Camden Big Picture Learning Academy, formerly MetEast, is a small public high school open to all students in Camden city. We educate one student at a time, so each student’s curriculum is determined by his or her unique interests, background, and learning styles. All students work on projects in real-world settings related to their interests and develop strong relationships with teachers and project mentors. In short, the community is viewed as a classroom. CBPLA enrolls families, not just students!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of school is Camden Big Picture Learning Academy?

A: Interest and Career Exploration is the school’s focus. Upon enrollment, students identify their interest and pursue their passions by engaging in rigorous work in the surrounding community.

Q: What type of curriculum does the school use?

A: Each Camden Big Picture Learning Academy student has a personalized curriculum that is tailored to meet the academic, social, and personal needs of each student. Using New Jersey’s content standards as a guide, the student, his or her family and the student’s teacher work collaboratively to define the curriculum. Also, all CBPLA graduates will be prepared to enter and be successful in college.

Q: What is the teacher to student ratio?

A: Camden Big Picture Learning Academy offers a small learning environment where the teacher to student ratio is approximately 1:15 and the student population does not exceed 120 students.

Q: How are the students assessed?

A: Camden Big Picture Learning Academy students do not receive traditional grades; rather they are authentically assessed using exhibitions and teacher narratives that reflect the students’ progress over time.

Q: Does Camden Big Picture Learning Academy have a dress code?

A: Yes, as a prerequisite for admission into CBPLA  students must agree to wear the approved school uniform. The Camden Big Picture Learning Academy uniform consists of the following: pants or skirts (tan or black), polo-style shirts w/ logo (red or black).


Q: Does CBPLA offer sports?  


A: Yes. Camden Big Picture Learning Academy partners with both Camden High School and Woodrow Wilson High School for all sports including: both boys and girls basketball, softball, baseball,  football, both girls and boys track, wrestling, cheerleading, marching band and girls volley ball.