Student Life
Advanced Science Academy
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Advanced Science Academy
The Lacordaire Upper School Advanced Science Academy is a selective, application-based advanced elective for high school students eager to explore science beyond the standard curriculum. Each year, students choose the Academy’s area of study. In 2024–2025, the focus was marine and ocean sciences; in 2025–2026, it will be human anatomy.
This course emphasizes active, hands-on learning, including:
Classes meet twice a week after school for two hours per session, totaling four hours each week. Most activities will be completed during class time. ASA is a full academic course, and students will receive high school science credit upon completion.
We coordinate with the arts and athletics programs to ensure that students can participate in ASA without missing other after-school activities.
This course emphasizes active, hands-on learning, including:
- Labs and experiments
- Field trips and capstone travel opportunities
- Case studies
- Opportunities to meet and learn from scientists in a variety of career fields
Classes meet twice a week after school for two hours per session, totaling four hours each week. Most activities will be completed during class time. ASA is a full academic course, and students will receive high school science credit upon completion.
We coordinate with the arts and athletics programs to ensure that students can participate in ASA without missing other after-school activities.
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Who Can Apply?
All students in grades 9–11, including incoming 9th graders, are invited to apply.ASA is a selective program with limited enrollment. Only the most qualified and motivated applicants will be offered admission. Applicants will be notified of decisions during the month of May each year. -
Time Commitment
Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30–5:30 PM. Students will earn high school science credit for successful completion.Accommodations for other extracurriculars:We will work with students to coordinate ASA participation alongside other extracurricular commitments.
State-of-the-Art Science Facilities
ASA students will have the privilege of learning in Lacordaire’s new, state-of-the-art science facilities. Our labs are equipped with the latest technologies, instruments, and tools—the same equipment used by professional scientists. Students will gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge environment that prepares them for college-level science and beyond.
2025 ASA Capstone Trip to Bermuda
Focus: Marine and Ocean Sciences
In June 2025, students in Lacordaire’s Upper School Advanced Science Academy (ASA) traveled to the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) for their capstone field experience. The trip represented the culmination of a year-long academic journey that challenged students to expand their understanding of science both in the classroom and in the field.
At BIOS, students had the rare opportunity to work under the guidance of Kaitlin Noyes ’02, Lacordaire alumna and current Director of Education and Community Engagement at BIOS. Having an alumna in such a leadership role provided students with a unique sense of connection and inspiration, showing them what is possible when passion for science is combined with the foundation of a Lacordaire education.
During their week in Bermuda, students immersed themselves in the study of marine and ocean sciences. They engaged in hands-on laboratory and field-based research, applying the skills they had developed throughout the year in Lacordaire’s new science facilities.
Activities Included:
- Practicing precision techniques such as using micropipettes and loading agarose gels
- Conducting DNA fingerprinting experiments by analyzing banding patterns
- Using NCBI bioinformatics tools to compare shark DNA sequences with existing genetic data
- Exploring Bermuda’s unique ecosystems and connecting field observations to broader environmental issues
These experiences allowed students to strengthen their technical skills and to understand the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern science.
For Upper School students considering a future degree or career in science, the Bermuda field study provided resume-worthy research experience and the confidence that comes from tackling authentic scientific challenges.
Our Mission
Empowering students to become confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition
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