This program enables students to begin an intense academic program in their freshman year with special emphasis in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With concentrations in Engineering, Biomedicine, and Sports Medicine, students have the opportunity to delve into their interests before stepping foot into a college course.
Program Overview
Catholic High's recognized four-year project-based experiential STEM Program inspires future generations of young women to pursue exciting, rewarding and well-paying careers needed for the future growth of our nation in areas traditionally not previously available to them. Knowledge learned in STEM disciplines, the acquisition of advanced skills through hand-on, project-centered methods of inquiry will propel our students to succeed in colleges, universities and jobs of their choice. Courses are taught in our state-of-the-art Joanne Liberatore Kramer Engineering Room and Engineering Lab and Jesse James Hinson, Jr. Biomedical Clinical Simulation Lab.
Concentrations
Engineering - The Engineering concentration includes curriculum in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, two additional advanced sciences; NASA Engineering, Computer Engineering; Algebra II, Geometry; AB/BC Calculus; and a Senior Capstone Project. Classwork in the Lab includes, VEX and Lego robotics, Sea-Perch Underwater robotics, model building design & construction, model rocket design & construction, reverse engineering and redesign of commercial products. Our curriculum and instruction are continually updated to meet technological advancements and the ever-changing academic and work environment.
Biomedicine - The Biomedicine concentration allows young women to explore rigorous directed content, in the medical sciences, not available in most high school environments. Through a combination of course work, field experiences, and speakers, students explore a wide variety of college majors and post college careers. The concentration actively builds partnerships with hospitals and health care providers. Students make use of the Biomedical Clinical Simulation Lab which is home to many mid-fidelity mannequins that simulate real world experiences. During Senior year, Biomedical students are required to complete a Senior Capstone Project which is embedded in the Bioethics class.
Sports Medicine - Catholic High’s Sports Medicine Concentration is for students interested in careers in Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, Orthopedics, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiotherapy, Physiatry, and Physical Therapy.
Requirements for Acceptance
Acceptance into the STEM Program is based on the following criteria. Students must:
- Complete the STEM Application (Students may apply for two different concentrations within the STEM Program. Applicants must submit a separate application for each concentration they are applying.)
- Score high in the areas of mathematics and science on standardized testing and the High School Placement Test.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Complete Algebra I before the start of freshman year