These two Curriculum booklets describe the subjects and courses available to students at Central High School in Pennington – first in 1962, and then more than a decade later in 1976.
There were dramatic changes from the early 60’s to the mid 70’s. Both booklets list both college preparatory and vocational tracks, but with significant changes in the breadth of courses from a standard progression in the 1960s to many more electives in the 1970s. The number of Standard Electives for grade 12 grew from 38 in 1962 to over 130 in 1976. The booklet accordingly grew in size from 37 to 53 pages to describe all the courses.
The back page of each booklet also lists academic statistics for the graduating classes. The school saw dramatic changes from 1962 to 1976 as the class size almost doubled from 650 to 1240, and the number of students continuing to post-secondary education increased from 55% to 66%. As the number of students taking the SAT test expanded from 65 to 155, the verbal score dropped from 510 to 469, and the math score declined slightly from 516 to 512. And with many more post-secondary graduates, the number of different colleges that students were attending expanded from 66 to 256.
1962-1963 Curriculum Booklet
The 37-page 1962-1963 Curriculum Booklet provided a guide for students and parents in selecting a student program of study and individual courses for each school year. It begins with an overview of the curriculum, with lists of course selections by grade, including required courses and optional electives.
The bulk of the booklet then has descriptions each of the courses offered for each subject / department. The final section then lists recommended Patterns of Study for various career paths with suggested class schedules.
The inside back cover provides statistics for student performance, including standardized tests, SAT scores, continuing education, and a list of the 66 colleges where Central High School students were then attending.
The 1962 school enrollment was 650 students, with 55% continuing to some post-secondary education, and 34% attending four-year colleges and 9% attending two-year colleges. In the class of 1963, 65 students took the SAT tests, with mean scores of 510 for the verbal test and 516 for math. The grade distribution for the class of 1962 at the end of their junior year was 5% A, 32% B, 44% C, 19% D.
1962 Curriculum Booklet Contents (37 pp.):
- 3 – The Curriculum – Course Selection by grades – Required, Major and Minor Electives
- 10 – Description of Courses – by subject
- 24 – Patterns of Study – Requirements and Suggested Electives by year
- 37 – School statistics – Test scores, colleges
== View the Central High School 1962-63 Curriculum Booklet (PDF) ==
1962 College Night
See also the October 1962 College Night program, that lists a panel session with representatives from five colleges discussion admissions, finances, and social life: Rutgers, Cornell, Dickinson, Johns Hopkins, and Cedar Crest.
== View the Central High School 1962 College Night Program (PDF) ==
1962 Curriculum: Subjects and Courses
The minimum requirements for graduation in 1962 were based on 5 periods a week of the core subjects: 4 years of English, 2 years of History, 1 year of Mathematics and Science, and 4 years of Physical Education and Health. In addition, graduation required 1 year of Vocations (1 period a week), and 1 year of Practical or Fine Arts (2 periods a week).
The list of Standard Electives grew up from 28 in grade 9 to 38 in grade 12 (plus others from previous years).
The recommendations for college preparation included 16 course years in Languages, Social Studies, Academic Mathematics, Sciences, and English, plus two to three years of a language. Students also should have at least an 85 percent (B) average, and a rank in the upper half to upper fifth of the class. Recommendation by the principal was required for admission to all colleges.
The curriculum was organized by major subject / department, with lists of courses offered for each:
- English I – IV A/B – Comprehension, Grammar, American Literature, Writing, English literature, Drama and Novels
- Foreign Languages I, II, III – French, German, Latin, Spanish
- Mathematics – General, Algebra I / II, Geometry, Intermediate, Practical
- Science – General, Physical, Biology, Chemistry / CBA, Physics / P.S.S.C.
- Social Studies – Economics, Sociology, U. S. History I / II, World History, Geography)
- Art – I, II, Minor
- Music – I, II, Minor, Instrumental, Orchestra Major / Minor, Choir
- Business Education – General Business, Bookkeeping I / II, Business Law, Clerical, Consumer Economics, Office Practice, Record Keeping, Stenography I / II, Typing I / II
- Practical Arts – Clothing I / II, Foods I / II, Home Economics, Home Arts, Mechanical Drawing I / II, Technical Drawing I / II, Metal I / II, Wood I / II
- Health and Physical Education – Phys. Ed., Driver Ed., First Aid / Community Health, Personal Health
- Other – Public Speaking, Vocations / job hunting, Reading improvement
The final section of the Curriculum booklet is Patterns of Study – suggestions of requirements and suggested electives by year for different careers, depending on the student’s “specific and significant interest, abilities, and aptitudes.”
The patterns cover Bookkeeping, General Clerical, Engineering, Laboratory Technician, College Music, Liberal Arts, Medical Secretary, Medical Technology, Nursing, Pharmacy, Secretary, and Teacher.
1976-77 Curriculum Booklet
In comparison, the 1976-77 Curriculum booklet from more than a decade later increased in size from 37 to 53 pages, especially with a wider range of courses.
In particular, it added Advanced Placement courses, Summer School, and a much broader array of topics for Standard Electives.
The required courses were English and Physical Education in all four years, plus Modern America and Science (if not already taken) in grade 11, and American Government, U. S. History, and Math (if not already taken) in grade 12. The list of Standard Electives grew up from over 50 in grade 9 to some 65 in grade 11, and then to over 130 in grade 12.
The range of Standard Electives included English courses in Film, Science Fiction, and Journalism; Social Studies courses in the Afro-Asian World, Psychology, and Military History; Science courses in Ecology and Electronics; Math courses in Computer Programming, Probability/Statistics, and Calculus; Language courses in Russian; Business courses in Money Management, Business Math, and cooperative programs in retail marketing; Music courses in Performing Arts and Band; and Practical Arts course in Home and Power Mechanics, Auto Services, and cooperative apprenticeships.
The 1976-77 Curriculum also included opportunities for college courses at Mercer County Community College, Rider College, and Trenton State College, vocational education with the Mercer County Vocational School, plus cooperative educations with local businesses in industry, office, and marketing. It also added Patterns of Study for Vocational Training.
The back page includes academic statistics and a list of the 256 colleges that Central High School students were then attending. The 1976 school enrollment was 1240 students, with 66% continuing to some post-secondary education, and 49% attending four-year colleges and 15% attending two-year colleges. In the class of 1976, 155 students took the SAT tests, with mean scores of 469 for the verbal test and 512 for math. Seven members of the class were National Merit Semi-finalists.
1976 Curriculum Booklet Contents (53 pp.):
- 1 – The Curriculum – Programs, Planning, College Prep., Advanced Placement, Summer School, Course Selections by Grades
- 12 – Description of Courses – by subject
- 39 – Patterns of Study – Requirements and Suggested Electives by year
- 53 – School statistics – Test scores, colleges
== View the Central High 1976-77 Curriculum Booklet (PDF) ==
Thanks to Edith Kostron Labaw for sharing the 1962 materials.
Please contact us if you have additional photos, documents, or information on local schools.
More on Hopewell Valley Schools
Posts on school materials, including yearbooks, graduation programs, and plays.
- See also post on St. Michael’s Orphanage and School
Browse all School materials in the Image Album and Pamphlet Collection:
- Hopewell Schools History Posters – Hopewell Elementary School at the Harvest Fair
- Images – Hopewell Valley Schools Album – Class photos, classrooms, etc. (search by name, etc.)
- Pamphlets – Hopewell Valley Schools – Yearbooks, commencements, etc. (select by town, name, etc.)
Hopewell Valley Schools – History
- Post on Hopewell School Mascots – and the Frog – School names, mascots and logos
- Post on The Timberlane School Name – The Timberlane Drive development
- Post on Learning Your Letters – School Signs – Princeton High School (1919 / 1920)
- Post on Toll Gate and Hopewell Elementary School Centennials (2026)
Hopewell Borough Schools History – Grammar & High Schools
- Post on Hopewell Elementary School History – Hopewell Schools History posters
- Documents on Hopewell Borough Schools – Briefs and Posters
Hopewell Grammar School (Model Ave.) – 1888 – Posts & Materials
- Post on Model Ave. Grammar School Annex – Jewelry, invention, guitars, metalwork
- Post on c1912 Hopewell Grammar School Kids – Photos on Model Ave.
- Post on 1920s Hopewell Teachers – Scott & Scharring-Hausen
- Brief – Hopewell Grammar School Summary Brief (PDF)
- Brief – Hopewell Grammar School Annex Summary Brief (PDF)
Hopewell Elementary School (Princeton Ave.) – 1926 – Posts & Materials
- Post on the Hopewell Elementary School Centennial – history and additions
- Post on Hopewell Elementary School Class Plaques – 1926-1966 – Photos and names
- Post on 1941 Hopewell Elementary School Newspaper
- Post on 1952 Hopewell Elementary School – Graduation program and yearbook
- Pamphlets – 1956 Hopewell Elementary School “Hi-Lights” Newsletters
- Pamphlets – All Hopewell Elementary School Pamphlets – with yearbooks, graduation programs, newsletters
- Brief – Hopewell Elementary School Summary Brief (PDF)
Pennington Grammar School – Posts & Materials
- Post on 1950s Memories of Pennington – Mike Thomsen – Building evolution
Hopewell High School (Columbia Ave.) – 1910 – Posts & Materials
- Post on The Confusing Hopewell Firehouse – and Boro Hall and High School (1910)
- Post on 1917 Hopewell High School Yearbook – “Blue and Gold”
- Post on 1920s Hopewell High School – Commencement / Class Day books
- Post on 1924 Hopewell High School Program and Ads – Senior class play
- Post on 1927 Hopewell High School Diploma & Autograph Book
- Pamphlets – All Hopewell High School Pamphlets – with yearbooks, graduation programs, diploma
Hopewell Valley Central High School(s) (Pennington) – 1929 / 1958 – Posts & Materials
- Post on 1950s Memories of Pennington – Mike Thomsen – Buildings, school days
- Post on Central High School 1962 Practicum Report – School operations
- Post on Central High School 1961 Student Handbook – Rules & Clubs
- Post on Business Classes at Central High School, c. 1966 – Typing & bookkeeping
- Post on Central High School Class of 1966 – 2016 Reunion Scrapbook – Valley Images
- Post on Central High School Curriculum: 1962 & 1976 – Booklets
- Pamphlets – All Central High School Pamphlets – Yearbooks, graduation programs, curriculum
See also the Document Archive for additional historical school materials.
