Empowering Students Through Education, Academic excellence, and Entrepreneurship
Our mission is to prepare every learner for success in school, college, technical career, and real-world experience through innovative, hands-on, and flexible education.
Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
Ideal CTE Academy empowers students through hands-on, career-centered education that integrates academic excellence, technical mastery, and entrepreneurship to prepare them for college, career, and life in practice.
Vision Statement
To create a national model of innovative, student-centered education where every learner gains academic success, employable skills, and experience to achieve financial independence and lifelong growth.
Core Beliefs
Every student can achieve success through personalized pathways.
Technical education should lead to Academic excellence.
Entrepreneurship fosters independence and financial literacy.
Education should uplift communities through workforce empowerment.
The Ideal Learning Model
At Ideal CTE Academy, learning extends far beyond traditional academics. Our model integrates career and technical education (CTE) with real-world work experience and entrepreneurial training—preparing students for success in today's rapidly evolving economy.
Three-Pillar Framework
Education
Rigorous, NJDOE-aligned academic and CTE curriculum delivered by certified teachers in virtual, hybrid, or in-person formats.
Academic excellence
Paid, supervised work-based learning through Ideal Social Enterprises and community partnerships.
Entrepreneurship
Business incubation and mentorship opportunities that help students launch ventures or projects before graduation.
Leadership Committed to Student Success
Ideal CTE Academy is led by experienced educators, industry professionals, and community leaders who share a common mission—to empower the next generation through meaningful education.
Maisha McCline
Principal
Leads daily academic operations and ensures a culture of excellence, innovation, and care.
Ren Parikh
Founder & Executive Director
Visionary behind Ideal Institute of Technology and the Ideal CTE Academy model, integrating education, work-based learning, and entrepreneurship.
Dhiren "Ren" Parikh
CEO – Ideal Institute of Technology
Oversees partnerships, accreditation, and operational success across educational divisions.
Rodrick L. Green
Executive Relations
Spearheads strategic development and growth across all educational territories.
Accredited, Acknowledged, and Accountable
Ideal CTE Academy is fully recognized as a New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE)–approved nonpublic school and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Our curriculum is aligned with N.J.A.C. 6A:8 graduation standards and Perkins V CTE requirements, ensuring that students meet both academic and career readiness benchmarks.
Accreditation Status
NJDOE Approved
✓ Approved
Middle States
✓ Accredited
Highlights:
- NJDOE-approved school diploma pathway
- Middle States accreditation for quality and continuous improvement
- Pearson Education partnership for virtual and hybrid curriculum delivery
- Compliance with NJDOE CTE standards and graduation credit requirements
All CTE programs align with New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) and Perkins V criteria to ensure students graduate with recognized credentials and college-readiness competencies.
Partnerships That Build Value, Trust, and Expand Possibilities
Ideal CTE Academy builds bridges between education, industry, and higher education to open opportunities for every student. Our collaborations ensure that learning translates directly into experience, credentials, and academic excellence.
Featured Partners
Educational Partnerships
- Centenary University – Dual-enrollment and early college programs for advanced students.
- Ideal Institute of Technology – Parent institution offering technical labs, apprenticeship programs, and social enterprises.
- Middle States Association – Accreditation partner ensuring high academic standards.
- Pearson Education – Curriculum partner for virtual and blended learning.
Industry & Community Affiliations
- Builders League of South Jersey – Partners in construction and trades pathways.
- Community and Workforce Partners – Collaborations with local employers, municipalities, and nonprofits to support work-based learning and reentry education.
Future Collaboration Goals
Expanding partnerships to include green energy pathways, advanced manufacturing, and digital media apprenticeships across New Jersey and beyond.
Why Families and Districts Choose Ideal
- NJDOE-approved and Middle States–accredited
- Certified teachers and rigorous, standards-aligned instruction
- Flexible delivery: virtual, hybrid, or in-person at your district site
- Integrated work-based learning and entrepreneurship training
- Affordable tuition options for public and private partnerships
Join a School That Launches Students Today to Build Successful Futures
Partner with a school that merges academics with innovation, giving students the skills, confidence, and purpose to thrive.