DESIGNATED AS A HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOL DISTRICT
FULL-TIME HIGH SCHOOL CAREER ACADEMY
GRUNIN PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY
COMPETITIVE! CHALLENGING! FOCUSED!
A challenging curriculum, career-focused learning, and a unique high school experience.
STUDENT LIFE
Student life at GPAA is incredibly supportive. Our teachers develop caring relationships with our students, allowing for the adaptation of curricula to meet the social, emotional and educational needs of everyone. Our student experience is enriched by student clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities.
CLUBS, ORGANIZATION & HIGHLIGHTS
ADMISSIONS
GPAA is a competitive program offered through the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) that accepts applications from eighth-grade students who are considered residents of Ocean County. There are three information sessions in the fall and all inquiries about GPAA are handled through our OCVTS admissions office only.
ABOUT GPAA
The Grunin Performing Arts Academy (GPAA) offers an artistically distinctive and academically sound learning setting for students gifted in the performing arts and the technical aspects of art production. The academy offers its students curriculum that is specially designed with a concentration in dance, vocal music, theatre and audio engineering, while providing a rigorous academic program of study. Students enrolled at GPAA have the opportunity to register in Ocean County College embedded classes for dual credit, opening up the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in addition to their high school diploma. GPAA graduates pursue higher education, continuing their studies at colleges and universities around the country. In addition to the arts, some graduates study science, law, medicine, education, business, and physical/occupational therapies. Upon graduation, 60% of the Class of 2024 also earned their associate’s degree.
Let’s talk numbers:
270
STUDENT ENROLLMENT AS OF SEPTEMBER 2023
45
OUTSIDE INTENSIVES/WORKSHOPS/ PERFORMANCES 2004-PRESENT
24
STUDENT CLUBS
& ORGANIZATIONS
The Mission of GPAA
The mission of the Grunin Performing Arts Academy of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School district is to provide a rigorous curriculum for creatively gifted and academically driven high school students. Our challenging coursework empowers graduates with the experience, knowledge, and 21st Century skills necessary to succeed in the academia and arts industry. Our students will develop critical thinking skills to propel them into the global landscape of interconnectivity. The Grunin Performing Arts Academy exists to provide a unique, nurturing and challenging learning environment for students gifted in the performing arts.
School Background
The Grunin Performing Arts Academy is a four-year comprehensive public high school administered by the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District. Our program opened its doors in September 2001 for students entering the ninth grade. Grunin Performing Arts Academy offers an artistically distinctive and academically sound learning setting for students gifted in the performing arts and the technical aspects of art production. The academy offers its’ students curriculum that is specially designed with a concentration in dance, vocal music, theatre and audio engineering, while providing a rigorous academic program of study.
In January 2020, the OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy moved to a new state-of-the-art building located on the Ocean County College campus. This move not only resulted in the Grunin Performing Arts Academy becoming more centrally located in Ocean County, it presented advanced learning opportunities for our students. Students now have the opportunity to register in Ocean County College embedded classes for dual credit, opening up the opportunity to earn an associate’s dual degree in addition to their high school diploma.
Where Are We Located
Centrally located in Ocean County, New Jersey in a new state-of-the-art building located on the Ocean County College campus.
1 College Drive, Bldg. #12 Toms River, NJ 08754
GPAA Admissions
Student Selection & Admissions
Students are selected through a competitive application process and enter at the ninth-grade level. Applicants must reside in Ocean County to be eligible for admission. All school districts in Ocean County are eligible to participate in sending applications to the program.
Middle School Students And Parents/Guardians Are Encouraged To Attend A Fall Admissions Information Session.
STUDENT LIFE
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Black Box Players/Drama Club, National Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Community Service Leaders, Math League, Student Council, Vocal Music Club, Film Club, Technology Club & More...
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Our student experience is enriched by volunteer opportunities, class trips and other exciting extracurricular activities.
Your Next Move
The Academy Approach to Learning
Start investing in your future...
SELECT AN ACADEMY
Choose from three full-time career academies for high school students. Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science, Grunin Performing Arts Academy, Academy of Law & Public Safety.
SPEAK WITH AN ACADEMY REPRESENTATIVE
Middle school students and their parents should call 732.473.3100 ext. 3065 with any questions, or speak with their school counselor for more information
ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION
Middle school students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to attend an admissions information session.
Students receive access to all admission materials, including application, at the information sessions.