Electives
Meets graduation requirement:T/EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: d
The major focus of the Medical Biotechnology course is to train students in scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques currently used in the field of biotechnology. Students will be introduced to the major concepts from the areas of molecular biology, genetics and genomics, DNA/RNA technology, bioinformatics, recombinant technologies, and bioethics. Lessons will engage students in conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing real data, researching and communicating scientific information, and critically discussing the ethical and social issues surrounding the use of biotechnology in today’s society. This course aims to produce technically sound scientists who can apply their newfound knowledge in an academic, commercial, or a medical laboratory setting.
ADVANCED MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY Grade 10-12 Prerequisite: Biomedical Technology
Meets graduation requirement:T/EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: d
Advanced Medical Biotechnology course is a continuation of Introduction to Medical Biotechnology. Students will continue to learn the tools and techniques of DNA and protein manipulation and analysis that they can apply in an academic, commercial, or a medical laboratory setting. Lessons will engage students in conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing real data, researching and communicating scientific information, and critically discussing the ethical and social issues surrounding the use of biotechnology in today’s society.
FORENSICS Grade 11-12 Prerequisite: C in two years of science and C in IM1
Meets graduation requirement: S/T/EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: d
Forensics is a third year science for students that are college bound and/or interested in the field of forensics. This class will introduce students to the fields of forensic science and provide a general overview of the forensic sciences. Students will participate in many qualitative hands-on labs and simulations that develop the practical and theoretical aspects of forensics. This class will integrate previous science courses and demonstrate to the students the relevance of science education for practical use.
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION INTERNSHIP Grade 11-12 Prerequisite: None
Meets graduation requirement:T/EL
This Career Technical Education Internship course provides students with an opportunity to explore a career pathway in depth with a combination of in-class and on-the-job experiences. The course introduces students to a professional in their fields of interest, and enhances their abilities to make an informed career choice in
preparing for college and a future career. The internship will be from one of the fifteen industry sectors identified in California. Students will experience work-based learning through an internship. The course has a combination of classroom instruction in career exploration and employability skills. Students will work for at least five hours per week in an internship and meet in class one hour per week to complete related classroom instruction. Students must provide their own transportation to their internship site.
Meets graduation requirement:T/EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
This introductory course prepares students to understand children’s physical, mental, emotional, social growth and development as well as provide for their care and guidance. Instruction includes prenatal developments, inherited characteristics, health and safety, guidance and discipline, cultural diversity, child abuse and neglect. This course provides a solid foundation in any career that involves working with children, including childcare and education.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCH. OF CHILDREN Grade 10-12 Prerequisite: Child Development and Guidance
Meets graduation requirement:T/EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
This concentration course is a study of the physical, perceptual, cognitive, personality, and language developmental stages of children from conception through adolescence, including the principle theories of development and their application. The need for an understanding of how children develop and what influences their development is an important component of contributing to the demands of our complex society. Students will develop an understanding of children and the developmental process through readings, case studies, observations, individual research projects and group project work. This course will examine the major theories of child development and their application.
CAREERS WITH CHILDREN Grade 11-12 Prerequisite: Developmental Psych. of Children
Meets graduation requirement:T/EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
This Capstone course is designed to provide students with knowledge of careers in the field of child development and teaching professions. Students will learn child development through classroom instruction as well as developing and presenting age appropriate activities to children. Career preparations standards, which include basic academic, safety, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, are integrated throughout the course. Active class participation is enhanced by fieldwork at school sites under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Community internships include placement in preschools, elementary schools, and middle schools. All students are required to provide their own daily transportation to this internship. This course helps prepare students for entry into college or university teacher-training programs.
ADVANCED CAREERS WITH CHILDREN Grade 11-12 Prerequisite: Careers with Children
Meets graduation requirement:T/EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
This advanced course is offered for students who have already taken Careers with Children and would like to take the course again for credit.
Meets graduation requirement:T/EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: pending g
The Careers in Advanced Manufacturing and the Trades course provides students with the opportunity to focus on one or more areas of industrial technology, creatively pursuing new knowledge and information on careers in Advanced Manufacturing and the Trades. Students will use advanced manufacturing processes in the areas of forming, joining, assembly, mechanics, construction and the trades. Best practices for operating hand tools. specific equipment and safety.
Meets graduation requirements: FA/T/EL
Meets UC a-g requirements: g
This is an intermediate course in which students will continue to develop an understanding, appreciation, and a more personal approach to expression in film. Students will expand their abilities with practice of advanced video equipment, lighting and story possibilities. Collaboration with school clubs and community organizations will influence some projects; emphasis will be placed on the development of creative depth and meaning.
Meets graduation requirements: FA/T/EL
This is an intermediate course in which students will continue to develop an understanding, appreciation, and a more personal approach to expression in film. Students will expand their abilities with practice of advanced video equipment, lighting and story possibilities. Collaboration with school clubs and community organizations will influence some projects; emphasis will be placed on the development of creative depth and meaning.
Meets graduation requirements: T/EL
Meets UC a-g requirements: g
This elective, a foundational CTE pathway course, is open to ninth through twelfth grade students who wish to learn about the basics of digital communications and journalistic writing. Students will develop their skills in the art of writing for media, business, marketing, and journalism; copy editing; interviewing techniques; internet publishing with Wordpress; journalistic photography and editing; graphic design for the workplace; broadcasting production; podcasting production; Adobe PremierPro, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign training for various work purposes; and community and character development through media. Students will also learn about career opportunities in media and the design arts industries, the history of media, ethical and legal issues in communications, as well as how the media impacts individuals and society as a whole. Most importantly, students will be exposed to the real-world experiences of working within the Media and Design Arts industry.
ADV. GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: Multimedia Production
Meets graduation requirements: T/EL
Meets UC a-g requirements: g
This elective, a CTE pathway course, is open to ninth through twelfth grade students who wish to advance their learning and exploration of communications, journalism, leadership and digital media, and can be taken multiple times for editorship and management experience. Students will further develop their skills in the art of writing for media, business, marketing, and journalism with a heavy focus on AP Style; copy editing; investigative research skills; interviewing techniques; online publishing with Wordpress; journalistic photography and editing; layout design; broadcasting production; podcasting production; Adobe PremierPro, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign usage for various work purposes; and community and character development through media. Students will also serve as editors (section, copy or editor-in-chief) or managers (for broadcast production, video production, graphic design, photography services, or podcast production). Most importantly, students will be exposed to the real-world experiences of working within the Media and Design Arts industry.
ADV. PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Advanced Graphic Communication
Meets graduation requirements: T/EL
Meets UC a-g requirements: g
This capstone course will allow students to advance their managerial and production skills in the workplace as they take on key lead roles with younger students in the pathway of Production and Managerial Arts. Students will also focus on specific careers in this industry sector, significant historical events in media and media production, ethical and legal issues in communications, as well as in the workplace, and how media shapes communities and governments.
PEER ACADEMIC TUTOR (Math) Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
Meets graduation requirements: EL
This course is designed for students that have proven mastery of academic standards to provide support for their peers enrolled in the requested and previously mastered course. Peer Academic Tutors work under the supervision of the classroom teacher, providing additional assistance and instruction to students in need. Peer Academic Tutors typically work one-on-one with students to assist with understanding and apply principles taught by the classroom teacher. Peer Academic Tutors circulate around the classroom while students are completing assignments and assist students who are struggling with their work. Peer tutors are able to explain, model and provide support for mastery of new concepts or techniques being taught by the classroom teacher.
INTRO TO KINESIOLOGY Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: Fit 1
Meets graduation requirements: EL
Foundations of Kinesiology explore the multifaceted world of kinesiology: the study of human movement and the body’s response to exercise. It examines the systems, factors, and principles involved in human development within the context of society. Relevant fields in the study of kinesiology include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, motor learning and control, and sport psychology, sociology, and philosophy. The relevant career options available to students in the field are also examined.
Meets graduation requirements: EL
Sports medicine is the branch of medicine that addresses the prevention and treatment of injuries occurring to both athletes and the active population. Basic human anatomy and physiology theory provide the framework of study, within which the field of Sports Medicine will be explored. Students will learn how the body systems function and interact through physical activity, and develop a thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal system. Students will include care and prevention of injuries, protective wrapping techniques, stretching methods, and overall wellness. This knowledge will serve as a baseline for understanding the physiological response to injury and improving performance. This course provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in pursuing majors in sports medicine, pre-medical, pre-dental, or a variety of allied health programs at the university level.
Meets graduation requirements: EL
The yearbook is a memory book, a historical documentation of the year, a resource/reference book, and a pictorial representation of contemporary school life. Students are responsible for developing layouts, writing copy, computer desktop publishing, taking and developing photos, video production, proofreading, and selling ads in the community. To ensure a quality publication, time commitment is essential; therefore, students may be required to give extra time during lunch, after school, at night, and occasionally on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Yearbook is a commitment for the entire school year. This course is a two term commitment.
Meets graduation requirements: EL
Meet UC a-g requirements: g
Science Fiction as Literature is a class where students will define, analyze, and interpret the genres of Science Fiction through influential works in novels, short stories, and films. This class will include expository, persuasive, and descriptive writing as well as analysis of both fiction and non-fiction materials related to the overall genre of Science Fiction. Students are expected to respond to course works critically and creatively as well. Students will do outside of class reading from an approved list, generally aligned to the sub-genres being studied. By the end of the course, students are expected to have an understanding of the genres, be able to engage critically with science fiction texts, and to identify their broad cultural impact.
Meets graduation requirements: EL
Meet UC a-g requirements: g
Do you want to watch movies? A lot of them? Be sure to watch the video above!
This college-preparatory English elective calls for students to analyze films, to derive purpose and meaning from the elements embedded in works of art—in this case, storytelling through cinema. Students will move beyond a plot-level understanding of story to interpret how structures of film— sound and lighting, framing and camera angles—create meaning. Students will also learn theoretical frameworks common of a typical advanced English course: a deconstructive approach, a social/political approach, a feminist approach, and a mythological approach. Each of these frameworks will give the students a more critical eye when viewing film. Because film tends to be a complex gathering of technique, storytelling, art, ideas and viewer interpretation, this argument-centered, discussion-based class will ask students to study film techniques and archetypes, learn vocabulary to further a more nuanced, critical discussion, look for ambiguous or complex interpretations, and find evidence of directorial or writer intent while considering audience interpretation. Students will read, discuss, and write, offer formal and informal analysis of individual film frames, selected clips and full-length films, as well as participate in formal discussion and debate. Current Movie List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hS2Q6MR0lYAlyOIzTFofQ1jjX580nPio0t-UjA0lYRk/edit?usp=sharing
Meets graduation requirements: EL
Meet UC a-g requirements: g
This course is designed to teach students how to see context and make connections across the humanities. Students will piece together the cultural history of the world by studying and critically analyzing various sections of art, music, history and literature. The course will encourage students to focus and think critically about the cultural artifacts of the past and the importance on today’s society. Students in this class will use this material to prepare for the local Academic Decathlon competition. The purpose of the United States Academic Decathlon is to develop academic competitions, curriculum, and assessment to promote learning and academic excellence through teamwork among students of all achievement levels. The goal of this class is to enhance students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills by using selected reading pieces from the humanities and having students respond in writing, through discussions and with prepared speeches. Although each year the topic changes as detailed by USAD, United States Academic Decathlon, the basic humanities’ components remain the same. Each area of study will have a component related to the assigned theme.
Meets graduation requirements: FA/EL
Meet UC a-g requirements: g
With a combination of theory, skills practice, and competency evaluation, students (1) learn to understand the major concepts of communication theory and research, (2) are able to recognize those concepts in their own experiences and those of others, (3) have access to a range of choices concerning their communication behavior, thus increasing communication competence. In addition, students can export acquired information, and begin a process of lifelong learning about effective communication skills. Students will study the fundamentals of written and oral communication, will experience a variety of writing opportunities and participate in numerous interactive simulations.
Meets graduation requirements: FA/EL
Meet UC a-g requirements: g
Improved skills in observing, analyzing, participating in, and critically examining rhetoric’s power form the course’s primary aim, the achievement of which hinges on substantial, integrated written work. Students will study the fundamentals of written and oral communication, will experience a variety of writing opportunities
and participate in numerous activities. This course extends and builds upon principles, performances, and ideas addressed in Speech and Debate 1. The course emphasizes the theory and practice of rhetorical criticism. Criticism is the “systematic process if illuminating and evaluating” human discourse designed to induce
identification or persuasion. Students of criticism should develop an appreciation for both the diversity of rhetorical experiences studied and the multiple approaches available for their analysis.
Meets graduation requirements: T/EL
Meet UC a-g requirements: d
Engineering design is an introductory course in which students develop problem-solving skills, with emphasis placed on three-dimensional solid models. Students will work from sketching simple geometric shapes to applying a solid modeling computer software package. They will learn a problem solving design process and how it is used in industry to manufacture a product. The Computer Aided Design System (CAD) will also be used to analyze and evaluate the product design.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Engineering Design
Meets graduation requirements: T/EL
Meet UC a-g requirements: d
Advanced Engineering Technology is a capstone level course in which students build upon the problem-solving skills and three-dimensional solid models taught in the Engineering Technology course. This course is one year in length and primarily offered to 10th to12th grade students. Students will develop an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. The course will develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions using appropriate learning strategies.
Meets graduation requirement:T/ EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: d
This course earns students a weighted grade
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory course covering a broad range of computing topics. The course begins with the fundamentals of how computers store and transfer digital information across networks. Programming concepts are introduced in a step-by-step approach, leading to the creation of apps that use real-world data collected from a variety of fields. Students work in teams to learn coding skills and analyze the impact of computing innovations on our modern world. Several subfields of computer science, including Data Visualization, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Algorithmic Efficiency are surveyed later in the course. Finally, students complete a capstone coding project that is sent to the College Board as part of the AP exam.
Meets graduation requirement:T/ EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: c
This course earns students a weighted grade
Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction.
Meets graduation requirement:T/ EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
This course introduces students to the python programming language then applied computational problem-solving skills in a variety of application areas. Units will apply computation thinking to such areas as art, science, music, data analysis and visualization, simulations, game design, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Problems will be solved using the Python programming language.
Recommended: A or B in English and social science course
Meets graduation requirement: EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: a
This course earns students a weighted grade
AP Human Geography focuses on the distribution, process, and effects of human population on the planet. Emphasis is placed on geographic models and their applications. Case Studies from around the globe are compared to the situations at local, regional and national scales. Internet activities, field excursions, and videos are used to explore certain topics.
Recommended: overall GPA 2.5
Meets graduation requirement: EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
This is a college-level preparatory class designed as an overview of the field of sociology. It is intended to strengthen general study skills (e.g., analytical reading, expository writing, and oral communications), provide students an opportunity to begin work that could lead directly into a major program of study, and expose students, at some depth, to new disciplines that might form the basis for future major or minor studies at the University level. Students will be introduced to the 4 major domains of the National Standards for High School Sociology including but not limited to sociological concepts, theories, and procedures in the areas of collective behavior, crime, politics, race, ethnicity, education, health, gender, culture, and societal controversies.
Meets graduation requirement: EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
This course earns students a weighted grade
AP Psychology will introduce you to the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. You will be exposed to many psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields and psychological perspectives. Better still, you will develop advanced skills in college-level reading, critical evaluation, scientific inquiry, and clear writing. Best of all, AP Psychology will help you achieve a better understanding of yourself and humanity. Learn more here.
PSYCHOLOGY Grade 11-12 Prerequisite: None
Meets graduation requirement: EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
The course description is this: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the study of the behavioral and mental processes of human beings. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields and perspectives within psychology. This includes, but is not limited to: the brain and how it works and communicates with the body, memory, learning, emotion, motivation, clinical psychology and performance psychology. This course will ask students to practice critical thinking skills, as well skills related to reading, writing, and evaluating. This course is designed to give students exposure to the diverse content and experiences related to the field of psychology. This course is designed for student wishing to learn more about the field of psychology without taking an AP exam or the extended rigor of an AP course. This course is NOT designed to prepare students for the AP exam and students taking Psychology will not be allowed to register for the AP Psychology exam.
Meets graduation requirement: EL
Meets UC/CSU a-g requirement: g
“This Ethnic Studies course is designed to develop an understanding of how race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture have shaped and continue to shape individuals and society in the United States. The course prepares students to participate in concurrent or subsequent social studies and literature courses with asolid understanding of historical trends and historical thinking. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge to achieve an understanding of and an appreciation for the various cultures in their community. The focus is around the experiences of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos/as, and other racialized peoples in the United States. Students will be engaged in both intellectually and emotionally rigorous content constructed around issues of ethnicity, identity, service, and social justice. Students will research and examine how 20th Century events reveal power, privilege, ethnocentricity, systemic oppression, and cultural hegemony that influence their individual experiences into the 21st Century.” -Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, CDE, California State Board Approved in March of 2021
TEACHER/OFFICE ASSISTANT Grade 11-12 Prerequisite: None
Students work in the office assisting staff with clerical duties or a teacher in the classroom. Attendance is critical for passing grade.
Students have the opportunity to work in our special education classrooms too. Click here for more info.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT Grade 11-12 Prerequisite: None
Students work in the library assisting staff with clerical duties. Attendance is critical for passing grade.
College Courses
For more information about earning credit for college while in high school, Please navigate to the Earning College Credit page of this website.