School Choice Programs at Sterling

School Choice Programs

By Emily Shinault

 

Sterling High School offers three school choice programs for which students from other districts may apply: Naval Science, Allied Health & Health Services, and Early Childhood Education. These programs provide opportunities for students who live within 20 miles of Sterling to attend the school and pursue their interests in these fields.

                In partnership with UMDNJ, Camden County College, Gloucester County College, and several local facilities, the Allied Health & Health Sciences choice program is designed to prepare students who plan on pursuing college degrees in health-related fields. Available courses include Dynamics of Health Care in Society, Community Health, Fundamentals of Health and Wellness, Emergency & Clinical Care, and others. Several dual credit courses, for which students can earn college credits through the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, are offered. In addition, internships at local facilities are available for seniors.            

Students in the Early Childhood Education choice program will have a preschool lab three days a week from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with children ages three to five years old. The program runs October through May each year.  The program is designed to prepare students who plan on continuing their education in the fields of Early Childhood or Elementary Education.

Students enrolled in the NJROTC program will take courses in Naval Science and learn about a number of topics such as naval operations, seamanship, navigation, and meteorology. The curriculum promotes positive values including citizenship, patriotism, individual discipline, and respect for authority. Other activities include community service, drill competition, field meets, 78 flights, and marksmanship and other military training. It should be noted that though some enrolled students plan to serve in the military, no military service upon graduation is required.