Academic Departments

The English and Language Arts Department offers a full range of courses dedicated to the increased proficiency of our students in all aspects of literacy, from critical viewing of media to college-level literary analysis. Since English is a required subject for all students in Grades 7-12, our faculty strives to provide a variety of engaging learning experiences at each grade and level, exploring all literary genres and meticulously covering the basic logic and language skills necessary for effective critical thinking and communicating, the essential elements of academic, professional, and personal success.

Electives in Journalism, Creative Writing, and Drama provide a more specific focus for students wishing to pursue the creative aspects of language arts or to enhance their academic qualifications for future study.

The focus of the department is on ensuring that all students possess the essential tools necessary for effective communication. Grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and word usage, and spelling are addressed as tools to empower students to communicate and express thoughts with increasing clarity and effectiveness.

All students must complete three years of mathematics as a requirement of graduation, although the Mathematics Department encourages students to complete four years of mathematics. The math teachers prepare students for the rigors of college math with the higher-level courses of Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics. However, it is part of our vision to provide all students with a sound basis in mathematics that they can apply to everyday situations. Beginning in the 2021/2022 school year, we are now offering a new course for seniors called Applied Mathematics: Consumers & Careers. This course will allow students to experience math how they will in their careers after high school and as consumers in society. Our mathematics program will also prepare students for success on summative state assessments (NJSLA), the SAT, ACT, college placement exams, and employment.

The Science Department strives to engage students in learning that extends beyond the classroom setting through community partnerships and extracurricular activities. Our goal is to nourish our students’ love of science by providing hands-on, real-world opportunities for them to learn and grow. We provide faculty-sponsored learning opportunities for our students after school, on weekends, and during summer vacation. We have partnered with Bergen County Audubon Society and the Meadowlands Environmental Center and have a yearly Stemcon event to enhance the science curriculum in our school.

The department offers a rigorous curriculum of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as well as advanced courses in Honors Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Marine Science, SUPA Forensics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics, Astronomy, and Medical Ethics.

The Social Studies Department at Saddle Brook High School is committed to helping students develop civic responsibility as well as cultural appreciation. Social Studies classes are mandatory from Grades 9-11 and cover a variety of topics in United States History and World History.

In an effort to challenge our students, the Social Studies Department remains committed to enhancing our curriculum. Beginning in the 2021/2022 school year, we are pleased to be offering Advanced Placement United States History I and Human Geography. The Department will also continue offering elective classes in Sociology, Criminal Law, Public & Media History, and Advanced Placement European History. With an emphasis on critical thinking, the Social Studies Department will be stressing the use of primary and secondary source analysis from Grades 9-11.