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.