While many people are still asleep, CBA students are already hard at work in one of four new “Period Zero” course offerings available this year. Period Zero courses feature several hands-on learning opportunities in Robotics, Marketing and the Arts. The courses run from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m., before the school day’s official 8:20 a.m. start.

“[Period Zero] allows for some new and additional classes that ordinarily wouldn’t be available to all grade levels,” says Christian Brothers Academy principal R. Ross Fales. As CBA continues to maintain a core curriculum that prepares young men for life and that helped the most recent graduating class receive $29.2 million in academic scholarships, the school remains committed to providing innovative offerings rooted in Lasallian values. “We’re diversifying our course offerings without impacting our core curriculum.”

In Robotics, taught by mathematics teacher Mr. Matthew Reagan, student teams build and optimize a remote-controlled robot. Over the course of the semester, their focus shifts to programming additional capabilities and creating the beginnings of an artificial intelligence within their robot.

Introduction to Theatrical Arts, taught by science department chairperson and Pegasus Production Company director Mr. Marcos Orozco, focuses on the institution of theater from its very beginnings before giving students a hands-on theater production experience. Jazz Ensemble, taught by Music Director Mr. Matthew Anderson, allows young musicians to further develop their musical style as well as practice for the several Jazz Ensemble performances throughout the year.

In Media Marketing & Broadcast Journalism, taught by Associate Director of Development Mr. Jason Lutz, students develop skills in journalistic writing, video production, social media marketing and on-camera reporting. “Many current students are interested in studying these subjects in college, so these experiences in this course help put them ahead of the game,” said Lutz.

Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition, CBA is dedicated to helping students become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for society. Through the combined efforts of the Office of Advancement and friends of the Academy, CBA awards over $1.3 million in scholarships and financial aid to current students. Experience the Academy atwww.CBALincroftNJ.org.