Intra- or Interdistrict Programs

The Academy of Finance, located at Westhill High School, is a member program of the National Academy Foundation addressing the needs of the nation’s high school students by providing them with the education needed to succeed in the challenging and rapidly changing finance industry. In addition to required high school courses, Academy students take a number of highly specialized courses each semester. The honors curriculum provides high-achieving and passionate National Academy Foundation students at Westhill with challenges and opportunities that will allow these students to achieve their intellectual and professional goals. Students who participate in this three-year program gain the necessary technical, analytical, and communications skills needed to succeed in the business world. As Academy members, students participate in employment readiness workshops, project-based learning experiences, and paid summer internships in the financial services industry. They have the opportunity to earn college credit in their senior year.

The Agriscience and Technology Program, located at Westhill High School, offers an opportunity for all in the lower Fairfield County region to explore the nation’s largest commercial business – AGRICULTURE! Over 2000 career areas in the growing agricultural industry from agrimarketing to zoology become available to the students enrolled in the program. Instruction in introductory level information, as well as more advanced technological skills, is provided. Classroom instruction, laboratory/field experience, guest speakers, leadership development through FFA (Future Farmers of America), and career exploration are all areas offered through this broad program.

The Early College Studies (ECS) program at Stamford High School allows enrolled students to concurrently earn a high school diploma as well as an Associate’s Degree in Software Engineering, Mobile Programming, or Web Development and Design from Norwalk Community College. ECS is modeled after a national program with a proven track record for increasing graduates’ immediate enrollment into college while preparing them for immediate employment in the technology industry. Students benefit from rigorous coursework, mentoring, tutoring, and potential internships for qualified students.

The High School of Business^TM (HSB), located at Stamford High School, is a member program from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. The program is designed to prepare students for college business programs. This is accomplished by having the students work through challenging real world business problems and projects. Teams of students work on projects, providing an authentic reason for learning. It’s engaging, it’s challenging, and it naturally teaches the 21st century skills necessary for success in college and career now and in the future. Students take 6 semester courses and complete the program with a capstone course that challenges them to start and run their own businesses. Students participating in this rigorous, challenging, and college-connected program have the opportunity to earn up to 9 college credits.

The International Baccalaeureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Stamford High School is designed to prepare freshmen and sophomore students for success in high school and higher education and incorporates the themes of cultural awareness and international mindedness in the curricula across all subject areas. Global contexts for teaching and learning drive the interdisciplinary approach in this program. Students are required to take courses in seven subject groups. They must also successfully complete a yearly interdisciplinary project and a personal project during their second year. Application to the MYP is made during the student’s eighth grade year. 

Note:

Stamford High School is a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.**

*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer the Middle Years Programme (MYP)

**Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Stamford High School is a challenging two-year curriculum that aims to develop junior and senior students into curious, knowledgeable, and caring people who want to help make the world a better place. The courses challenge students to ask difficult questions, develop deeper learning skills, build their identity, and broaden their worldview so as to fully prepare for higher education and life thereafter. All courses are two years in length and are offered at the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Students are required to take six subject courses [one each from Groups 1-5 and a sixth course from group 3, 4 or 6 in addition to the Theory of Knowledge course (TOK)]. Students must also successfully complete the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements in order to complete the IBDP. Students must take a minimum of three and a maximum of four HL courses. Application to the IBDP is made during the student’s sophomore year.

JROTC at Westhill High School is an elective leadership and citizenship development program available to all students. They earn 5 credits while participating in the program to gain valuable, practical leadership skills by serving in class leadership positions. Students may earn awards and progress in rank by participating in various activities including community service projects, marching in parades, and by supporting other school and city events. JROTC also has a competitive drill team, color guard, and raider team all of which rank among the best in the New England region. Other JROTC activities include field trips, adventure training events, an annual military ball, and a summer leadership camp program. Students wear a uniform on every Wednesday and when participating in special events. Students also participate in military style physical training on Fridays. There is NO military service obligation associated with this program.