, the school had an enrollment of 1,130 students and 93.0 classroom teachers (on an [[full-time equivalent|FTE]] basis), for a [[student–teacher ratio]] of 12.2:1. There were 98 students (8.7% of enrollment) eligible for [[National School Lunch Act|free lunch]] and 12 (1.1% of students) eligible for reduced-cost lunch.<ref name=NCES>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3401470&ID=340147000250 School data for Bergen County Academies], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed January 15, 2026.</ref>

==History== Bergen County Academies was conceived by John Grieco. The school was founded on a [[vocational school]] framework with the mission of preparing students for careers in math and science by promoting a problem-solving, project-based, technical learning environment. It has since departed from this model and adopted a more standard college-preparatory curriculum.

The school originally began as a single academy, "The Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology" (AAST), which shared the current campus with the [[Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro Campus|Bergen County Technical High School]] now located in [[Teterboro, New Jersey|Teterboro]]. The first group of AAST students was inducted in 1992 for the graduating class of 1996.<ref name="BCAwelcome" />

In 1997, additional academies opened on the campus: the Academy for Business and Computer Technology (ABCT), the Academy for Engineering and Design Technology (AEDT), and the Academy for Medical Science Technology (AMST). The following year saw the opening of three career institutes, renamed a year later to become academies: the Academy for Culinary Arts (ACA), the Academy for Power and Transportation (APT), and the Academy for Visual Arts and Graphic Communications (AVAGC). Soon, all seven programs began focusing on college preparation, adopting a [[Liberal arts education|liberal arts]] curriculum with a focus on their respective fields.

In 2001, a dispute initiated by the Bergen County School Administrators' Association focused on what [[Paramus Public Schools|Paramus]] Superintendent Janice Dime called "[[elitism]]." Several sending districts threatened to withdraw funding from the school. In response, the Bergen County Technical Schools agreed to increase the transparency of the admissions process and enter into talks with a number of sending districts.

In 2002, APT was eliminated. ABCT was split into the Academy for Business and Finance (ABF) and the Academy for Telecommunications and Computer Science (ATCS). In 2012, ATCS turned its attention away from Telecommunications and towards Technology, and so was renamed the Academy for Technology and Computer Science.{{Citation needed|reason=Online sources are all blacklisted for one reason or another|date=June 2020}} ACA added [[hotel administration]] to its coursework and became the Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA). AVAGC expanded its scope to include [[performing arts]] and became the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA).<ref name=":0">[http://www.academyppo.com/ Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050402015437/http://www.academyppo.com/ |date=April 2, 2005 }}, Bergen County Academies Parent Partnership Organization. Accessed July 18, 2017.</ref>

The school itself has also changed its name numerous times, from "Bergen County Regional Academies" to "Bergen Academies" to "Bergen County Academy" and to the present "Bergen County Academies."

BCA was certified to offer the [[IB Diploma Programme]] in January 2004,<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/school/001501/ Bergen County Academies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503232329/http://www.ibo.org/school/001501/ |date=May 3, 2007 }}, [[International Baccalaureate Organization]]. Accessed May 24, 2007.</ref> making it one of only 17 schools in New Jersey to offer the IB program at the high school level.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school/?SearchFields.Region=&SearchFields.Country=US&SearchFields.State=NJ%7CUS&SearchFields.Keywords=&SearchFields.Language=&SearchFields.BoardingFacilities=&SearchFields.SchoolGender=&SearchFields.ProgrammeDP=true Find an IB World School—results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131024207/http://www.ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school/?SearchFields.Region=&SearchFields.Country=US&SearchFields.State=NJ%7CUS&SearchFields.Keywords=&SearchFields.Language=&SearchFields.BoardingFacilities=&SearchFields.SchoolGender=&SearchFields.ProgrammeDP=true |date=January 31, 2018 }}, [[International Baccalaureate Organization]]. Accessed June 6, 2019.</ref>

== School structure == BCA has an extended school day from 8:00 AM to 4:10 PM.

Prior to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the day would start with a 4-minute Information Gathering Session (IGS), serving the purpose of a [[homeroom]], followed by 27 modules (commonly referred to as "mods") that would last 15 minutes each, with 3 minutes of passing time in between each. Classes were commonly structured as either 2 or 3 mods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Daily Life|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/daily-life.html|access-date=2021-04-23|website=bca-admissions.bergen.org|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423222401/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/daily-life.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Currently, the day consists of 9 periods that last 50 minutes each and an IGS period, with 4 minutes of passing time in between each.

All academies require four years of [[English studies|English]], [[mathematics]], [[social studies]], and [[physical education]], as well as three years of [[science]] ([[biology]], [[chemistry]], [[physics]], and/or [[psychology]]) and world language ([[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[French language|French]], or [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]]).<ref name="BCAwelcome" /> All students take three years of projects and clubs; projects take place periods 2-3 and clubs take place period 9, both on Wednesdays. All seniors participate in Senior Experience, an [[internship]] program where seniors work and learn for the full business day each Wednesday instead of being on campus.<ref>[http://bcts.bergen.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=408&Itemid=839 Senior Experience] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003063225/http://bcts.bergen.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=408&Itemid=839 |date=October 3, 2011 }}, Bergen County Academies. Accessed July 16, 2007.</ref> 40 hours of [[community service]] are required for graduation, up to 20 of which can be hours worked at the school.<ref name="BCAwelcome" />

In addition to their regular classes, students of all academies have the opportunity to develop research projects. Research can be conducted in [[cell biology]], chemistry and [[nanotechnology]], [[stem cell]]s, [[agriscience]], psychology, nano-structural imaging, [[optics]], and mathematics, among other subjects.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Research|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/research.html|access-date=2021-04-28|website=bca-admissions.bergen.org|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425120733/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/research.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Academies == BCA is currently divided into seven academic and professional divisions, often referred to by their acronyms or, colloquially, by their single-word nicknames. However, BCA is treated as a single high school within the district and the state.

The '''Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology''' (AAST; Science) was founded in 1992. AAST focuses on in-depth instruction of the sciences along with the practical applications of the scientific ideas learned in the classroom. By the end of sophomore year, students have taken courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. The academy also features a weekly lab rotation for the first two years. As the academy is science-based, many AAST students take on personal research projects in addition to their regular classes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AAST|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/academies/AAST.html|access-date=2021-04-28|website=bca-admissions.bergen.org|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425120959/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/academies/AAST.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The '''Academy for Business and Finance''' (ABF; Business) was founded in 2002, separating from the Academy for Business and Computer Technology that was founded in 1997. Students in ABF take courses in economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, management information systems, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. To graduate, ABF students are required to complete a senior thesis and participate in the full IB Diploma Programme. Additional ABF opportunities include participation in [[DECA (organization)|DECA]], involvement in their global studies program, and special access to the Financial Markets Lab, funded by [[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] technology, allowing students to conduct economic research and analysis.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ABF/IB|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/academies/ABF.html|access-date=2021-04-28|website=bca-admissions.bergen.org|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425121001/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/academies/ABF.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2014|title=ABF Open House|url=https://bcts.bergen.org/images/BCA/docs/Admissions/OpenHouse_ABFIB%20rev%202014.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 28, 2021|website=Bergen County Academies|archive-date=August 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826055245/https://bcts.bergen.org/images/BCA/docs/Admissions/OpenHouse_ABFIB%20rev%202014.pdf}}</ref>

The '''Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration''' (ACAHA; Culinary) was founded in 1998, originally called the "Academy for Culinary Arts" (ACA). Along with their core classes, ACAHA focuses on [[Hospitality management studies|hospitality management]], entrepreneurship, and the [[culinary arts]]. As a part of the academy's curriculum, students receive certification from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation and the [[ServSafe]] Managers program. Though seeking the IB diploma is optional, ACAHA also has access to International Baccalaureate business management courses. Students often participate in the ProStart Hospitality Management competition and [[SkillsUSA]] Leadership Conferences, as well as BCA's annual Chocolate Competition.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bergen Academies hosts 2017 Chocolate Competition in Hackensack|url=https://www.northjersey.com/picture-gallery/be-social/2017/03/27/bergen-academies-hosts-2017-chocolate-competition-in-hackensack/99688568/|access-date=2021-07-24|website=www.northjersey.com|language=en|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724010556/https://www.northjersey.com/picture-gallery/be-social/2017/03/27/bergen-academies-hosts-2017-chocolate-competition-in-hackensack/99688568/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ACAHA|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/academies/ACHA.html|access-date=2021-07-24|website=bca-admissions.bergen.org|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724010556/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/academies/ACHA.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The '''Academy for Engineering and Design Technology''' (AEDT; Engineering) was founded in 1997. The academy was formed "as an extension of AAST", with a concentration in engineering and design. Courses unique to AEDT also explore topics like computer science, [[architecture]], product development, and [[biomedical engineering]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2020|title=BCA Guide to Academies|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/pdfs/BCA_Guide_to_Academies.pdf|url-status=live|website=Bergen County Academies Admissions|access-date=August 3, 2021|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803020910/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/pdfs/BCA_Guide_to_Academies.pdf}}</ref> Students often compete in various [[Robot competition|robotics competitions]] and other projects, like in the [[Solar Car Challenge]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Solar Car Challenge - Team Profiles|url=https://www.solarcarchallenge.org/challenge/teams2020.shtml|access-date=2021-08-03|website=www.solarcarchallenge.org|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803020909/https://www.solarcarchallenge.org/challenge/teams2020.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Solar Car {{!}} BT Solar Knights {{!}} Bergen County Academies {{!}} Solar Car Challenge|url=https://btsolarknights.wixsite.com/home|access-date=2021-08-03|website=Home {{!}}{{!}} BT Solar Knights {{!}}{{!}} Bergen County Academies {{!}}{{!}} Solar Car {{!}}{{!}}|language=en|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803020908/https://btsolarknights.wixsite.com/home|url-status=live}}</ref> in BCA's laboratories.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AEDT|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/academies/AEDT.html|access-date=2021-07-24|website=bca-admissions.bergen.org|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724030953/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/academies/AEDT.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The '''Academy for Medical Science Technology''' (AMST; Medical) was founded in 1997. From 9th to 11th grade, students in AMST take courses about various medical fields, such as [[epidemiology]], [[pharmacology]], [[bioethics]], [[neuroscience]], [[biotechnology]], and [[anatomy]] & [[physiology]]. Students often take on personal research projects in addition to their regular classes. Historically, many have also opted to apply for NREMT certification. Many AMST students participate in BCA's chapter of [[HOSA (organization)|HOSA]], though it is open to all students.<ref name=":3" />

The '''Academy for Technology and Computer Science''' (ATCS; Computer Science) was founded in 2002, separating from the Academy for Business and Computer Technology that was founded in 1997, and originally called the "Academy for Telecommunications and Computer Science". ATCS has a focus on the world of computers and the internet. Its students are prepared for careers such as computer programming, software engineering, and other computer and engineering related professions.

The '''Academy for Visual and Performing Arts''' (AVPA; Visual Arts, Theater, Music) was founded in 1998, originally named "Academy for Visual Arts and Graphic Communications". AVPA is subdivided into three concentrations: Visual Arts, Music, and Theater.<ref name="Arts">[http://bcts.bergen.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=686&Itemid=761 AVPA Main] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003063728/http://bcts.bergen.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=686&Itemid=761 |date=October 3, 2011 }}, Bergen County Academies. Accessed July 16, 2007.</ref>

== Admissions == Bergen County Academies' admissions process consists of three main stages: an initial application, an admissions exam, and an interview.

The online initial application, which may also be shared with the application for Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro, is submitted in December. Students may not also submit applications to other schools in the Bergen County Technical Schools district in addition to BCA.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://studentadmissions.bergen.org/|access-date=2021-04-25|website=studentadmissions.bergen.org|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425055624/https://studentadmissions.bergen.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> As well as being an [[eighth grade]]r residing in Bergen County, applicants must:<ref name=":2" />

* complete a 400-word application essay * obtain a [[letter of recommendation]] from: ** 8th grade math teacher ** 7th or 8th grade English teacher ** 7th or 8th grade science teacher * submit middle school [[Transcript (education)|transcript]] and [[standardized test]] scores * declare first and second choice of academy

In November, all applicants must take the admissions exam, consisting of a literary essay and a math test. The 45-minute long essay on a given passage is scored based on comprehension, insight, organization, support, style, and grammar/spelling. The 60-minute long math section is made up of 40 [[multiple choice]] questions focused on basic skills and [[Word problem (mathematics education)|word problems]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2020|title=Guide to Applying|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/pdfs/BCA_GuideToApply.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 25, 2021|website=Bergen County Academies Admissions|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425055625/https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/pdfs/BCA_GuideToApply.pdf}}</ref> [[Open-ended question|Open-ended problems]] were included on the math test until 2011, when they were removed to include more word problems.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Weisman|first=Katie|date=2019-03-20|title=BCA Test Prep: A Must Read Admissions Overview of Bergen County Academies|url=https://mekreview.com/bergen-county-academies-prep-a-must-read-overview/|access-date=2021-08-03|website=MEK Review|language=en-US|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803020909/https://mekreview.com/bergen-county-academies-prep-a-must-read-overview/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Students will then receive a letter stating if they have moved onto the interview phase. Interviews are conducted on an individual basis by teams of teachers and [[School counselor|guidance counselors]]. Unlike the previous two stages, which are identical for every student, the interview may be personalized according to academy. For example, applicants for AVPA in the Music and Theatre concentrations present an [[audition]], while applicants for the Visual Arts concentration of AVPA participate in an art workshop and present a [[Artist's portfolio|portfolio]].<ref name=":2" />

In 2021, BCA reported that they had a 15% acceptance rate.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021|title=Bergen County Academies Class of 2022 Profile|url=https://bca-admissions.bergen.org/pdfs/BCA_School_Profile.pdf|access-date=October 30, 2021|website=Bergen County Academies Admissions}}</ref>

== Extracurricular activities ==

=== Clubs === During the 2019–2020 school year, BCA had over 130 clubs.<ref name="Profile" />

BCA has a [[Model United Nations]] team that runs its own Model UN conference for high school students, known as AMUN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestdelegate.com/the-150-best-high-school-model-un-teams-in-north-america-2013-2014/|title=The 150 Best High School Model UN Teams in North America 2013-2014|website=Best Delegate|last1=C|first1=KF|date=June 17, 2014|access-date=September 1, 2015|archive-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103005412/http://bestdelegate.com/the-150-best-high-school-model-un-teams-in-north-america-2013-2014/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Makin|first1=Cheryl|last2=Sampson|first2=Carolyn|date=6 March 2020|title=NJ students: Girls Robotics Team wins competition|work=Bridgewater Courier News|url=https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/education/2020/03/06/nj-students-girls-robotics-team-wins-competition/4822318002/|quote=The team sent delegations to three conferences this year: Monroe-Woodbury, EMPIREMUNC (held at NYU) and AMUN (held at Bergen County Academies).|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414162732/https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/education/2020/03/06/nj-students-girls-robotics-team-wins-competition/4822318002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sampson|first=Carolyn|date=19 February 2021|title=NJ students: Monroe Township finds innovative ways to provide opportunities for students|work=[[Courier News|My Central Jersey]]|url=https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/education/in-our-schools/2021/02/19/nj-students-monroe-finds-ways-provide-opportunities-students/4440200001/|quote=last week’s AMUN XXII Conference hosted by Bergen County Academies|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414162734/https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/education/in-our-schools/2021/02/19/nj-students-monroe-finds-ways-provide-opportunities-students/4440200001/|url-status=live}}</ref> The team also runs its own Model UN conference for middle school, known as JAMUN.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021|title=Our History|url=http://www.academymodelun.org/our-history.html|url-status=live|website=Academy Model United Nations|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414162738/http://www.academymodelun.org/our-history.html}}</ref> The BCA Model UN team has won Best Delegation at numerous conferences, including those hosted by [[Yale University]], [[Princeton University]], the [[George Washington University]], and [[New York University]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020|title=The Team|url=http://www.academymodelun.org/the-team.html|url-status=live|website=Academy Model United Nations|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414162739/http://www.academymodelun.org/the-team.html}}</ref> The BCA Model UN team has also earned many individual delegate awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bcamun.weebly.com/bca-past-awards.html|title=BCA Past Awards|website=BCA Model UN|access-date=September 27, 2014|archive-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124131757/http://bcamun.weebly.com/bca-past-awards.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and is the largest club at the school.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020|title=The Club|url=http://www.academymodelun.org/the-club.html|url-status=live|website=Academy Model United Nations|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414162740/http://www.academymodelun.org/the-club.html}}</ref>

In 2008, BCA's [[List of mathematics competitions|math team]] won first place in Division B at the Princeton University Mathematics Competition, an annual competition attended routinely by the team. The school routinely has 10+ students qualifying for the USAMO (United States Mathematical Olympiad), with a student winning the competition in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/display_article.php?id=1140194|title=Awards Presented to 2012 USAMO Winners|access-date=April 15, 2014|archive-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182822/http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/display_article.php?id=1140194|url-status=live}}</ref> The school captured first place at the 2009 ARML Local competition, another routine annual competition. In 2015, student Ryan Alweiss competed on the American team at the International Math Olympiad, helping the United States win the competition for the first time since 1994 with a 98th percentile score of 31.<ref name="IMO Results - USA">{{cite web|url=https://www.imo-official.org/team_r.aspx?code=USA&year=2015|title=International Math Olympiad|publisher=IMO Foundation|access-date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=July 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726074047/https://www.imo-official.org/team_r.aspx?code=USA&year=2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

BCA's junior varsity and varsity [[quiz bowl]] teams qualified to compete in the [[National History Bowl]] in 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historybowl.com/national-championships/ |title=National Championships &#124; the National History Bowl |access-date=December 10, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214152526/http://www.historybowl.com/national-championships/ |archive-date=December 14, 2014 }}</ref> and several individuals competed in the [[National History Bee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hs.historybee.com/bee_jv/standings.php|title=Overall Standings|access-date=January 26, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009135006/http://hs.historybee.com/bee_jv/standings.php|archive-date=October 9, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

BCA had a battle [[BattleBots]] IQ team, known as the Titanium Knights.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cho|first=Nicholas|date=29 March 2014|title=Meet the Teachers: Mr. Michael Liva|work=Academy Chronicle|url=https://academychronicle.com/707/school/meet-teachers-mr-michael-liva/|quote=Well we certainly did Battle Bots for a while.|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415011230/https://academychronicle.com/707/school/meet-teachers-mr-michael-liva/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://bcamakerspace.bergen.org/ BCA Makerspace] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429150327/http://bcamakerspace.bergen.org/ |date=April 29, 2017 }}, Bergen Academies. Accessed July 18, 2017.</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=25 January 2013|title=Titanium Knights|url=http://sites.bergen.org/BattleBots/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125224722/http://sites.bergen.org/BattleBots/|archive-date=25 January 2013}}</ref> The team won the 2006 national heavyweight championship in the high school division with the robot ''E2V2'',<ref>[http://www.battlebotsiq.com/news.php 2006 Results for BattleBots IQ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210112406/http://www.battlebotsiq.com/news.php |date=December 10, 2006 }}</ref> and won two other awards for another 120-pound robot, ''Knightrous''. In previous years, the team has won second, third, and fourth place titles in BBIQ, and affiliated student teams have won numerous awards in Northeast Robotics Club events. The BattleBots team was succeeded by the school's "MAKE project",<ref name=":1" /> which focused on allowing students to pursue a wider set science and engineering projects and competitions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 June 2013|title=Titanium Knights|url=http://sites.bergen.org/makerspace/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611094934/http://sites.bergen.org/makerspace/|archive-date=11 June 2013}}</ref> By 2014, BattleBots was no longer an active club at BCA.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014|title=Trimester one 2014 clubs list|url=https://bcts.bergen.org/images/BCA/docs/BCA%20CLUBS%20List.pdf|url-status=live|website=Bergen County Academies|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414155555/https://bcts.bergen.org/images/BCA/docs/BCA%20CLUBS%20List.pdf}}</ref> However, in 2018, the moniker and spirit of the Titanium Knights were revived by the FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics club, an after-school club.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} In 2020, both of its teams qualified for the state-wide [[FIRST Tech Challenge]] robotics competition.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}

In addition, BCA also has a [[DECA (organization)|DECA]] chapter that participates in regional, state and international conferences.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=ABF - Academy for Business and Finance / Explore ABFIB |url=https://www.bergen.org/Page/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bergen.org%2Fsite%2Fdefault.aspx%3FPageID%3D4631 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=www.bergen.org |language=en}}</ref> The club requires all members to be a part of the Academy of Business and Finance.<ref name=":5" /> It's the second largest club in the school and has over 100 members.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} In 2021, three BCA sophomores placed first at DECA’s "[[Stock market game|Stock Market Game]]" competition, the first time a team from the school won in that event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2021 |title=2021 High School ICDC Competitive Events Results |url=https://www.deca.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DECA-HS-ICDC-21-WinnersList.pdf |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=[[DECA (organization)]]}}</ref>

BCA is home to an [[Amnesty International]] student group that leads schoolwide events and attends local, regional, and national conferences on [[human rights]].<ref>[https://bcss.bergen.org/index.php/district-policies1/99-faculty-a-staff Clubs]{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Bergen Academies. Accessed July 18, 2017</ref>

===Sports=== BCA shares its sports program with the Bergen County Technical Schools in Teterboro and Paramus to form the Bergen Tech Knights.<ref name="NJSIAAprofile">[https://www.njsiaa.org/schools/bergen-county-technical-high-school Bergen County Technical High School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117131149/https://www.njsiaa.org/schools/bergen-county-technical-high-school |date=November 17, 2020 }}, [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]]. Accessed October 20, 2020.</ref> The schools compete in the [[Big North Conference (New Jersey)|Big North Conference]], which is comprised of public and private high schools in Bergen and [[Passaic County, New Jersey|Passaic]] counties, and was established following a reorganization of the Northern New Jersey sports leagues by the [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]].<ref>[https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-10/2020-2021-lc-officers-schools.pdf League & Conference Officers/Affiliated Schools 2020-2021] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025020827/https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-10/2020-2021-lc-officers-schools.pdf |date=October 25, 2020 }}, [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]]. Accessed October 20, 2020.</ref> In the 2009–2010 school year, the school competed in the [[North Jersey Tri-County Conference]], which was established on an interim basis to facilitate the realignment.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110724142847/http://www.njsiaa.org/NJSIAA/09leagueaffiliations.pdf New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association League Memberships – 2009-2010], [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]], backed up by the [[Internet Archive]] as of July 24, 2011. Accessed August 14, 2017.</ref> Before the realignment, Bergen Tech had been placed in the [[Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League]] (NNJIL) at the start of the Fall 2006 athletic season. With 1,669 students in grades 10-12, the school was classified by the NJSIAA for the 2019–20 school year as Group IV for most athletic competition purposes, which included schools with an enrollment of 1,060 to 5,049 students in that grade range.<ref>[https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-11/general-classifications-2018-2020.pdf NJSIAA General Public School Classifications 2019–2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227214211/https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-11/general-classifications-2018-2020.pdf |date=February 27, 2021 }}, [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]]. Accessed November 20, 2020.</ref> The football team competes in the Ivy Red division of the&nbsp;[[North Jersey Super Football Conference]], which includes 112 schools competing in 20 divisions, making it the nation's biggest football-only high school sports league.<ref>Cooper, Darren.&nbsp;[https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/darren-cooper/2020/07/23/nj-football-analyzing-new-super-football-conference-2020-schedule/5496440002/&nbsp; "Here's what we know about the new Super Football Conference 2020 schedule"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826054315/https://www.northjersey.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northjersey.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school%2Fdarren-cooper%2F2020%2F07%2F23%2Fnj-football-analyzing-new-super-football-conference-2020-schedule%2F5496440002%2F |date=August 26, 2021 }},&nbsp;''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', July 23, 2020. Accessed March 22, 2021. "The Super Football Conference (SFC) is a 112-team group, the largest high school football-only conference in America, and is comprised of teams from five different counties."</ref><ref>Cooper, Darren.&nbsp;[https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2020/07/23/super-football-conference-revised-schedules-2020-regular-season/5494017002/&nbsp; "NJ football: Super Football Conference revised schedules for 2020 regular season"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305192716/https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2020/07/23/super-football-conference-revised-schedules-2020-regular-season/5494017002/ |date=March 5, 2021 }},&nbsp;''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', July 23, 2020. Accessed March 22, 2021. "The Super Football Conference has 112 teams that will play across 20 divisions."</ref> The football team is one of the 12 programs assigned to the two Ivy divisions starting in 2020, which are intended to allow weaker programs ineligible for playoff participation to compete primarily against each other.<ref>Cooper, Darren. [https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2019/05/01/super-football-conference-nj-adds-ivy-division-struggling-programs/3634762002/ "Super Football Conference creating 'Ivy Division' for struggling programs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307000302/https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2019/05/01/super-football-conference-nj-adds-ivy-division-struggling-programs/3634762002/ |date=March 7, 2021 }}, ''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', May 1, 2019. Accessed March 24, 2021. "Seeking to restore participation and enthusiasm to high school football programs that have struggled to compete consistently, the Super Football Conference announced plans to start a 12-team 'Ivy Division' in the 2020 season. Teams that compete in the 'Ivy Division' will play exclusively against each other and won't participate in the NJISAA football playoffs.... Twelve schools from Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Morris counties have applied to compete in the Ivy Division: Bergen Tech, Cliffside Park, Dickinson, Fair Lawn, Ferris, Memorial, Dover, Dwight-Morrow, Fort Lee, Glen Ridge, Marist and Tenafly."</ref> The school was classified by the NJSIAA as Group V North for football for 2024–2026, which included schools with 1,317 to 5,409 students.<ref>[https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2024-08/football-2024-2026.pdf NJSIAA Football Public School Classifications 2024–2026], [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]], updated September 2024. Accessed September 1, 2024.</ref>

Athletic achievements for the Bergen Tech Knights and Bergen Tech Lady Knights include: * In 2006, the football team reached the playoffs before losing to [[Randolph High School (New Jersey)|Randolph High School]] 29–0.<ref>[http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=188015&tclass=North%20I%2C%20Group%20IV 2006 Football Tournament - North I, Group IV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216191629/http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=188015&tclass=North%20I%2C%20Group%20IV |date=February 16, 2007 }}, [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]]. Accessed April 23, 2007.</ref> In the same year, the boys' soccer team advanced to the state tournament, winning in the first round before losing to [[Memorial High School (West New York, New Jersey)|Memorial High School]] in the semifinal game.<ref>[http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=186283&tclass=North%20I%2C%20Group%20IV 2006 Boys Soccer Tournament - North I, Group IV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930191712/http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=186283&tclass=North%20I,%20Group%20IV |date=September 30, 2007 }}, [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]]. Accessed April 23, 2007.</ref> * The tennis team and baseball team advanced to the playoffs in 2009, with the tennis team continuing on to the semifinals after winning sectionals.<ref>[http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=106049&tclass=North%20I%2C%20Group%20IV 2005 Boys Team Tennis - North I, Group IV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181508/http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=106049&tclass=North%20I,%20Group%20IV |date=September 30, 2007 }}, [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]]. Accessed April 23, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=107442&tclass=North%20I%2C%20Group%20IV 2005 Baseball - North I, Group IV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154501/http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=107442&tclass=North%20I,%20Group%20IV |date=September 30, 2007 }}, [[New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association]]. Accessed April 23, 2007.</ref>

==Campus and facilities== [[File:BergenCA.jpg|360x360px|thumb|right|Bergen County Academies auditorium entrance]]

Bergen County Academies is located on the Dr. John Grieco Campus in Hackensack. The school occupies a sprawling main building which runs along Hackensack Avenue as well as a nearby Environmental Science Center (ESC) building connected to a [[greenhouse]].<ref>[http://bcts.bergen.org/index.php/auditorium Auditorium] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111073144/http://bcts.bergen.org/index.php/auditorium |date=January 11, 2013 }}, Bergen County Academies. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref> An [[auditorium]] adjoining the main building seats 1,200 people. The school's baseball/softball field, football field, and track are located behind the academic buildings.

Completed in August 2008, the school's cafeteria underwent a massive overhaul that expanded the space from 1,500 to 11,000 square feet.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bergen Academies, Cafeteria Expansion and Renovation|url=https://schooldesigns.com/Projects/bergen-academies-cafeteria-expansion-and-renovation/|access-date=2021-08-26|website=School Designs|language=en-US|archive-date=August 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826054242/https://schooldesigns.com/Projects/bergen-academies-cafeteria-expansion-and-renovation/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The school has a variety of science laboratories. The [[nanotechnology]] lab opened in 2009 and offers [[Spectrophotometry|spectrophotometers]], [[Differential scanning calorimetry|differential scanning calorimeter]], and a [[Mechanical probe station|probe station]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lab Tour|url=https://research.bergen.org/nano-home|access-date=2021-08-26|website=research.bergen.org|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302164051/https://research.bergen.org/nano-home|url-status=live}}</ref> The cell biology lab opened in 2004 and has a viability analyzer, a chip array bioanalyzer, an [[Electroporation|electroporator]], and [[microplate readers]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lab Tour|url=https://research.bergen.org/cell-bio-home|access-date=2021-08-26|website=research.bergen.org|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302170221/https://research.bergen.org/cell-bio-home|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[stem cell]] lab opened in 2006 and features a DNA sequencer, a [[Flow cytometry|flow cytometer]], [[Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction|RT-PCR]] and standard [[Polymerase chain reaction|PCR]] machines, and a [[lypholize]]r.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lab Tour|url=https://research.bergen.org/stem-cell-home|access-date=2021-08-26|website=research.bergen.org|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302161127/https://research.bergen.org/stem-cell-home|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[optics]] lab opened in 2008 and is home to one [[Laser scanning confocal microscopy|laser scanning confocal microscope]], one [[scanning electron microscope]] (SEM) and one [[Transmission electron microscopy|transmission electron microscope]] (TEM).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Levi|first=Jeff|title=Lab Tour|url=https://research.bergen.org/nsil-lab-tour|access-date=2021-08-26|website=research.bergen.org|language=en-gb|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302173518/https://research.bergen.org/nsil-lab-tour|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are also laboratories largely built and designated for specific academies. A dedicated Bloomberg workstation lets students conduct independent financial markets analysis and research. The option to earn a Bloomberg Certification is also available through tutorials.<ref>[https://bcts.bergen.org/images/BCA/docs/College Profiles/ABFIB_2016.pdf Academy for Business & Finance / International Baccalaureate Programme Class of 2016 Profile]{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Bergen County Academies. Accessed July 18, 2017.</ref> The school features two studio art labs. One of the studios is a visual arts lab equipped with compositing and printing equipment. A video lab broadcasts inside the school and features workstations, professional cameras, and a [[Chroma key|bluescreen]]. The school also has a restaurant-grade kitchen for teaching culinary arts.

==Awards and rankings== In 2015, Bergen County Academies was one of 15 schools in New Jersey, and one of 9 public schools, to be recognized as a [[National Blue Ribbon Schools Program|National Blue Ribbon School]] in the exemplary high performing category by the [[United States Department of Education]].<ref>[http://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2015/national.pdf#page=15 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools All Public and Private] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210032052/https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2015/national.pdf#page=15 |date=February 10, 2017 }}, [[National Blue Ribbon Schools Program]]. Accessed November 14, 2016.</ref><ref>Mueller, Mark. [http://www.nj.com/education/2015/09/which_nj_schools_were_picked_as_national_blue_ribb.html "Which N.J. schools were named National Blue Ribbon schools?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115003344/http://www.nj.com/education/2015/09/which_nj_schools_were_picked_as_national_blue_ribb.html |date=November 15, 2016 }}, NJ Advance Media for [[NJ.com]], September 29, 2015. Accessed November 14, 2016. "Fifteen New Jersey schools have been recognized by the federal government as National Blue Ribbon Schools, a designation that celebrates excellence in academics or progress in closing the achievement gap among groups of students.... Each of the 15 New Jersey schools was chosen for the 'exemplary high performing' category, which weighs state or national tests, high school graduation rates and the performance of subgroups of students, such as those who are economically disadvantaged."</ref> In the same year, ''[[Newsweek]]'' ranked BCA fifth out of the top 500 public schools in America in 2015 and fourth in [[New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|title=America's Top High Schools 2015|date=August 19, 2015|url=http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2015|access-date=August 19, 2015|publisher=Newsweek|archive-date=June 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621162550/http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Inside Jersey'' magazine ranked BCA first in its 2014 ranking of New Jersey's Top Performing High Schools. In the same year, ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' ranked BCA 15th in the nation among over 700 magnet and charter schools, second among the 25 Best High Schools in the Northeast, and first among schools in New Jersey.<ref>[http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2014/08/27/25-best-high-schools-in-the-northeast.html#249a6650-b94d-42b6-9b23-9944cbc7a5fe "25 Best High Schools in the Northeast: 2. Bergen County Academies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202164310/http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2014/08/27/25-best-high-schools-in-the-northeast.html#249a6650-b94d-42b6-9b23-9944cbc7a5fe |date=December 2, 2014 }}, ''[[The Daily Beast]]''. Accessed November 21, 2014.</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' designated BCA as one of 23 top-performing schools with elite students intentionally excluded from its list of America's Most Challenging High Schools "because, despite their exceptional quality, their admission rules and standardized test scores indicate they have few or no average students."<ref name="washingtonpost.com">[[Jay Mathews|Mathews, Jay]]. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/top-performing-schools-with-elite-students/2014/03/31/1ce5969c-b8f0-11e3-899e-bb708e3539dd_story.html "Top-performing schools with elite students"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806025037/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/top-performing-schools-with-elite-students/2014/03/31/1ce5969c-b8f0-11e3-899e-bb708e3539dd_story.html |date=August 6, 2018 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'', April 4, 2014. Accessed November 21, 2014. "These top-performing schools, listed in alphabetical order, were excluded from the list because, despite their exceptional quality, their selective admission rules and standardized test scores indicate they have few or no average students."</ref>

In October 2020, [[Niche (company)|Niche]] ranked the school as the #1 public high school in the nation, as well as the #1 magnet school, #3 college prep public high school, #5 teachers in a public high school, and #7 [[STEM]] high school (all for America). It swept all of these categories on the state, county, and [[New York City]] area level, with the exception of STEM school, which it came in second for with NJ and NYC area, and college prep, which it came in second for with the NYC area.<ref>[https://www.niche.com/k12/bergen-county-academies-hackensack-nj/rankings/ "Bergen County Academies Rankings"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018062644/https://www.niche.com/k12/bergen-county-academies-hackensack-nj/rankings/ |date=October 18, 2020 }}, ''[[Niche (company)|Niche]]''. Accessed October 17, 2020</ref>

In 2021, [[Niche (company)|Niche]] ranked BCA as the #1 best public high school in America.<ref>{{cite web |title=Archived copy |url=https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-high-schools/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418004811/https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-high-schools/ |archive-date=18 April 2021 |access-date=11 January 2022 |website=www.niche.com}}</ref> BCA was also named as one of the 23 highest performing high schools in the United States by ''[[The Washington Post]]''.<ref>[[Jay Mathews|Mathews, Jay]]. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/top-performing-schools-with-elite-students/2015/04/14/a41149bc-e30c-11e4-905f-cc896d379a32_story.html "Top-performing schools with elite students"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305073429/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/top-performing-schools-with-elite-students/2015/04/14/a41149bc-e30c-11e4-905f-cc896d379a32_story.html|date=March 5, 2016}}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'', April 4, 2014. Accessed April 9, 2016.</ref>

During the 2019-2020 school year, Bergen County Academies had the best graduation rate and [[SAT]] scores in the state of New Jersey.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Stebbins|first1=Samuel|last2=Sauter|first2=Michael B.|date=9 October 2020|title=In the classroom: These public high schools show the best SAT scores, graduation rates in their states|work=[[USA Today]]|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/10/09/top-classrooms-best-public-high-school-in-every-state/42727627/|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414162733/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/10/09/top-classrooms-best-public-high-school-in-every-state/42727627/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Administration== The school's principal is Russell Davis. His core administration team includes the vice principal.<ref>[https://www.bergen.org/Page/4588 BCA Administration], Bergen County Academies. Accessed January 18, 2026.</ref>

==Notable alumni== {{Category see also|Bergen County Academies alumni}} * [[Spellbound (2002 film)#Harry Altman|Harry Altman]] (class of 2005), featured in the 2002 documentary film [[Spellbound (2002 film)|Spellbound]] about the [[Scripps National Spelling Bee]]<ref>Beckerman, Jum. [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/499913380/ "Casting a speller named Harry"], ''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', May 11, 2003. Accessed February 16, 2022, via [[Newspapers.com]]. "Harry Altman can spell 'excited.'... But ask whether he feels that way when he sees himself on the screen, larger than life, in the documentary ''Spellbound,'' and he's stumped.... Now in the 10th grade at Bergen Academies in Hackensack, Harry was a 12-year-old student at Glen Rock Middle School when he became one of 249 children nationwide to qualify for the National Spelling Bee."</ref> * [[Shakira Barrera]] (born 1990, class of 2008), dancer and actor who has appeared in the Netflix series ''[[GLOW (TV series)|GLOW]]''<ref>Stainsen, Laura Adams. [https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2018/08/08/shakira-barrera-fights-her-way-onto-netflix-glow/795944002/ "Shakira Barrera fights her way onto the hit Netflix show ''Glow''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727162402/https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2018/08/08/shakira-barrera-fights-her-way-onto-netflix-glow/795944002/ |date=July 27, 2019 }}, ''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', August 8, 2018. Accessed August 12, 2019. "Raised in Englewood, Barrera attended St. John The Evangelist School in Leonia and Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, where she studied theater."</ref> * [[Jeremy Feigenbaum]] (born 1989, class of 2007), first [[Solicitor General of New Jersey]], representing various states in ''[[Trump v. CASA]]''<ref>Gary, Abigail Schade. [https://jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com/visit-to-holocaust-site-leads-to-contest-prize/ "Visit to Holocaust site leads to contest prize"], ''[[Jewish Standard]]'', July 27, 2007. Accessed June 6, 2025. "Last summer, high school student Jeremy Feigenbaum of Teaneck went on a life-changing trip when he joined the United Synagogue Youth Poland and Israel 'From Darkness to Light' Pilgrimage.... Jeremy, the son of Karen Misler and Barry Feigenbaum, graduated from the Bergen County Academies in Hackensack in June and plans to attend Brown University in the fall, where he will study political science in preparation for a career in law."</ref> * [[George Hotz]] (born 1989, class of 2007), known for computer and device hacking<ref>McKay, Martha. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160220192653/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-142995275.html "Bergen teen claims win in global race to unlock iPhone -- Tech whiz cracks code tying it to AT&T network"], ''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', August 24, 2007. Accessed February 11, 2016. "'"I've lived and breathed that phone for the last two months,' said Hotz, a Bergen County Academies grad who won a prestigious $20,000 Intel science fair prize this year for a device that projects a 3-D image."</ref> * [[Sachin H. Jain]] (born 1980, class of 1998), CEO of [[CareMore]] and former Chief Medical Information Officer of [[Merck & Co.|Merck]]<ref>Adely, Hannan; and Dazio, Stefanie. [http://archive.northjersey.com/news/bergen-county-academies-teacher-accused-of-sending-explicit-emails-to-student-1.1308537 "Bergen County Academies teacher accused of sending explicit emails to student"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110232410/http://archive.northjersey.com/news/bergen-county-academies-teacher-accused-of-sending-explicit-emails-to-student-1.1308537 |date=January 10, 2017 }}, ''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', April 14, 2015. Accessed January 9, 2017. "DeWitt developed programs to teach students scientific methods and research, said Sachin Jain, a 1998 Bergen Academies graduate."</ref> * [[Sarah-Nicole Robles]] (born 1991, class of 2010), actress and voice actress, best known for providing the voice of [[Luz Noceda]] in the [[Disney Channel]] animated series ''[[The Owl House]]''<ref>Cotter, Kelly-Jane via ''[[Asbury Park Press]]''. [https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2020/01/31/disney-channel-owl-house-stars-sarah-nicole-robles-new-jersey/2859830001/ "'Until high school, I was a hardcore misfit,' says Jersey Girl now on Disney Channel"], ''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', February 4, 2020. Accessed May 18, 2022. "That school was Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, a campus of Bergen County Technical Schools, where Robles studied in the performing arts program."</ref> * [[Kaavya Viswanathan]] (class of 2004), author of the controversial 2006 novel entitled ''[[How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life]]'', since withdrawn due to accusations of plagiarism<ref>[http://www.azcentral.com/ent/arts/articles/0428novel.html "Once-touted novel has uncertain future"], ''[[Arizona Republic]]'', April 28, 2006, accessed April 23, 2007. "Weems, who taught literature to Viswanathan when she was a junior at Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, remembered her as a gifted student and as the winner of a number of writing contests."</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[https://bergen.org/bergencountyacademies Bergen County Academies website] *[http://www.bcappo.com/ Bergen County Academies PPO website] *[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3401470 National Center for Education Statistics website]

{{Bergen County, New Jersey High Schools}} {{Big North Conference}} {{North Jersey Super Football Conference}}

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[[Category:1991 establishments in New Jersey]] [[Category:Educational institutions established in 1991]] [[Category:Schools in Hackensack, New Jersey]] [[Category:International Baccalaureate schools in New Jersey]] [[Category:Magnet schools in New Jersey]] [[Category:Public high schools in Bergen County, New Jersey]]