A conversation with Andrea Ciliberti, Principal on where we are—and where we’re headed—in science and technology education
“We want students to see science and technology come alive—not just read about it,” says Ciliberti. “The more interactive experiences we can offer, the more they’ll connect what they’re learning to their future.”
A Space That Sparks Discovery
Walk into Bonner & Prendie today, and you’ll see the early signs of something new taking root. Our updated STEM lab includes flexible seating, lab kits, 3D printers, and computers. Our math, science, and business classes reserve this space for hands-on projects.
“It’s equipped for the kind of learning we want to do,” Ciliberti explains. “It gives students a foundation in innovation and helps bring their education to life.”
“Our curriculum is also expanding. In addition to core courses like biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, and anatomy, new electives in zoology and botany will launch next year. Advanced Placement science offerings—AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science—rotate based on student interest and enrollment.”
Students can also enroll in our AP Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, personal finance, marketing, and business courses. “We’ve earned the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award two years in a row because of the high number of female students in these classes,” Ciliberti notes. “We’re proud of that—it shows our students feel encouraged to take on these challenges.”
Beyond the Classroom
Students benefit from enrichment programs that extend learning in practical, exciting ways. Each year, students compete in the Stock Market Challenge, analyzing market trends and presenting their strategies to schools across the region.
Our B&P partnership with the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute (AVLI) provides access to electives like programming, engineering principles, game development, and design thinking. “These are online courses our students wouldn’t otherwise be able to take in their schedule—and they’ve really taken advantage of them,” Andrea says.
Through a partnership with the TGR Foundation, founded by Tiger Woods, students can engage in summer academies and hands-on STEM sessions focused on 3D design, content creation, product development, and Python coding. “It’s all hands-on,” she adds. “They’re learning real tools in creative ways.”
“We’re taking practical steps to expand what’s possible for our students—giving them more opportunities to explore, create, and connect their learning to the real world.”
Labs Ready for the Next Chapter
“We’re focused on creating spaces and opportunities that allow our students to discover what they’re truly capable of,” says Andrea.
Already, the foundation is in place—thanks to a growing curriculum, a dedicated STEM space, and strong partnerships beyond the classroom. With support, we can take the next step: transforming aging classrooms into vibrant, future-ready labs that reflect our students’ energy, creativity, and potential.
Our new STEM lab has opened exciting new doors; however, three science labs—still in use—have remained unchanged since the building opened. “They weren’t designed for how today’s students learn,” Andrea says. We need to bring them into the 21st century.”
Our goal is to renovate all three, starting one at a time. One would become a maker space with 3D printers, coding tools, and a digital dissection table.
“These new labs will let students move beyond passive instruction,” Andrea explains. “They’ll be building, testing, exploring; that’s when learning really sticks. Together, we can make that vision a reality.”