HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, December 9, 2024 — Centenary University has announced a historic agreement with the nationally ranked high school basketball powerhouse The Patrick School (TPS). In this agreement, TPS will relocate to the Centenary University campus in Hackettstown, NJ. TPS, a private school which had been located in Hillside, NJ, is leasing space from the University to enhance the 6^th through 12^th grade school’s ability to provide the highest quality academic, athletic, and residential opportunities for their students.

Through the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the Hackettstown Land Use Board, members of The Patrick School’s elite boys basketball program, which is ranked number nine in the country in preseason polls, will live and take classes on Centenary’s campus, as well as practice in the University’s Reeves Athletic Facility. In addition, the 60 day students who are shuttled to the school will take their classes in Ferry Hall on Centenary’s campus. “Having a private high school on campus enables Centenary to develop innovative dual enrollment programs where high school students can take college classes,” said Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D. “It also provides Centenary education students with the opportunity to do their student teaching on campus.”

The Patrick School agreement is Centenary’s second residential agreement with another educational institution. Three years ago, the University signed an agreement with Sussex Community College (SCC) to house members of SCC’s football team in Centenary’s residence halls, providing the players with a residential college experience and a clear pathway to transfer to Centenary after earning an associate degree. “Centenary’s relationship with Sussex Community College has been highly successful, and now, we are pleased to provide a similar residential experience to high school student-athletes from The Patrick School,” said Centenary University Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students Kerry Mullins. “Living on Centenary’s campus will better prepare these students to succeed in college.”

Dr. Caldwell added, “Having some of the best young athletes in the world on campus is already inspiring our student-athletes to play at a higher level as they compete in DIII sports. In addition, the residents of Hackettstown will get to see some future NBA stars, who will potentially do as well as TPS alumnus Kyrie Irving.”

“This collaboration has been fantastic,” said Patrick School President and Head Basketball Coach Chris Chavannes. “Our players love the facilities and are playing at a very high level. Already, Nike’s director of high school basketball has visited the campus and is impressed with the opportunities this agreement represents for us to recruit the best high school basketball players in the world. Together, Centenary University and The Patrick School are advancing our shared missions to educate and elevate the lives of our students.”

An independent, co-educational high school, The Patrick School was established in 2012 after the closing of St. Patrick High School Academy (the first parochial high school in New Jersey). Since then, the school has built on the proud history of its predecessor, both academically and athletically. A national basketball powerhouse, The Patrick School and St. Patrick High School Academy count NBA all-stars, NCAA champions, and state and conference champions among their alumni.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.

CONTACT

Kristen Volkland
Erbach Communications Group
(201) 960-3102