Pathway Programs

Our three pathway programs provide students with the chance to focus their studies in Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, or Visual and Performing Arts.

  Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences Pathway Program at SJND is a rigorous four-year program focused on human physiology, medicine, research processes, and bioinformatics. With an innovative STEM curriculum including 4 courses by Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a national leader in STEM education, it implements project-based learning to prepare students for college and careers in STEM fields. PLTW's curriculum is recognized by college partners and allows students who achieve high scores on the PLTW end-of-year exam to earn college credit.

There are several ways to enter the Biomedical Sciences Pathway Program, but most students will enter when they are placed into their classes for their freshman year (9th grade). Students who wish to be in the program can select this choice when registering. There is no HSPT score requirement for joining the Biomedical Sciences Pathway Program, but students must earn an A in The Science of Wonder and submit an interest form during the first semester to ensure a space in Principles of Biomedical Sciences in the second semester. Students who earn a B or below in The Science of Wonder can still apply, but should talk to their science teacher to get a recommendation. Transfer students or students with special circumstances can enter the pathway in the 10th grade by completing Principles of Biomedical Sciences over the summer or in their sophomore year.

  Engineering

The Engineering Pathway Program at SJND designed to give students a foundational understanding of Engineering. Candidates for the Engineering Pathway Program have a specific interest in pursuing Engineering after high school. Students who complete the Engineering Pathway Program will have taken several college preparatory STEM and Art courses over the course of 4 years, including Computer Science courses, physics, and the capstone course, Engineering Principles: Research, Design & Build. Additionally all students in the Engineering Pathway Program are also members of SJND’s STEAM Society and are required to enter projects into competitions and/or Maker Faire on an annual basis. 

9th and 10th grade students interested in joining the Engineering Pathway Program should join the STEAM Society and be an active member. They should also speak with their counselor and science teacher to indicate their interest. In their 9th and 10th grade years students do not take any additional classes, but will gain the necessary skills in their Integrated Science courses. 

The STEAM Society meets twice a month and students in the Engineering Pathway Program are required to complete one project a semester. STEAM Society members will have access to the SJND Idea Lab which is equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, die cutters, 360 degree cameras and more. At the end of the year students can enter their projects in the SJND Maker’s Faire, an annual faire that celebrates the creative, innovative, and engineering spirit in our community.

  Visual and Performing Arts

The Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Pathway Program is a four year program open to all 9th-12th grade students that focuses on developing students' skills and appreciation of the arts. The VAPA Pathway Program is for students who plan to study the arts all four years and meet all requirements and have expressed interest in distinguishing themselves at the highest levels of skill, dedication, engagement, and collaboration in pursuit of creative excellence in the arts the SJND. There are four distinct concentrations in the VAPA Pathway Program: visual/digital arts, band, choir, and musical theater. 

The course requirements for the VAPA Pathway Program can be met in two ways: (1) complete four years of coursework in a single concentration or (2) complete three years of coursework in a single concentration + one year in a different concentration. In addition to course requirements the VAPA Pathway Program seeks to build students' leadership, collaboration, and service skills. This includes (1) service and community engagement, (2) senior capstone presentation/performance, (3) honors society membership, and (4) leadership roles and responsibilities.