Camden Academy Charter High School

 Mission Statement

The purpose of Camden Academy Charter High School is to provide high-school aged students in the City of Camden with a successful educational experience. The school does so by promoting interest within an individual’s own education and understanding of a platform for societal participation.

The Foundation

Camden Academy Charter High School curriculum is anchored by the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and is delivered in a collegiate academy style. The Academy consists of two schools, a School of Business and a School of Science. Individual tracks within the school are dynamic and continue to meet the needs of incoming classes. A rigorous graduation rubric is maintained, in which all students must complete a major of study within one school and a senior research project.

In addition, Camden Academy Charter High School currently offers eight different Advanced Placement courses: Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Calculus, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Studio Art, Spanish Language, US History, and Physics.

Maintaining a close-knit relationship with students, guidance programs are employed to aid them in all facets of school and personal matters: academically, socially and psychologically. Camden Academy Charter High School maintains a dynamic learning environment, in which all constituents (students, families, faculty, higher education, and the community) are encouraged to participate and are challenged to always take ownership of the overall educational process.

In July 2016, Camden Academy formally merged with Camden’s Promise Charter School. The Academy now serves as the ninth through twelfth grade component of Camden’s Promise. Together the consolidated Camden’s Promise Charter School is a comprehensive PK-12 program serving over 2,000 students in Camden, NJ.

The student faculty ratio in the high school is 11:1, with the average class size of 22 students per class. Over 60% of our faculty holds master’s and doctoral degrees.

At Camden Academy, we aim to cultivate our four pillars – leadership, character, scholarship, and service – in each of our students. Each day is filled with teachable moments to help students realize their potential. We take the responsibility of building future leaders very seriously, and believe that leadership begins in the classroom and continues with participation in activities, clubs and sports. Our commitment to the city of Camden is closely tied to our dedication to developing a sense of social justice in our students. This is brought to life through the hours of service our students provide to our city, which is evident in our community. We model a culture of collaboration, accountability and open communication, which guides students to meet our expectations.

We are a community of learners and our students overcome many obstacles to reach high levels of academic success, graduating high school at a 98% rate. Our students are challenged with a rigorous academic experience that prepares them for achieving post secondary goals.

Accreditation and Membership

Camden’s Promise Charter School is fully accredited by the New Jersey Department of Education and the College Entrance Examination Board. Camden Academy Charter High School was named a Bronze Medal School in US News and World Report’s 2010 and 2014 Best High Schools Rankings.

Academics

The Academy at Camden’s Promise Charter School has an extended school day, running from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The curriculum is anchored by the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and is delivered in a collegiate academy style. Students take eight academic courses a day and minimally complete 120 credit hours for graduation. Students choose to study in either The Academy of Business or The Academy of Science. In order to be admitted into an Academy, students must conduct a formal research project on a career of their choice. Students must present their findings to a panel of community members and formally submit an application and essay.

General Course of Study

English Courses: English I, English II, English III, English IV

Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Contemporary Math

Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Environmental Science, General Science

History: World History, US History I, US History II

Foreign Languages: Spanish I, II, III, IV

Fine and Performing Arts: Art, Advanced Art, Music, Music Theory, Jazz Ensemble, Theatrical Arts, Chorus

School of Business Courses: Broadcasting, Business Law, Computer Networking, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, Introduction to Economics, Marketing, Microsoft Applications, Personal Finance, Principles of Computer Networking, Psychology, Sociology

School of Science Courses: Anatomy and Physiology, Architecture, Computer Networking, Engineering and Design I & II, Intro to Health Care Professions, Medical Terminology

Honors and AP Classes

The Honors and AP programs at Camden Academy provide students the opportunity to challenge themselves within a most rigorous curriculum. Beginning in their freshman year, students apply to take core courses at the honors level. The application consists of a written application and faculty recommendations. Beginning in sophomore year, students may also participate in the Advanced Placement program, which offers the following courses: Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, Studio Art, United States History, Chemistry, and Spanish Language. Acceptance into the program is based on student test scores, teacher recommendations, and personal interviews. All students who take an AP course must sit for the national test in that subject during the spring of the current school year.

Senior Options Program

Implemented during the 2018 - 2019 school year, the Senior Options Program provides eligible senior students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience outside the classroom in preparation for their postsecondary life, either through continuing their education or entering the workforce.

Senior Options Program Mission:

• Consolidate and apply high school coursework into meaningful, real world experiences.

• Connect and network with the outside world to gain real life experiences and skills.

• Provide meaning for the pursuit of higher level of education and professional life.

Student Benefits:

• Students experience personal growth enabling them to adapt better to the ever-changing circumstances in college, business, career paths, and employment opportunities. Through each experience, students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

• Students become more aware of the changing role of technology in the operation, location and types of careers and businesses.

• Students gain first hand networking and mentoring opportunities for life changing experiences.

Post-Secondary Support

Since 2001, Camden Academy has served the city of Camden’s families by placing over 1,000 Camden City students into colleges and universities all across the country. Postsecondary placement, however, is not the final goal of our institution. As the city of Camden is revitalized as a city of hope and promise, we strive to ensure our students take advantage of available opportunities. The Academy works closely with alumni to ensure they reach their goals.