About

Admissions

Academics

Athletics

Arts

Students
Quick Links

Focus Groups

Focus Groups

Our college-preparatory high school curriculum also incorporates the concept of focus groups—this program allows our students the opportunity to study subjects in-depth, with internships and extracurricular activities embedded into the schedule. Our 9th grade curriculum is designed to provide students the full foundation necessary to apply for, and thrive, in our focus group programs during sophomore, junior, and senior year.

Our Program

Students gain awareness of different educational, professional, and career opportunities with the guidance of guest speakers and hands-on experience from field trips.

The program culminates with an internship during their senior year.

The following are the five different program choices available to our students.

Admissions Requirements

The Focus Group Program accepts sophomores and juniors in good academic standing. This program is designed for highly motivated and determined students who want to make the most of their high school experience. Students in this program value a learning process where experience plays the central role. Application requirements are as follows:

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in 8th and 9th grade
  • 2 Essays
  • Letter of recommendation by the dean & a teacher
  • Interview with department chair
Program Requirements

In order to complete the program and graduate as a member of the Focus Group Program students must:

  • Intern/volunteer at respected company or organization during senior year (minimum 80 hours)
  • Take one or more elective courses in sophomore and/or junior year that are related to their chosen focus group
  • Attend career-oriented field trips
  • Attend lectures on campus by professional guest speakers
  • Maintain a strong work ethic, commitment to the program, and good academic standing (3.0 GPA)

Our Focus Groups

Engineering & Technology

The curriculum of this focus group will emphasize critical thinking and expose students to the many fields that fall under the scope of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science. In addition, students are encouraged to understand the use of technology as a tool for solutions. Students who join this focus group are required to take our AP Computer Science Principles class as it teaches them a broad knowledge of computers and technology.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1, A- or higher average in Intro to Tech | Required Courses: AP Computer Science Principles, and at least one of the following; AP Physics, AP Calculus, and/or AP Statistics

Health & Medicine

Exploration and experience are critical to preparing students for a path that can lead to a possible career in health care. Students will be exposed to many areas of the field, in hopes that when they are ready to apply to college, they will have a better understanding of what a career in Health and Medicine entails. Students who choose this focus group tend to be interested in pursuing the following careers: Doctor, Nurse, Dentist, Orthodontist, Physical Therapist, Veterinarian, and Health Administration.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 | Required Courses: At least one of the following; Honors Biology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and/or AP Physics Either AP Psychology and/or Anatomy & Health are also required

Business & Communication

This focus group is geared toward students who are interested in exploring careers in the business world, or the world of communications. Through field trips, lectures and internships, students will have the opportunity to develop research skills, knowledge, and an analytical understanding of key concepts and principles that drive our local economy as it fits into the global market, along with a basic understanding of what it takes to manage the internal and external communication of a company, and its representation to the outside world.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 | Required Courses: Entrepreneurship, and at least one of the following; AP Statistics and/or AP Psychology

Law & Politics

This focus group is geared toward students who are interested in exploring careers in the legal or political fields. Through field trips, lectures, and internships, students will have the opportunity to develop research skills, knowledge, and an analytical understanding of key concepts and principles that drive our court systems and political climate.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 | Required Courses: 2 years on Model UN and/or 2 years on Mock Trial, and at least one of the following; AP US History, AP Government, AP Statistics, and/or AP Psychology

Visual & Performing Arts

Students in this focus group seek the opportunities to explore and discover the various disciplines of the arts, such as dance, fashion, fine art and film. Throughout the three-year program, students will gain exposure to a variety of mediums of expression through lectures, field trips and performances.

Prerequisite: VPA Department Recommendation | Required Courses: Art III/IV or Dance III/IV and at least one of the following; AP English Language, AP English Literature, and/or AP Psychology

We Prepare Students For Success In Life