How to Apply
IDEA APPLICATIONS
The Innovative Design and Engineering Academy (IDEA) is not currently accepting interest forms for the 2024-25 school year. Due to our transition to a three year academy, the current freshmen class will be given first priority as we enter our sophomore through senior program. Applications to join the academy as a sophomore in the 2025-26 school year will open in January of 2025.
For more information see the academy coordinator or speak to your counselor. Once admitted to IDEA students are expected to remain in the academy as long as they can maintain the academy membership requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I join IDEA?
A: IDEA recruits at the end of January for the following school year. Typically, recruitment attracts incoming 10th graders at PGHS.
Q: Do I have to take summer school or 0 period to be in IDEA?
A: No. A lot of academy students choose to take summer school or 0 period to get ahead on college entrance requirements but it is not required.
Q: Can I join more than one academy/pathway at PGHS?
A: Possibly, but we don't recommend it. It becomes too hard to schedule all the elective classes you would need and fit in your graduation requirements.
Q: Can I join IDEA if I don't attend PGHS? Can I transfer?
A: Not at this time. Currently PGHS is impacted and cannot accept intradistrict transfers.
Q: Do I have to stay in IDEA all three years?
A: IDEA is a three year program but you can drop from the academy if your interests change.
Q: Are there any prerequisites to joining?
A: No. Just an interest in engineering.
Q: Do I have to become an engineer?
A: No. We hope that you do but all of the skills you'll learn in IDEA can be transferred to another profession.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Nondiscrimination Statement: The Elk Grove Unified School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying based on a person’s actual or perceived ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer: Amreek Singh, Chief Human Resources Officer, 9510 Elk Grove Florin Road, Elk Grove CA 95624, (916) 686-5085, Title IX Coordinator: Amreek Singh, Chief Human Resources Officer, 9510 Elk Grove Florin Road, Elk Grove CA 95624, (916) 686-5085 and Section 504 Coordinators: Keith Mimms and Don Gordon, Coordinators, 9510 Elk Grove Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624, (916) 686-7568