A. J. Demarest Alternative School aims to provide its students with an opportunity to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Classes are small, and the school offers a flexible curriculum with subjects such as cosmetology and culinary arts.

Demarest High School also offers a Structured Learning Experience (SLE), which helps students with applying for jobs, writing cover letters and resumes and other career related issues. The SLE is especially geared toward seniors who are looking for jobs.

Before Hoboken High School was opened, Demarest was the main high school in Hoboken. Now it functions as an alternative junior high and high school.

Frank Sinatra attended the school, but dropped out.