April 18, 2024
By Jessica Cerrito
Staff Writer
Starting in the fall, LHS will embark on a groundbreaking partnership with Felician University.
The partnership, which is named the Lyndhurst College Acceleration Program, goes by the acronym L-CAP. It will allow seniors to earn college credits free of charge, with the exception of a $50 registration fee, by taking classes on Felician’s Rutherford campus.
The program will be open to any senior who has a good attendance record, a clean disciplinary record, is on track to meet their graduation requirements and has passed the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment.
Principal Ms. Vuono said she is excited to bring more elective options to seniors.
“This program can help students get a head start on their college education in a collegiate environment,” Vuono said. “It provides the opportunity for seniors to see what areas of study they may enjoy, helping to make more informed decisions about their future academic and career paths.”
PHOTO BY LILY ANDERSON Beginning in September, seniors will be able to take classes at Felician University in Rutherford. These students will have access to all university facilities, including the Wellness & Recreation Center.
Through L-CAP, seniors can enroll in up to three college classes a semester, totaling six classes or 18 college credits for the year. Seniors enrolled in the program will register as Felician students, follow the university’s semester schedule and have access to all campus facilities. The $300 cost of each course will be covered by Lyndhurst Public Schools.
Students will be released from LHS at 11 a.m. and return by 2:30 p.m. for sports and activities, with transportation provided by Felician for students who need it.
In the fall, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Introduction to Criminal Justice will be held from 12:10-1:10 p.m., and Introduction to Psychology will run from 1:25-2:25 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Introduction to Marketing will be held from 12:10-1:40 p.m. The spring semester classes are yet to be determined.
Vuono said the high school’s administration is exploring additional course offerings, including nursing and X-ray technician programs, for future semesters.
Vuono said she is eager for the year ahead.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with an esteemed university only five minutes from our high school.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with an esteemed university only five minutes from our high school. We are extremely proud to be the first to offer this innovative academic opportunity, raise the bar for our students and stay ahead of emerging trends in high school education,” Vuono said.
Students in grades 10-12 can also earn college credits from Felician by enrolling in dual enrollment courses at LHS. Dual enrollment classes will be subsidized by the school district, with students paying $150 per three-credit class and Lyndhurst Public Schools matching that amount to cover the $300 tuition.
Starting in September, all of LHS’ dual enrollment classes will be offered through Felician, except for Introduction to Education, which will continue its partnership with Bergen Community College.
Junior Nancy Attia said she plans to take the Environmental Science Honors dual enrollment class at LHS as well as Introduction to Psychology and Introduction to Criminal Justice through L-CAP next year.
Attia said she registered for L-CAP because it will help prepare her for college.
“You can get ready for what’s to come,” Attia said. “You can [gain] experience and not be lost on what to do when you become a college student.”
Although Attia is looking forward to participating in L-CAP, she said it can come with a downside for some students.
“It is very cool that you can have a college experience early and that it can get you ready for the future, but in other cases, it can feel that L-CAP could be rushing the high school experience, especially since time goes by so fast,” Attia said.
Junior Michael Longo, who is taking the Accounting I Honors dual enrollment course that costs $300 through LHS’ current partnership with Fairleigh Dickinson University, said he also intends to participate in the L-CAP program next year.
“This partnership with Felician will be a great addition to our school because it will allow for students to have the opportunity to take higher level classes without money being an issue,” Longo said. “Students will be able to test themselves… and be eligible for college credits at a cheaper price than in previous years.”
Longo said being in-person at Felician will positively impact students.
“Attending [classes on] a college campus will be a little nerve-wracking at first but will be a great experience as it will allow myself and other students to acclimate to a college environment,” said Longo.
