Berkeley Heights Superintendent Opens School Year With Graduation Data, Security Statement, New Goals for 2026-27

Superintendent Dr. Kim Feltre reported graduation outcomes for Berkeley Heights Class of 2026 to the Board of Education at Thursday's meeting. Per state reporting requirements, 210 students graduated with the Class of 2026, representing successful completion of secondary education and transition to post-secondary opportunities.

The graduation data demonstrates diverse pathways to diploma completion. Of the 210 graduates, nine graduated through the substitute competency test process, enabling students who did not pass standard assessments to demonstrate competency through alternative evaluation. Twenty-one students graduated through the portfolio appeals process, demonstrating mastery and achievement through documented work samples and portfolio review.

Sixteen students received a state-endorsed diploma by meeting alternate requirements specified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The IEP diploma pathway serves students with identified disabilities, enabling them to meet individualized standards aligned with their educational plans and abilities.

Two students from the 12th-grade class were denied graduation. No students were denied graduation for failing to pass the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment—indicating strong performance on the state assessment.

The superintendent's report reflects district commitment to diverse graduation pathways and individualized student support enabling successful secondary education completion across student populations and learning profiles.

Union County Life covers Berkeley Heights education, student achievement, and local news across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Class of 2026 and Graduation Milestones

The Class of 2026 represents four-year cohort of students completing secondary education. Graduation reflects students' academic achievement, course completion, and meeting state graduation requirements. Class of 2026 milestone celebrates student accomplishment and district educational services.

Diverse Graduation Pathways

Berkeley Heights' approach to graduation reflects recognition that students demonstrate competency and mastery through multiple pathways. Substitute competency tests, portfolio appeals, and IEP alternate pathways enable diverse students to complete requirements and earn diplomas aligned with their abilities and educational plans.

Multiple pathways acknowledge that standardized assessment alone does not capture all student learning, skills, and achievement. Alternative assessments enable broader student population to demonstrate competency and earn recognized diplomas.

Individualized Education Programs and Special Education Services

Sixteen students receiving state-endorsed diplomas through IEP alternate requirements reflects district special education programming. IEP diplomas recognize students with identified disabilities completing individualized educational plans. Diploma pathways aligned with IEP goals enable students with diverse needs to achieve graduation and transition planning.

New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment Performance

No students were denied graduation for failing the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment, indicating strong student performance on the state-mandated assessment. Assessment performance reflects district academic preparation and student readiness for post-secondary transitions.

Superintendent Reporting and District Accountability

Dr. Kim Feltre's board report demonstrates superintendent accountability and transparency regarding graduation outcomes. State reporting requirements ensure consistency and transparency in graduation data across districts. Public board reporting creates community accountability and demonstrates district commitment to student success.

Post-Secondary Transitions

Graduation represents transition point for students moving to post-secondary opportunities—college enrollment, trade schools, workforce entry, or other post-secondary paths. Diverse graduation pathways reflect students' varied post-secondary plans and educational/career trajectories.

For Berkeley Heights Students and Families

The Class of 2026 graduation data reflects student achievement and district educational services. Families and community members celebrating graduates can recognize the diverse pathways representing 210 students successfully completing secondary education and preparing for post-secondary transitions.

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Photo Credit: Berkeley Heights

FAQ

Q: How many Berkeley Heights students graduated in 2026?
A: 210 students graduated with the Class of 2026 per state reporting requirements.

Q: What are the different graduation pathways?
A: Students can graduate through: standard assessment passing, substitute competency test (9 students), portfolio appeals (21 students), or IEP alternate requirements (16 students).

Q: What is a portfolio appeals graduation pathway?
A: Portfolio appeals enable students who did not pass standard assessments to demonstrate mastery and achievement through documented work samples and portfolio review.

Q: What are IEP alternate diploma requirements?
A: IEP alternate requirements allow students with identified disabilities to meet individualized standards specified in their Individualized Education Programs.

Q: Did any students fail the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment?
A: No students were denied graduation for failing the NJGPA, indicating strong student performance on the state assessment.

Q: How many students were denied graduation?
A: 2 students from the 12th-grade class were denied graduation.

Q: Who reported the graduation data?
A: Superintendent Dr. Kim Feltre reported the Class of 2026 graduation outcomes to the Board of Education.