The 2025–2026 school year at Baruch High School brings unique changes to the science department with two new classes for 11th and 12th graders: Anatomy and Physiology and Neuroscience.
These courses are taught by our newest science teacher, David Sanchez. Neuroscience gives the ability for students to earn college credit, giving students a chance to build a strong academic foundation as they prepare for university.
Sanchez, who teaches both courses, shared his thoughts on bringing these courses to Baruch students.
“I felt this class should be added to provide more STEM and a pre med track for students. I know it’s popular, a lot of students want to become nurses, doctors, pediatricians…It provides them a strong foundation with science, so when you enter freshman year in your pre med track, you will have at least prior knowledge.”
Neuroscience is mainly helpful for students planning to go into medicine or STEM- related fields, as it gives them a head-start into material they will later see in college yet at a manageable pace.
The course is part of a partnership with Dartmouth, which adds a unique element to the experience.
Sanchez said, “It’s a lot of online work and a couple other teaching fellows that Dartmouth provided us. The partnership with the college professors is shaky but it’s going pretty well. Students seem to enjoy the course a lot, the work is challenging but that’s the fun of it.”
Students in these classes gave positive responses towards the content and Mr. Sanchez’s teaching style.
Yuriely Taveras, a student in the Anatomy and Physiology class, said, “Anatomy is very interesting to be learning in Baruch by a professional. Mr. Sanchez makes the subject fun and enjoyable. The workload is easy, yet there is a lot of note-taking. But overall, I’m really looking forward to learning more from this class.”
Ariel Cisneros, another student in Anatomy and Physiology, also shared his thoughts on the class experience, “It is a diverse class, and it’s useful as we can use it in college for our major.”
He also noted the structure of the class, saying, “The workload is easy; there’s barely any homework or classwork. Sanchez is a pretty good teacher—he always explains and breaks down information, making it easier for us.”
Mr. Sanchez has a strong academic background in science, “I have my bachelor’s in biology,” he said. “I took a lot of coursework and labs in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and so on.”
With the addition of these two classes, Baruch is expanding its science curriculum to better support students pursuing careers in STEM and health-related fields. Thanks to Mr. Sanchez’s expertise, along with college partnerships, students now have even more opportunities to explore interests, prepare for university, and gain valuable experience in the sciences.
