“Our goal for you,” Palmyra High and Middle School Principal Dan Licata said, “is for you to grow in a manner that allows you to find tremendous pride and success in your chosen path.” He presented seven academic tracks the district will roll out in the 2026-’27 school year at a board of education meeting in February.
Come the start of the 2026-’27 school year, students entering Palmyra High School – as well as those in other district schools – will have the option to enroll in one of seven academic tracks.
Principal Daniel Licata presented them at a board of education meeting in February.
A board member was inspired by a presentation about the new academics from Boonton Public Schools at the annual New Jersey School Boards Association’s Workshop in Atlantic City last October and brought it to the district’s attention.
Licata and school Superintendent Florencia Norton moved on the idea.
“This is a reflection on how leadership in the school district works best for the kids,” Licata said.
By putting together the academies, Licata said the district is trying to be as inclusive as it can, and things are still being tweaked.
The academies include:
Business and Leadership Academy – Blends academic content, technical skills and real-world experience in business, finance, entrepreneurship and entertainment/production.
Visual arts – Pathway supports students who are interested in pursuing a career in visual arts at the post-secondary level.
Health sciences – Structured to support students interested in careers that promote health and wellness.
Information technology – Positions students to excel in the ever-changing field of tech careers like programming, networking and cybersecurity.Â
Performing arts – Allows students to learn about numerous facets of the arts world, including business, creation and performance.Â
Teaching and learning – Supports students interested in an education career.
Duel Credit – Palmyra High, in partnership with the PHSFEE (Palmyra High School Foundation for Educational Excellence), will provide free dual-credit offerings to all students. That pathway will allow students to maximize high-school offerings that qualify for dual credit.
Note that the accreditation for courses is dependent on a number of factors and are subject to change. Palmyra High will inform the school community when there is a change. The class offerings in the academies are already offered in the district.
“The following courses have been created to serve all of our students as they prepare to take on challenges after they leave high school, whatever they may be,” Licata explained in a letter to students and parents/guardians.
Beginning in eighth grade, every student and their family will be able to meet with their respective counselors and discuss their goals. The academies will offer students a sequence of courses so they maximize their learning opportunities, according to Licata.
“Our goal for you,” he noted in his letter, “is for you to grow in a manner that allows you to find tremendous pride and success in your chosen path.”
