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Wayne Valley High School Launches New Cybersecurity Course Backed by NJ Department of Education
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Published in Science and Technology on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 22:22 GMT by NorthJersey.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Wayne Valley High School Embarks on a New Cybersecurity Initiative, Backed by the New Jersey Department of Education
In a move that aligns with state‑wide efforts to sharpen high‑school students’ technical skill sets, Wayne Valley High School has announced the launch of a brand‑new cybersecurity course. The initiative is a direct response to a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and an effort to give students a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technology sector. The program, slated to debut in the 2025‑2026 school year, is supported by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and bolstered by a mix of district funding, local industry partnerships, and targeted professional‑development for teachers.
Why Cybersecurity? A State‑Level Priority
NJDOE’s latest strategic plan places STEM and, more specifically, cybersecurity at the forefront of its educational priorities. The department’s “Digital Futures Initiative” emphasizes the need to build a robust pipeline of skilled workers for the state’s booming tech economy. According to the NJDOE website (linked in the original article), the department estimates that there are more than 12,000 cybersecurity positions currently vacant across New Jersey, with growth projected at 8.4 % over the next decade.
The decision to create a cybersecurity elective at Wayne Valley follows similar moves by other high schools in the region. Local education officials note that students who participate in such courses are more likely to pursue college degrees in computer science, information systems, or related fields—an outcome that benefits both the students and the broader local economy.
Course Structure and Curriculum
The Wayne Valley cybersecurity course is structured as a dual‑credit elective that satisfies both the school’s graduation requirements and a university‑recognized credit, allowing students to earn up to 3 college credits before they even step onto a university campus. The curriculum will cover key topics such as:
- Fundamentals of Computer Networks: TCP/IP, routing, switching, and the OSI model.
- Operating System Security: Hardening Windows and Linux environments, user privilege management, and security policies.
- Network Defense: Firewalls, IDS/IPS, and threat monitoring tools.
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: Basic methodologies for vulnerability assessment.
- Incident Response and Forensics: Investigative techniques and evidence preservation.
A notable feature is the inclusion of hands‑on labs that replicate real‑world environments, allowing students to practice configuring firewalls, performing vulnerability scans, and responding to simulated cyberattacks. Students will also work with industry‑standard tools like Wireshark, Kali Linux, and the Metasploit Framework.
Partnerships and Resources
The article highlights several key partnerships that will provide the necessary resources for the program. The Wayne School District has secured a $150,000 grant from the NJDOE’s “Future Ready Schools” fund to equip the school's computer labs with the latest hardware and software. Additionally, a local technology firm—Wayne Data Security Solutions—has pledged to provide mentorship and internship opportunities for advanced students. The company’s CEO is quoted in the article: “Investing in the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is an investment in our own future.”
Another partnership is with the New Jersey Cybersecurity Academy (NJCA), a statewide consortium that offers certification pathways such as CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Students who complete the Wayne Valley course will have the opportunity to sit for these exams at a discounted rate through NJCA’s partnership.
Teacher Development
The success of the course hinges on qualified instruction. Wayne Valley’s principal, Ms. Elaine Porter, has announced a targeted professional‑development plan for the Computer Science faculty. Two teachers—Mr. Carlos Ramirez and Ms. Susan Lee—have already completed a five‑day intensive workshop hosted by the NJDOE in partnership with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The training covered modern cybersecurity concepts, classroom management for lab‑based learning, and industry best practices for aligning curriculum with professional standards.
“We’re not just teaching students how to protect networks; we’re also preparing them for the certification exams and the job market,” Ms. Porter says. “This is a significant step forward for our district.”
Student Perspectives
The article also includes interviews with current Wayne Valley students who are excited about the new course. Sophomore Ethan Ramirez (no relation to Mr. Ramirez) expresses enthusiasm: “I’ve always liked video games and coding, but I never thought about how they’re built from a security perspective. This course will let me see the behind‑the‑scenes part.”
Another student, Senior Maya Patel, highlights the practical benefits: “It’s great that we can get hands‑on experience and even earn college credits. That’s a big advantage for my future, especially if I want to go into cybersecurity.”
Anticipated Impact and Long‑Term Goals
The Wayne Valley administration anticipates that the course will not only improve student outcomes but also strengthen the district’s overall reputation for academic rigor. The district’s website, which is linked in the article, notes that Wayne Valley has consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of schools in the state for STEM achievement. Adding a cybersecurity curriculum is expected to further elevate the school’s standing and attract families seeking advanced technology education.
Looking ahead, the district plans to evaluate the program annually, measuring metrics such as student enrollment, pass rates on certifications, and post‑secondary enrollment in cybersecurity‑related majors. The district also aims to expand the program into a full‑time course by 2027, potentially offering advanced placement (AP) credit for high‑performing students.
Conclusion
In summary, Wayne Valley High School’s new cybersecurity course represents a bold step toward bridging the skills gap in New Jersey’s tech industry. With robust support from the NJDOE, generous local partnerships, and a well‑planned teacher development program, the initiative is poised to equip students with the knowledge, hands‑on experience, and credentials they need to succeed in a digital future. The article, while brief, underscores the district’s commitment to innovation and offers a compelling glimpse into how high schools can proactively prepare students for careers that are both lucrative and critical to society’s digital infrastructure.
Read the Full NorthJersey.com Article at:
[ https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/passaic/wayne/2025/12/19/wayne-valley-high-school-nj-state-department-education-cybersecurity-course/87842941007/ ]
