Academics Overview
HSMSE offers a highly rigorous, STEM-focused academic program while still placing significant emphasis on the humanities. Students complete four years of mathematics, science, English, and social studies, along with at least three years of a world language. HSMSE goes far beyond the standard New York State diploma requirements: Students must complete 59 credits compared with the 44 credits mandated by the state.
All academic courses at HSMSE are taught at the advanced, college, or AP level, and these classes meet every other day for 70 minutes, allowing time for complex work, in-depth projects and meaningful discussions. Students typically take seven academic courses each semester. Elective courses are 40 minutes long and meet daily.
CONCENTRATIONS
HSMSE students choose a concentration at the end of their sophomore year and focus their classwork on an area of interest during their junior and senior years: Higher Mathematics, Advanced Engineering, Research and Science, or The Mount Sinai School of Medicine Biomedical Research Program.
Math
HSMSE’s math concentration includes courses beyond a typical high school offering. Starting in the fall of junior year, students take one semester of precalculus followed by Calculus I in the spring (both dual-enrollment CCNY college courses) as well as Linear Algebra. Seniors move on to advanced coursework including AP Statistics, AP Computer Science, Advanced Topics in Mathematics, or with permission from CCNY, Calculus III and IV.
Students can go beyond this curriculum by participating in college courses, local and national math research fairs and competitions, independent research projects, and robotics.
Science
The Research and Science Concentration supports students’ interest in engaging in hands-on research while taking advanced science classes. Students engage in two years of scientific research based on a topic of their choosing. During their junior year they develop research skills and as seniors, they conduct and collect data, and present their findings. Coursework includes AP Biology or Advanced Chemistry (with the ability to self study for the AP exam) during junior year, followed by either Genetics and Anatomy, or Organic Chemistry in senior year. All seniors also take a Scientific Research seminar.
Engineering
The Advanced Engineering Concentration at HSMSE, designed in collaboration with Project Lead the Way, is a nationally validated engineering program aimed at increasing the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists.
Engineering students take core classes like Principles of Engineering (Robotics and Mechanics) and Digital Electronics, along with electives such as Advanced Architecture, Digital System Design, Innovation and Design and more.
Mount Sinai Program
HSMSE students can apply for the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Biomedical Research Program near the end of sophomore year. The program consists of advanced laboratory experiences during junior and senior year, and a research internship in one of the hospital units such as cardiology, oncology, obstetrics or the autopsy suite.
During senior year students are placed in clinical or laboratory internships at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, and they generate a science research paper suitable for entering into regional and national competitions.