Marist Students Participate in Independent Study Programs

Marist senior Jessica Casingal working on her independent study coursework.

Under the supervision of Mr. Justin Cetro, Library Media Specialist, and faculty mentors, 20 Marist High School students participate in the school's Independent Study Program as part of its curriculum.   

The Independent Study Program is rigorous. Currently, some topics studied include: Noah Gordon, the Novelist, Abortion, Internet Pirates, Environment, 9/11 Conspiracy Theories, Teenage Suicide, Domestic Violence, Fuel Cells and Cars, Steroids, Drugs and Alcohol, and the Change of Music from Slavery to Jazz.

“I personally enjoy the Independent Study Program,” said, Cecilia Sierra '11, who studied Shel Silverstein, the Poet. “The Independent Study Program is a great program that allows me to conduct research, remain focused, and become disciplined in time management in preparation for college next year.”    

Research is a huge component of the Independent Study Program. Higher order and critical thinking skills are required. In order to facilitate the success of each study, mentors and students meet weekly to discuss the progress of research and to provide technical assistance for students who may be creating a Website, a PowerPoint presentation, or Excel spreadsheets.

The student's faculty mentor assesses students in the following areas:
Thesis and Investigative Questions, Logs, Written reports and/or Oral discussions, The Formal Research Paper, and a Creative Project.

“Marist has top-notch teachers and administrators that work diligently to create a challenging college preparatory education for our students,” said Mr. John Taormina, Director of Institutional Advancement. “We work to guarantee that our graduates will be successful in a very competitive world,” concluded Taormina.

In addition to the Independent Study Program, On-line Learning, Honors Courses and Advanced Placement courses, Marist to offers additional courses in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Latin, MedQuest, Graphic Design, Accounting, Programming in C++,  The Visual and Performing Arts Program, The Focus Program which serves students with special learning needs, and the prestigious Champagnat Scholars Gifted and Talented Program.