Dec. 9, 2024
By Janset Çinaz
Copy Editor
This article is part of a four-part in-depth reporting project about the Lyndhurst College Acceleration Program, better known as L-CAP.
Senior privilege, which allows seniors who have earned all their required credits to have up to two free periods a day, was something I looked forward to as an underclassman. However, I’m glad I instead seized the opportunity to participate in the Lyndhurst College Acceleration Program, known as L-CAP, when it was announced last spring.
L-CAP gives seniors a chance to earn college credits by taking up to three courses per semester at Felician University’s Rutherford campus. Students in the program attend their three morning classes at the high school and follow their college schedules after lunch.
When I learned about L-CAP, I immediately knew it was a great deal. The Lyndhurst Board of Education covers the cost of the classes, meaning I am earning free college credits and only paying a $50 registration fee.
My only concern was the rigor of college courses. I worried they would be too challenging, so I was relieved to see my classes filled with my peers from LHS. It was comforting to know that if we were going to struggle, we would do so together.
This semester, L-CAP students were offered three courses: Fundamentals of Marketing, Introduction to Criminal Justice and Introduction to Psychology. Since I took a criminology class through Virtual High School last year, I enrolled in Introduction to Psychology and Fundamentals of Marketing, which started in late August.
My professors, Professor Caroline Calegari and Professor Michael Cicchine, are experts in their fields, and I am happy to be one of their students.
Introduction to Psychology was challenging at first, mainly because the course is quiz-heavy. Meeting from 1:25-2:25 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, we cover 45-60 slides in a week and then take a quiz at the start of the next class.
When it comes to my schedule, it is actually more manageable than taking a full course load at LHS. My school days end earlier, giving me time to work extra hours at my part-time job.
It demands strong note-taking and study skills, but luckily, I’ve figured out the type of content to expect on the quizzes, so my grades have improved during the semester.
Compared to Introduction to Psychology, Fundamentals of Marketing, which meets from 12:10-1:10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, consists of less material. The professor also assigns individual assignments, giving students more opportunities to excel.
Throughout the semester, my classmates and I worked in small groups to create advertisements for our own companies. At the conclusion of the project, we delivered presentations in the style of the reality TV show “Shark Tank.”
Overall, both of my classes offer valuable information and balance each other out well.
When it comes to my schedule, it is actually more manageable than taking a full course load at LHS. My school days end earlier, giving me time to work extra hours at my part-time job.
Since I’ve already completed my required credits for graduation, I decided not to continue with L-CAP during the spring semester. After mid-December, I will only be taking classes in the morning, giving me more time to focus on my job and college applications.
I’m excited to finish my senior year with an easier schedule, but I have no regrets about enrolling in L-CAP this fall.
It is a fantastic way to earn college credits and has allowed me to try something new. L-CAP has given me a glimpse of what to expect next year as a full-time college student and prepared me well for my journey ahead.
I highly recommend this program to all high school seniors, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Board of Education for offering this opportunity.
