Baldwin High School to Expand Academic Offerings for 2026–2027 School Year

Baldwin Union Free School District will expand Baldwin High School’s academic offerings for the 2026–2027 school year with the introduction of several new courses designed to prepare students for their future.  

Among them, the district will launch a new Science Research Program as part of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Academy. Beginning next year, a half-credit option will give students the opportunity to engage in authentic scientific inquiry and develop research skills. Students in the Science Research Program will eventually compete in numerous competitions including the Regeneron competition. As the program grows, there are plans to align the curriculum with AP Research, which is currently offered to juniors. Baldwin High School science teacher, Mr. Federico Casares—a former scientist—will teach the inaugural course.  

“We are excited to see the addition of several new courses next year,” stated Mr. Anthony Mignella, superintendent of schools for Baldwin Union Free School District. “These new academic offerings will allow our students more opportunities to explore their interests, build real-world skills, and prepare for a future that’s constantly evolving. The addition to our already extensive course listing reflects the Baldwin Union Free School District’s commitment to incorporating our future ready competencies—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, character, and civics—into the curriculum and academic programs at every level.” 

Through the STEAM Academy, students will also be able to enroll in 3D Design & Engineering Technology and AP Cybersecurity, while AP Business Principles will be available through the Global Business & Entrepreneurship Academy. Each of these new courses will offer one full credit and provide hands-on, career-connected learning experiences. With the addition of these courses, Baldwin High School will now offer more than thirty AP courses to students. 

The district is also strengthening its curriculum across communication and world languages. Through the News, Film, & Media Academy (formerly the New Media Academy), students will be able to take Investigative Journalism and Film Studies, both half-credit courses that emphasize critical thinking, storytelling, and media literacy.  

In addition, Advanced Spanish for Native/Heritage Speakers will be available as a full-credit course designed to support bilingual students in strengthening their academic language skills.  

The expansion of the course catalog underscores the district’s commitment to college and career readiness. Baldwin High School currently ranks 9 out of 10 overall on GreatSchools.org—a national nonprofit that provides comprehensive data and ratings for more than 150,000 U.S. K–12 public, private, and charter schools—with a “10” in college readiness. Most recently, for the third consecutive year, the College Board announced that Baldwin High School has been named to the Advanced Placement® (AP®) Program School Honor Roll, earning the Silver distinction for optimizing college readiness and broadening student access to AP coursework. 

“Together, these new courses reflect Baldwin High School’s continued commitment to diverse pathways and innovative learning opportunities for all students,” Mr. Mignella added.