t the High School of Science and Technology (HSST) students are provided experiences, both in and outside of school, that help prepare them to enter college or careers with 21st Century learning skills already in hand.  Students explore the variety of courses available to them in our STEM academies in 9th and 10th grade and are then able to focus on courses in one of the following areas for their junior and senior years:

• Healthcare Sciences
• Information Technology/Film and Media
• Engineering
• Finance

National Academy Foundation (NAF) School:

HSST won authorization to provide the acclaimed National Academy Foundation (NAF) curriculum that draws on the personal and professional ambitions and capabilities of students, schools, business and community partners.

The Information Technology/Film and Media Academy prepares students for careers in programming, database administration, web design and administration, digital networks, and other areas in the expanding digital workplace.  Students have the opportunity to take film and media classes that give them hands on experience making short films and documentaries, editing and video production skills and media literacy that helps them understand what goes in to making news in all its forms and evaluate it for accuracy and bias.

In the Engineering Academy Paxton-Patterson Engineering labs, students use state-of-the-art equipment found in robotics, engineering design manufacturing, alternative energy, environmental technology, transportation technology and electronics. These programs offer students career readiness skills, hands-on experience, college preparatory-level classes and creative exercises to help them succeed in school and life.

21^st Century Global Communications: 

Magnet funds enable HSST to invest in the future of our students by tapping into the newest technological advances and methods of communication.  Students use iPads, Netbooks and iPods to develop their own wikis and blogs and to Skype with students across the globe to advance their studies and understanding of the world around them. These hand-held technologies support student engagement with the academic content, enabling them to learn in a multitude of ways that make sense to them and make sense of world beyond their doors.

Real World Experience:

Students get hands-on time with equipment that is used in industry today in the financial, medical and engineering fields as they explore the many options that help them become college AND career ready.  These experiences are boosted through internships with many local businesses, including MassMutual, BayState Medical Center, Big Y, WGBY, among many others. Students learn the skills and habits necessary to become an employee while building their personal résumés.

HSST students are able to participate in local, regional and national competitions through organizations such as SEA Perch, an activity designed by the US Navy to design and manipulate underwater robots, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), BotBall robotics challenge, the Stock Market Challenge among other activities that puts students in contact with the world.