December 2, 2019 (Torrance, CA): Recently, Bishop Montgomery was recognized by Newsweek as one of the top high schools in the nation for quality STEM education. In conjunction with November’s National STEM Day, Newsweek published a list of the top 5,000 high schools that excel in STEM education. Partnering with STEM.org, Newsweek ranked schools in every region of the country that offer skilled teachers who keep up with developments in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, and who create dynamic learning environments to engage their students. Using both qualitative and quantitative data from 2015-2019, Newsweek’s list highlights high schools that offer quality experiences in curricular and extra-curricular programs, best preparing students for life beyond high school graduation.
Bishop Montgomery received the news from Nancy Cooper, Newsweek’s Global Editor in Chief. “Your students are natural STEM students,” she noted. “We need to make sure their innate drive, curiosity and creativity aren’t lost along the way. And the best STEM schools are helping to ensure that America’s future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is in good hands.”
In the classroom, Bishop students can choose regular-paced, honors, and AP courses across a diverse STEM curriculum. And, with over 40 classes each day, BMHS students are constantly engaged in learning environments that support and encourage 21st century learning. Principal Jim Garza believes that these courses, and the fundamental skills they hone and nurture in them, are essential for this generation’s future success. “Our students must be prepared to be critical thinkers, researchers, and analysts,” he explains. “It is imperative that we, as educators, recognize and equip students with the necessary tools to be proficient collaborators, communicators, and leaders as they enter college and, eventually, the workforce.”
Outside of Bishop’s classrooms, students have a variety of opportunities for real-world learning through extra-curricular STEM clubs and programs including Robotics, ACE (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) Mentorship Program, Technology and Programming Club, and eSports. Working with mentors and professionals across STEM fields, students turn digital work spaces into creative and collaborative learning environments. And, with the guidance of teachers who promote a student-centered approach to dynamic learning, these students-- motivated by their own curiosity and creativity-- become innovators and real-world thinkers, ready for the next step towards their academic and professional goals.