BY JOHN MOONEY
Star-Ledger Staff

It was an experiment begun nearly three decades ago on Sandy Hook: a part-time program that would allow bright high school students to focus on marine science.

From these humble roots, county-run career academies have morphed into some of the most successful high schools in the state, if not the country.

In the latest School Report Cards, the average SAT scores in the most-selective academies rivaled those of elite private schools.

Last year, every student in 10 of the state's academies passed the high school proficiency exam, with huge numbers scoring at advanced levels.

At Union Magnet High School, one of the pioneering facilities, the trophy case is filled with awards not for athletic prowess but for academic championships in subjects like math and robotics.

READ MORE: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-13/1205473043217330.xml&coll=1

---