The Academy of Biological Sciences offers students a comprehensive, academically rigorous high school experience with a focus on the biological sciences.
The Academy of Biological Sciences offers motivated students an academically rigorous and highly rewarding high school experience focused on the life sciences in the context of laboratory investigations and applied medical techniques. Starting freshman year, students are immersed in hands-on learning that goes far beyond a traditional classroom. Our program is designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and provide the best possible preparation for success in college and in future careers.
Through a one-of-a-kind partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), Rowan University, the Rowan School of Medicine, and the Inspira Health System, our students enjoy opportunities that no other high school program in the country can provide. Whether it is earning industry-recognized biological lab certifications, conducting original research, or connecting with university professors and scientists, students gain experiences that truly set them apart. By the time they graduate, Academy students can earn between thirty and sixty college credits: enough to complete an associate degree through RCSJ while still in high school. This gives our graduates an incredible head start as they enter college, saving both time and tuition costs while boosting their academic confidence.
Students grow academically and personally as they progress through the program. Freshman year introduces them to laboratory research methods and problem-solving in applied scientific settings. They may find themselves investigating a simulated crime scene, analyzing genetic fingerprints, or stabilizing trauma patients; projects that make science come alive. Sophomore year deepens this foundation with the study of cell structure and physiology, alongside innovative experiences such as robotic and laparoscopic surgery simulations or prosthetic design challenges. In their junior year, students take on the exciting responsibility of creating their own research projects from start to finish, mirroring the work of professional scientists with the chance to submit their work to research journals for publication. By senior year, students expand their horizons even further by taking college-level biology courses on the RCSJ campus, exploring specialized fields that match their interests and career goals.
Leadership and independence are also important hallmarks of the Academy. Upperclassmen have the opportunity to serve as teaching assistants, mentoring younger students and supporting faculty in laboratory classes. In addition, students may pursue independent research under the guidance of our biological sciences faculty, gaining valuable experience that prepares them for advanced study and professional opportunities. These roles not only strengthen academic skills but also build maturity, confidence, and collaboration—traits highly valued by college professors and employers.
Graduates of the Academy of Biological Sciences are exceptionally well prepared for the future. In addition to building a strong understanding of biology, they graduate with the discipline, critical thinking, and real-world experience that colleges and employers value most. For parents, the Academy represents more than an advanced academic program—it is a chance for their children to challenge themselves, discover what excites them, and begin building pathways toward careers in medicine, research, and the wider world of the biological sciences while giving their students a chance to start their college career under the guidance our faculty.
