2017-18 STEM
500 Van Emburgh Ave. | Township of Washington, NJ 07676 | Phone: 201.445.6800 | Fax: 201.445.7416 | www.ihanj.com In September of 2014, IHA proudly introduced the accelerated STEM program for academically qualified students. IHA’s curriculum was always quite strong in science, mathematics, and technology, but the introduction of the accelerated STEM program has only enhanced the options in these areas for our students. STEM@theheart includes more than just these disciplines. The program’s core focuses on the four C’s: communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
STEM Curriculum at IHA While the STEM curriculum does not provide a lot of room for elective classes, we have found that students are filling their “free” time with rigorous, advanced, and major academic courses. Some students in STEM@theheart are also quite talented in The Arts and therefore choose to take a selection of our rigorous art classes.
Admission to STEM@theheart Immaculate Heart Academy requires any student interested in the STEM program to submit an additional application and recommendation letter, and respond to an essay answering why she wants to be admitted to the STEM program at IHA. Admission to the STEM program is based on the student’s performance in grades 6-8, results of the HSPT (High School Placement Test), and performance on any standardized tests from middle school. Emphasis is placed on students who have a strong proficiency in math and science courses, as well as a strong interest in pursuing a STEM career. Students should have a natural ability in math and science and also have strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. We typically receive more than 80 applications for each cohort and approximately 20 students are admitted each year. English
Please note, students in the STEM program are encouraged to take four years of a language. However, it may not always be possible if they choose to double up in science or math courses. Students taking AP science courses meet additional minutes per six-day cycle due to increased lab time. Therefore, these courses are issued six credits instead of five credits. The Class of 2018 includes the first graduates of our STEM program. Please note that to be considered a STEM graduate, a student must have taken all the required STEM courses. However, all students are given the opportunity to take courses in various STEM areas. Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering courses use the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Students completing the full STEM program are taking the most rigorous curriculum that IHA offers.
Religion
Math
Science
Social Studies
World Language Technology
Other
Religion I
Geometry Honors
Biology Honors STEM
World History Honors
Spanish French or Mandarin
Computer Programming
Personal Fitness
Religion II
Algebra II/ Pre-Calculus Honors
Chemistry Honors
Driver Ed (Semester) AND Trigonometry Honors (Semester)
Spanish French or Mandarin
Java Programming (1 semester)
Personal Fitness
Religion III
AP Calculus AB
AP Bio or AP Chem or AP Environmental or Anatomy Honors
US History Honors or Advanced Honors
Spanish French or Mandarin
AP Computer Science
Personal Fitness II (independent study)
Religion IV
AP Calculus BC/Advanced Topics
AP Physics C — Mechanics
US History Honors or AP History
Elective
Elective
Personal Fitness III (independent study)
Grade 9 Honors STEM
Grade 10 Honors STEM
Grade 11 Honors or AP
Grade 12 Honors or AP
STEM Clubs/Competitions Applied Engineering Club – students compete in the Destination Imagination and Source America competitions, both of which compete at the national level. Robotics Club – students build and program robots, in addition to building a self-driving car based on Comma.ai open source software and hardware designs.