It was freshman year all over again for Janae Pesante.

The senior wandered the corridors of her new school yesterday in search of her first honors biology class at Science Park High School, the first high school to open in Newark in 40 years.

"It's big. It's overwhelming and I still can't believe it finally happened," she said.

Students, staff and government officials celebrated the opening of the $79 million school during a morning assembly and ribbon-cutting at the sprawling school along Norfolk Street. It was scheduled to open more than a year ago and plans for a new school had been in the works since Science High opened in 1974.

Acknowledging the building was a long time coming, Gov. Jon Corzine welcomed the students to their new home and reminded them that "math, science, technology and the ability to critically think" are the keys to success.

"You are the future; it's not about buildings, it's really about your lives," he said.

A host of state and local policymakers attended the opening, including state Education Commissioner Lucille Davy, New Jersey Schools Construction Corp. chief executive Scott Weiner, U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, and state Sen. Ron Rice.

Mayor Cory Booker was not present. He had a prior commitment, spokesman Amin Nathari said.

Science Park is the first school managed by the Schools Construction Corp. to open in Newark. The agency was created in the aftermath of a state Supreme Court decision that ordered the replacement of "crumbling and obsolescent" schools in New Jersey's poorest cities. The Legislature set aside $6 billion for the job.

Corzine said he intends to go before the state Legislature next year and ask for an additional $3.25 billion. Of that, $2.5 billion would be set aside for Abbott districts like Newark.

But yesterday was about Science Park High, a school Newark Superintendent Marion Bolden called "a gem."

There are state-of-the-art labs, a greenhouse, independent research labs, a swimming pool, library/media center and a gym, which was missing from the old school at 40 Rector St. It also has an environmentally sustainable energy system that heats, cools and lights the building.

Teary-eyed Principal Christine Taylor reveled in the fact that for the first time in her 15-year tenure she could address "all her students, not on the floor, not on bleachers but in a comfortable environment" during an assembly.

Freshman Luis Ramirez was happy he could continue his first year along with the rest of his school. Because the building was under construction in September, the ninth grade was housed in a former elementary school.

Senior Jason Codington will only get a chance to experience the school for a short time because he graduates in June.

"I'm glad I get a taste of what it feels like to have a real high school," he said. "It feels good."