The Patchogue-Medford High School 2026–2027 Program of Studies Handbook remains one of the most valuable resources for our students and families. I encourage you to review it thoroughly as you explore the many opportunities available for the upcoming school year. Each year, we continue to expand and refine our course offerings to ensure that students have access to programs that are engaging, challenging, and aligned with their interests. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive academic and elective curriculum that empowers every student to discover their passion and reach their fullest potential, whether their path leads to higher education, military service, trade school, or joining the workforce.

Your child’s school counselor is one of the most important supports available throughout their high school experience. Counselors guide students through every stage of their journey, from adjusting to freshman year to making pivotal decisions as upperclassmen. These include selecting colleges or universities, exploring careers, and considering opportunities both close to home and abroad. With so many pathways available, our counselors are here to provide personalized guidance to help your child make informed, confident decisions about their future.

High school is also a time for students to challenge themselves academically. If your child is passionate about a subject, they may want to consider enrolling in an Advanced Placement (AP) course. AP classes offer a college-level academic experience and can help students develop the skills and confidence needed for success after high school. These courses culminate in a College Board exam, and students who earn strong scores may be eligible for college credit. For students seeking a rigorous experience without the AP commitment, our honors and Regents-level options provide meaningful alternatives.

We are also proud to offer a robust selection of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs of Study. They include Law Enforcement, Cisco Systems/Computer Repair, Medical Assisting, Construction Trades, Teaching as a Profession, Cosmetology, Fashion Design & Merchandising with two other pathways that can be earned with a sequence in Accounting and Engineering. These two-year, two-and-a-half-period programs give students a valuable head start on their careers. Many CTE pathways also offer embedded credits, allowing students to earn additional credits in areas such as math, English, or health while completing their program. Our goal is for students to continually challenge themselves and grow academically, socially, and personally each year.

With approximately 2,500 students and 19,000–20,000 annual course requests, building a schedule that supports such a wide variety of interests requires tremendous collaboration and planning. The process begins in December and continues through June as we create the master schedule for the following school year. This work is only possible through the dedication of our teachers, administrators, counselors, district staff, and most importantly, your child. Their course selections help us shape a curriculum designed to meet their evolving educational goals and aspirations.

We take great pride in the accomplishments of our Patchogue-Medford graduates. Our students continue to attend prestigious colleges and universities, enlist in the military to serve our nation, pursue specialized training in the trades, and contribute meaningfully to the workforce. These successes often begin with a simple yet important step: opening the Program of Studies, exploring their options, and choosing courses that reflect their goals, talents, and ambitions.

We look forward to supporting your child in the year ahead and are excited to be part of their ongoing journey toward a bright and successful future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Randy E. Rusielewicz
Principal