Academic Pathways in Paramus, NJ
As high school students get closer to graduation, they think more seriously about their next steps. Paramus Catholic High School helps set students on the path toward achieving their dreams with academic pathways. These pathways to academic success focus on eight areas of interest from our core course curriculum offerings. Through our partnership with VHS Learning, students can take even more elective courses that align with their academic pathway. Learn more about academic pathways for students in Paramus, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas.
About the Academic Pathways
Paramus Catholic High School understands that academics are at the core of a student’s education. As students near graduation, many have determined a major they wish to pursue. With academic pathways, they can be set on the right trajectory to select a major within their area(s) of interest. Another objective of the academic pathways is to identify a meaningful internship for each student during their senior year.
There are eight academic pathways, each with unique requirements. They include:
Business
Students who intend to follow a business path upon graduation will appreciate this pathway. Required courses include:
- Analytical or AP Statistics
- Introduction to Business
- Morality Honors I
- Speech
- Social Justice
- 2 consecutive years of a foreign language
Students must also take three elective courses. For those interested in international business, an additional two years of foreign language is required.
Medical/Healthcare
Students interested in becoming doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals choose this pathway. Requirements include:
- Algebra
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Morality Honors II
- Preparation for Careers in the Medical Professions
- Social Justice
- 2 consecutive years of a foreign language
The pathway also includes choosing three elective courses. Topics include psychology, sociology, physical therapy, and more to help students hone their focus.
Technology/Computer Science
This academic pathway allows students to develop their knowledge and skills in the ever-growing, ever-evolving field of computer science and information technology. Requirements include:
- AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles
- Computer Programming I
- Computer Programming II
- Introduction to Computer Technology
- HTML and JavaScript Programing for Web Pages
Students also complete elective courses, including Computer Graphics, Robotics, and 3D Printing and Design. What’s more, Paramus Catholic High School partners with Apex Learning to make available more electives to students on this academic pathway.
Law
Students begin learning how to be ethical law professionals with this academic pathway. Requirements include:
- Introduction to Careers in Legal Professions
- Introduction to Law and Ethics
- Social Justice
- US History I and II
- 2 consecutive years of a foreign language
Choose three elective courses to begin developing specialized knowledge in an area of law.
Engineering
This academic pathway helps prepare students for the various engineering majors they might pursue in college. Course requirements include:
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Engineering Principles I
- Engineering Principles II
- Pre-Calculus/Pre-Calculus Honors/Calculus Honors
- Physics/Physics Honors/AP Physics
As with the other academic pathways, Engineering also includes choosing three elective courses.
Cultural Studies
Students are encouraged to enrich themselves with the cultural studies pathway. They complete the following required courses:
- Art Appreciation
- Modern World History/AP European History/AP World History
- Myth and Legend
- Political Science or Sociology
- World Religions
The pathway also involves taking one foreign language and culture class. Paramus Catholic High School offers courses focusing on Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, and Japanese language and culture. Additional options are available through VHS Learning.
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
Learn to be an ethical law enforcement officer or related professional with this academic pathway. Requirements include:
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Sociology
- 2 consecutive years of a foreign language
Choose three elective courses to expand your knowledge in specific areas relevant to law enforcement and criminal justice.
Fine Art
Creative students find an academic pathway designed for them with Fine Arts. The kinds of courses you take will depend on your study, be it Visual Art, Digital Art, Performing Art, or Music. Students are required to complete at least three courses in their area of focus.
You can review the Course Booklet for more information about academic pathways and the required and elective courses for each.
Explore Clubs and Activities That Align With Academic Pathways
It’s not just coursework that builds students’ knowledge in their areas of interest. Paramus Catholic High School offers various student clubs and activities, many aligned with academic pathways. Students can coordinate with their instructors or the guidance department to find clubs and activities to supplement their studies.
Partners for Virtual Learning
Although Paramus Catholic High School boasts interesting electives for each academic pathway, we know every student has unique interests. By partnering with VHS Learning, we expose students to more opportunities. VHS Learning is a nonprofit organization providing hundreds of supplemental online classes. We also partner with Apex Learning to give students access to more accredited and approved courses.
Pursue Pathways to Academic Success in Paramus, NJ.
At Paramus Catholic High School, students in Paramus, NJ, and the surrounding areas gain an education that helps them grow academically and personally. Contact us today to learn more about academic pathways and our other programs.