Administration
Principal Dr. Catherine Forfia
Dear IHS Parents and Students,
I hope this message finds you all in good health and ready to begin the 2023-2024 school year. As we come together once again, let us celebrate the possibilities that lie ahead and the sense of family that makes International High School truly extraordinary.
To our returning students, I extend a warm welcome back. Your dedication to learning supports our commitment to excellence at IHS. I encourage you to continue taking academic risks by pushing the boundries of your potential while exploring new paths of knowledge and embracing the academic challenges of a new school year.
To our new students and their parents, I welcome you to the IHS family. We are thrilled to have you join us and we look forward to being a part of your growth and accomplishments.
International High School has a dedicated team of teachers who are committed to ensuring students develop the tools necessary to excel here and beyond the classroom. Let us approach each day as inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring learners who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Yours in Education,
Dr. Catherine Forfia-Dion
Vice Principal Matthew Caruso
Hello everyone,
My name is Matthew Caruso, and I am one of the Vice Principals at International High School. I look forward to continuing to develop relationships with our community members and striving to make International High School and the IB Programmes the best they can be. I hope this post provides better insight into my background and educational philosophy.
My entire teaching career has been with Paterson Public Schools, starting as a student teacher.
Education Background
- Bachelor’s Degree – Montclair State University
- Master’s Degree – William Paterson University (through the Leaders as Learners Grant)
Teaching
- Student Teaching – International High School, Paterson NJ
- Teacher – School 24, Paterson NJ
- Teacher – International High School, Paterson NJ
Administration
- Vice Principal – International High School, Paterson NJ
After completing my Bachelor’s Degree at Montclair State University, I was hired at School 24 as a History teacher and enjoyed my time there immensely. However, the following year, I found myself back at International High School teaching History and assisting in creating and implementing the International Baccalaureate Programme, alongside Dr. Catherine Forfia.
For several years, I taught Theory of Knowledge and IB World History – The History of Africa and the Middle East, continued assisting with implementing the IB Diploma Programme and creating the newly authorized IB Career Programme.
From teaching, I transitioned into my leadership role as one of the Vice Principals at International High School and continue to work tirelessly on improving the quality of education within the school.
I am happy to announce that both programmes are fully operational and have set high standards for our students. The IB Programmes challenge students to develop creative approaches to problem-solving and help develop well round and globally-minded citizens through the IB Learner Profile. Students who have completed our IB Programmes have found they are well prepared for college or their chosen career path.
It is my absolute pleasure to be in education and an administrator at International High School. If you need assistance, please email me, or contact the school.
Email: mcaruso@paterson.k12.nj.us
Dr. Pam Gary-Maple
Dr. Pamela Gary-Maple, a proud New Jersey native, has been an educator for more than 20 years, serving in roles that span classroom teaching, instructional leadership, and higher education. She holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.Ed. in Education, and an M.Ed. in Administration & Supervision. In September 2021, she earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University, successfully defending her dissertation, “Comparing Differences in High School Algebra Achievement Based on the Use of Differentiated Instruction: An Archival Quasi-Experimental Study.”
Dr. Gary-Maple has served as a Mathematics Supervisor for Paterson Public Schools, where she oversaw secondary math instruction, curriculum alignment, and teacher coaching. Currently, she is a Vice Principal with the Paterson Board of Education, where she continues to lead with a focus on equity, student achievement, and creating safe, supportive learning environments.
She is also a published author, contributing the chapter “Heart and Mind — Empathy in Action: The Power of Social and Emotional Learning” in Frameworks for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Trauma-Informed Educational Settings (Cognella Academic Publishing, 2025). Her work emphasizes the integration of social and emotional learning (SEL) in trauma-informed educational environments.
Outside of her professional roles, Dr. Gary-Maple enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and creating lasting memories with her husband and son. She lives by her favorite motto:
“Don’t Dream Your Life; Live Your DREAM!”
Email: pgarymaple@paterson.k12.nj.us