increase of 47 positions from the 2010 ranking) which were based on the combined percentage of students classified as proficient or above proficient on the mathematics (80.1%) and language arts literacy (92.4%) components of the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). Chemistry teacher Maria DeBruin was one of 45 teachers in the country selected as a Milken Educator of the Year in 2017. History The school was constructed and opened in 1980 due to the large number of students enrolled at Brick Township High School. It was uncertain that the school would ever built because some community members felt that a new school would divide the town. In addition to the required course work in English, history, math, science, and physical education, there are numerous selections in fine arts, foreign language, business and Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC). The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses in English, history, math, and science as well as in many elective courses within all subject areas. The academic program aims to prepare students not only for a competitive college career, but also for a vocational career. Brick Memorial provides the opportunity to attend the Ocean County Vocational Technical School system. This program of study offers students training in transportation technologies, building trades, electronics, allied health services, and specialized trades in keeping with the industrial and employment opportunities available in the school's area. Brick Memorial includes technology as an integral part of every department and subject area. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that appeals to the varied interests of the student population. Extracurricular activities Athletics The Brick Memorial High School Mustangs compete in Division A South of the Shore Conference, an athletic conference comprised of public and private high schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties along the Jersey Shore. The league operates under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). With 1,104 students in grades 10-12, the school was classified by the NJSIAA for the 2019–20 school year as Group IV for most athletic competition purposes, which included schools with an enrollment of 1,060 to 5,049 students in that grade range. For football, the school was classified by the NJSIAA as Group IV South for football for 2018–2020. Brick Memorial offers 20 interscholastic sports programs, including baseball, basketball, bowling, cheering, cross country, dance, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball,