The Moody Advanced Professional Studies (MAPS) Center provides opportunities for HPHS juniors and seniors to combine traditional coursework with collegiate-level classes and hands-on experience from industry experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and business.
The MAPS Center is located within Highland Park High School. Original funding for the program was made possible by the $5.8 million STEAM grant from The Moody Foundation.
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Current MAPS Courses:
Business Design and Leadership
The MAPS Business Design and Leadership focus area offers Highland Park students innovative learning that bridges rigorous coursework with profession-centered experiences that prepares them for post-secondary futures. After examining a variety of business models, reviewing case studies, and analyzing economic implications, students develop a business model of their own, working through a full entrepreneurial spectrum ranging from prototyping to investments. Business Design and Leadership is a pairing of three courses for two credits: 1.) AP Microeconomics (.5 credits)(fulfills economics requirement), 2.) Economic Advanced Studies (Post AP, .5 credits), and 3.) Entrepreneurship (1 credit).
The classes are taught concurrently over the course of an academic year by two teachers over a two-period block. The curriculum is augmented through industry guest speakers, real-world challenges, and contemporary projects developed in collaboration with local universities and businesses. Through this integrated model, students learn about the relationship between entrepreneurship and microeconomic principles, while applying this knowledge to professional challenges and projects.
The following classes are blended together throughout the duration of the academic year.
- MAPS Entrepreneurship
- MAPS AP Microeconomics
- MAPS Economic Advanced Studies
Engineering Design
The MAPS Engineering Design focus area offers Highland Park students innovative learning in engineering and visual design that bridges rigorous coursework with profession-centered experiences that prepare them for post-secondary futures. After examining the processes and procedures used in engineering and design, students develop viable solutions in various engineering fields while considering aesthetic decisions and human factors. Engineering Design will be a pairing of two courses: 1.) Engineering Design and Presentation (Honors) (1 credit), and 2.) Graphic Design and Illustration (1 credit) (fulfills technology requirement).
The classes are taught concurrently over the course of an academic year by two teachers over a two-period block. The curriculum is augmented by industry guest speakers, real-world challenges, and contemporary projects developed in collaboration with local universities and businesses. Through this integrated model, students learn the relationship between engineered solutions and the aesthetics of design, while applying this knowledge to professional challenges and projects.
The following classes are blended together throughout the duration of the academic year:
- MAPS Engineering Design and Presentation (Honors)
- MAPS Graphic Design and Illustration
Brain Science and Health
The MAPS Brain Science and Health focus area will offer Highland Park students innovative learning in biotechnology and psychology that bridges rigorous coursework with profession-centered experiences and prepares them for post-secondary futures. While studying mental processes and human behavior, students will analyze the impact on physiological systems of the body. Brain Science will be a pairing of two courses: 1.) AP Psychology (1 credit), and 2.) Biotechnology I (1 credit).
The classes will be taught concurrently over the course of an academic year by two teachers over a two-period block. The curriculum is augmented by industry guest speakers, real-world challenges, and contemporary projects developed in collaboration with local universities and businesses. Through this integrated model, students will learn the relationship between psyche/brain development and the biological development of the body, and how these factors influence fields such as gene therapy, genetic engineering, etc. while applying this knowledge to professional challenges and projects.
The following courses will be blended together throughout the duration of the academic year:
- MAPS AP Psychology
- MAPS Biotechnology I
Environmental Architecture (coming 2021-2022)
The MAPS Environmental Architecture focus area will offer Highland Park students innovative learning in environmental science and architectural design that bridges rigorous coursework with profession-centered experiences and prepares them for post-secondary futures. After examining the processes and procedures used in architecture, students will create architectural designs and construction materials that connect to the 4 major principles of Environmental Science.
The following classes will be blended together throughout the duration of the academic year:
- MAPS Architectural Design
- MAPS AP Environmental Science
Click here to access the MAPS FAQ and program overview.
For more information about becoming involved in MAPS at Highland Park High School please contact:
Michael Warren, Director of Moody Advanced Professional Studies (MAPS)
