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Edison schools showcase dual-language, STEM and biomedical academies and newly launched career hub
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Summary
Students and staff from several Edison Township School District programs presented classroom work and field experiences — including a growing Dual Language Academy, STEM and Biomedical academies, and a new Career Connections Hub that the district says has logged more than 10,900 interactions since February.
The Edison Township Board of Education meeting opened with a series of program presentations in which students and staff highlighted career-focused academies and district initiatives. District presenters described a Dual Language Academy at Washington Elementary, STEM and Biomedical academy field trips, and a newly launched Career Connections Hub aimed at connecting high school students with internships and mentors.
The Dual Language Academy, described by a district presenter as a full-time kindergarten-through‑eventual‑grade 5 program at Washington Elementary, follows a 50/50 model in which students receive half the day’s instruction in Spanish and half in English. The presenter said the program uses Amplify curricula (CKLA for English and Camino for Spanish) and requires a six‑year family commitment so students develop bilingualism and biliteracy.
"The dual language academy offers students an opportunity to become bilingual and biliterate in both English and Spanish," the presenter said, adding that two teachers share responsibility for each class, with one teaching in Spanish and the other in English.
A student panel of second-graders who began in the program’s pilot kindergarten cohort read a short poem about bilingual learning. "Because I speak English, I can listen to Abuelita's talents… I can read books y libros. I have friends and amigos," one student recited, underscoring the program’s emphasis on language, culture and cross‑language friendships.
The Board also heard from James Madison Intermediate staff about a peer‑to‑peer initiative that pairs older students with younger learners for homework support and mentoring. The presenter said the JMI program fosters inclusion and models positive behaviors through weekly partnerships with Hawks at John P. Stevens.
Edison High School’s STEM Academy students recounted a visit to Nokia Bell Labs where they observed quantum communication demonstrations, toured acoustic engineering facilities (including an anechoic chamber) and met scientists and engineers. One student described seeing Nobel Prize artifacts and learning how technologies such as transistors and satellite systems shaped global communications.
Students in the John P. Stevens Biomedical Science Academy described hands‑on labs using Project Lead The Way curriculum, including dissections, forensic units and phlebotomy practice. "Being in the Biomedical Academy has allowed me to be introduced to other aspects that maybe others in a regular high school haven’t experienced," one student said.
On work‑based learning, the district introduced a Career Connections Hub — described as a centralized online portal for internships, mentorships, volunteer placements and research opportunities. The principal of special projects said the hub has recorded more than 10,900 interactions since February and that the district is partnering with Rutgers, the mayor’s office and external internship platforms (including a nonprofit virtual internship provider) to expand placements.
District leaders said these programs illustrate a broader strategy to connect classroom learning with career pathways, to increase access to authentic experiences and to support students’ post‑secondary readiness.
Board members and the superintendent praised student presenters for their work and encouraged community attendance at upcoming student events. The presentations concluded before the meeting moved to the evening’s business agenda.
