Whether it is through classes such as web design, music theory or contemporary moral issues, or curriculum tracks that offer advanced placement and college credit opportunities, Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Camden are providing students with educational opportunities to set them apart from their peers.
“Students can walk away with building a rigorous, diverse resume for their future,” said Louise Fourney, director of guidance and vice principal of the upper division of Wildwood Catholic Academy, North Wildwood. “Depending [on whether they are] attending college, going out to the workforce or joining the military, they are well-rounded and prepared academically.”
Students in the upper division have two curriculum tracks – College Preparatory, and Honors, Advanced Placement, College Dual Credit. Students are placed in a track based upon their grade point average, and students in the honors track can choose to take advanced placement and college dual credit courses. Course offerings include six advanced placement subjects, as well as dual credit courses in topics including mathematics, languages and psychology, with credits earned through Seton Hall University and Atlantic Cape Community College.
“The tracks are important offerings for our students because this is a huge part of the college process. The more rigorous college they want to get into, the more rigorous track you should be in,” Fourney said. “Colleges are very competitive, and when it is time to apply to college senior year, the more challenging your track is, the better chance that you will get into the college of your choice.”
Wildwood Catholic Academy also has a music program, with courses in music appreciation, music history and theory, as well as a band for students who are interested. These offerings help students to recognize the development of music from historical and cultural perspectives, and introduce them to the fundamentals – including tempo, rhythm, form and meter.
“It is so important that our WCA students graduate and have a diverse, strong foundation to attain everything they want in life,” Fourney said. “We want them to have every opportunity they possibly can have. In communication with our alumni, we have learned that our graduates have been well-prepared and successful in their college and career paths.”
Even before students there reach the high school level, they have access to varied learning opportunities – including an advanced mathematics course that allows students to start taking algebra in eighth grade. The school recently introduced a new theater class, and students have to present on stage at least once a year.
“The kids really love it,” said Jennifer Snyder, vice principal of the school’s lower division. “It gives them an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone while building self-confidence for public speaking.”
Students in Gloucester Catholic High School, Gloucester City, can take a range of different courses – including a multimedia class that focuses on communications, journalism, film study, photography and social media. Other offerings include sports marketing, robotics and web design. There was also a course previously offered that focused on contemporary moral issues, taught by Father Allain Caparas, pastor of Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, Glassboro.
“The idea that the students can select areas of study that are personally interesting to them makes these courses very popular,” principal Tom Iacovone said. “Along with the fact that they give them an opportunity to be introduced to an area of study they think they might be interested in at the next level.”
Other popular options for students have been classes in American government and forensic science, the latter of which introduces students to the scientific methods used to solve crimes and answer legal questions.
“Everyone is different, and everyone has different interests,” Iacovone said. “The best way to serve our students is to help them find what they are interested in and successful at. Giving them options, gives them that opportunity.”
Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral School, Camden – a Catholic Partnership School – offers a dual language program that is in the process of being expanded. The objective of the program is to help students build proficiency in communications and academics in both English and Spanish; it is available to students starting in kindergarten. Dual language classrooms there split instruction so that half is in English and the other half is in Spanish – following the 50:50 Dual Language Immersion model.
“We want students to grow in their knowledge and appreciation of other cultures, to develop a deeper understanding of their own cultures, and to learn how to communicate effectively across global communities,” principal Kyle Orosz said. “Students’ languages and cultures are validated, increasing their self-esteem, which has a positive impact on their academic and social development in both languages. The dual language program fosters bilingualism, biliteracy, enhanced awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity, and high levels of academic achievement through instruction in two languages.”
Iacovone said that offering additional, unique learning opportunities for students is key to helping them find their passion and calling.
“Maybe the next great journalist is in our multimedia course, or a great lawyer in our American government course, or a crime scene investigator in our forensic science class,” he said. “We would never know if they weren’t introduced to that here.”
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