Frequently Asked Questions

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!

What type of school is Camden Big Picture Learning Academy?

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.

What type of curriculum does the school use?

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.

What is the teacher to student ratio?

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.

How are the students assessed?

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.

Does Camden Big Picture Learning Academy have a dress code?

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).

Does CBPLA offer sports?

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.