Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Introduces a Unique Biomedical Science Track

In keeping with Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s (SCH) long history of excellence in biomedical and health-related courses, and outstanding student successes at local, regional, and state science competitions, SCH is introducing a new opportunity for students who love science and are interested in pursuing a career in the biomedical sciences. Beginning in the spring of 2025, 9th-grade students will be eligible to apply to pursue a biomedical science track for the duration of their high school years. After completing all requirements, students will earn an SCH certificate of excellence in Biomedical Sciences in addition to their diploma.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, 20 percent of all college students graduate with biomedical and health-related degrees, and biomedical and health-related professions account for an ever-growing percentage of all jobs in the United States. 

“We are excited to help meet this need and the almost limitless opportunities for growth it will provide SCH students,” says SCH Science Department chair Scott Stein. “The unique opportunities that this program provides will help connect SCH students to the larger biomedical and healthcare community in the Philadelphia area and to our SCH parents and alumni who work in these areas.”

Highlights of this program include exclusive science events on and off campus, including field trips and guest speakers illuminating the amazing variety of university, pharmaceutical, and healthcare-related industries, science museums, and biomed professionals in the Philadelphia area; mentoring from Lisa Queeno, the BioMed Program Coordinator; summer and after-school research positions in labs and opportunities for shadowing healthcare professionals; a biomed-related Culminating Project; and access to mentoring and connections in the science community.

“This rigorous track aligns perfectly with SCH’s mission statement,” says Head of School Dr. Delvin Dinkins. “This program is the living, breathing epitome of the SCH mission ‘to inspire unbounded curiosity and independent thought... In a unique educational environment that extends well beyond campus, we nurture students’ knowledge of themselves and the world, expanding their full academic and personal potential.”

Current 9th graders will apply spring of 2025 before course selection. Applications will require letters of recommendation and personal essay(s). Eighth graders and their families will be introduced to this pathway this winter. 

For more information, please contact Lisa Queeno, BioMed Program Coordinator.