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Resources and Educational Opportunities for Military Students

At Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts we have a variety of programs and resources for our students.

  • Extended Day Service for AM & PM

  • Medical LEGO/ Robotics Club

  • Partnership with local hospitals

  • Externships and Internships for students at partnering Medical Institutions

DCPS is a choice school district. Families are provided with the opportunity to select their student’s learning pathway through our School Choice Office.  As the district has many choices enrollment options to include your local neighborhood school to schools like ours, that have a dedicated program theme.  Here at Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts, our military students live in the neighborhood or requested a seat assignment by applying through the district’s lottery or by submission of a Military Transfer Option.   If you are interested in enrolling with us, please contact the Office of Enrollment to apply for your military enrollment priority.

Military families seeking opportunities for middle and high school students interested in the medical arts can help their children explore their passion while building a strong foundation for future healthcare careers. Through hands-on learning, exposure to medical concepts, skill-building activities, and career exploration, students can foster their curiosity about medicine, develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and gain valuable insight into a variety of healthcare professions. These experiences not only prepare students for advanced education and training but also inspire confidence, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others in the medical field.

Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a FREE family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth. Parent Academy courses are offered virtually through Microsoft Teams.

Parent Academy focuses on the following three fundamental categories: 

  1. Student Achievement: Workshops and activities provide parents and caregivers with the necessary tools to promote students' academic achievement as well as provide support in navigating the school system. 

  2. Parenting & Advocacy: Workshops and activities provide innovative tools and strategies to effectively enhance parenting, student advocacy, and leadership skills.  

  3. Personal & Individual Growth: Workshops and activities provide empowering information, motivation, and encouragement for the personal and professional growth of parents and caregivers.

Educational Opportunities

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Naval Hospital Jacksonville Partnership:

S2M2: Science, Service, Medicine, and Mentoring

S2M2 (Science, Service, Medicine, and Mentoring) is an intensive biomedical mentorship program designed to inspire high school students to pursue careers in science, medicine, and healthcare. Originally developed in 2004, the program provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore healthcare careers through hands-on experiences, professional mentorship, and exposure to real-world medical environments.

S2M2 helps students connect their academic preparation with the realities of healthcare careers. By combining science, service, medicine, and mentoring, the program gives students a closer look at the healthcare profession while encouraging them to envision themselves as future healthcare professionals.

Overview

S2M2 gives students the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and experience the healthcare field firsthand. Through direct interaction with medical professionals, students gain insight into the knowledge, skills, dedication, and teamwork required to succeed in healthcare careers.

Program Goals

Encourage students to pursue educational and career pathways in science, medicine, and healthcare.

Provide meaningful hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world medical practice.

Pair students with healthcare professionals who can provide mentorship, guidance, and career insight.

Build students’ confidence, professional skills, and understanding of the many career opportunities available within the healthcare field.

Hands-On Experiences

Students participate in a variety of immersive activities designed to introduce them to different aspects of medicine and healthcare. Experiences may include:

Shadowing physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Exploring hospital departments and learning about the roles of multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Developing foundational clinical skills through hands-on demonstrations and activities.

Participating in specialized training experiences, including orthopedic bone fixation and tactical combat casualty care.

Learning how communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professionalism contribute to effective patient care.

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