San Diego High School

About Sectors & Pathways

Pathways by School

CCTE Pathway Grid

San Diego High School

San Diego High School, located in the heart of downtown San Diego, is one of the oldest and most iconic schools in the San Diego Unified School District, offering students a unique blend of history, innovation, and opportunity. The school features a diverse range of Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways including Design, Visual, and Media Arts; Production and Managerial Arts; Biotechnology; Patient Care; Engineering Technology; Entrepreneurship Self-Employment; and Food Service and Hospitality. These pathways provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences connected to industries such as digital media, healthcare, engineering, culinary arts, live production, and business development, helping students explore careers while building technical, academic, and leadership skills.

San Diego High also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and dual enrollment opportunities that support college and career readiness. Students enjoy a vibrant campus culture with strong arts programs, CIF athletics, student leadership opportunities, and a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities. With a diverse student body, inclusive values, and deep community connections, San Diego High School fosters academic achievement, creativity, civic engagement, and pride in being part of a historic and forward-thinking school community.

CCTE Pathways at San Diego High School

Design, Visual, and Media Arts
Sector: Arts, Media and Entertainment

This pathway is for students who love drawing, designing, or using technology to create visual stories. Whether it's photography, digital illustration, graphic design, animation, or video production, students learn how to express ideas through images and media. They build skills in editing software, visual composition, and storytelling while developing portfolios that showcase their creativity. This pathway is great for students interested in careers like graphic designer, photographer, filmmaker, animator, or content creator.

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Production & Managerial Arts
Sector: Arts, Media and Entertainment

This pathway is for students who are interested in what goes on behind the scenes of performances, films, or live events. Students learn how to manage productions, operate technical equipment, direct projects, and plan events from start to finish. This pathway builds leadership, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills. It’s a great fit for students who want to explore careers in directing, stage management, lighting and sound design, producing, or arts administration.

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Biotechnology
Sector: Health Science and Medical Technology

The Biotechnology pathway is perfect for students who enjoy science, lab work, and discovering how things work at the cellular level. Students learn about DNA, genetics, medical research, and how science is used to develop new medicines, vaccines, and technologies. This pathway is a great fit for future lab technicians, researchers, or anyone interested in medical science and innovation.

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Patient Care
Sector: Health Science and Medical Technology

The Patient Care pathway is ideal for students who want to work directly with people and make a difference in their health and well-being. Students learn how to take vital signs, support patients, and understand medical terminology. This pathway is great for students interested in becoming nurses, medical assistants, physical therapists, or other hands-on healthcare professionals.

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Engineering Technology
Sector: Engineering and Architecture

Students in the Engineering Technology pathway learn how things work and how to improve everyday systems and machines. This pathway focuses on applying math, science, and technology to solve real-world problems. Students gain experience with tools, electronics, programming, and automation. It’s a great choice for those interested in hands-on careers like engineering technician, robotics operator, or industrial systems specialist.

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Entrepreneurship Self-Employment
Sector: Marketing, Sales and Service

The Entrepreneurship Self-Employment pathway is a great fit for students who have big ideas and want to learn how to turn them into a business. Students explore how to create a business plan, manage finances, develop products, and market their brand. Whether you want to start your own company or build leadership skills for any job, this pathway is perfect for future entrepreneurs and innovators.

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Food Service and Hospitality
Sector: Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation

The Food Service and Hospitality pathway is ideal for students who love cooking, working with people, and being part of a fast-paced environment. Students learn culinary techniques, customer service, and restaurant management through hands-on kitchen and service experiences. Whether you're interested in becoming a chef, baker, or hospitality manager, this pathway helps build the skills needed to succeed in the food and hospitality industries.

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