Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs provide 21st-century, academic and technical skills for learners. Students are required to take 1.0 credit of CTE courses during their high school career. Students are encouraged to consider taking an additional 1.0 CTE credit to fulfill their Graduation Pathway if it meets their post-high school plan and is documented in their High School and Beyond Plan. Click here to view graduation pathways!
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Semester or Year Long Course
Explore your entrepreneurial skills in this introductory course to how business runs in our market economy. Bring your creative juices to our “Shark Tank” project of product development, pitch your new business idea, design promotional plans, learn how product is distributed and sold, explore public relations activities, and develop general business skills for the 21st century.
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Semester or Year Long Course
In this class, students will learn how to apply business principles to the organization, administration and management of athletic teams, fitness/rehabilitation facilities and health clubs, sport recreation services, and related services. It includes instruction in business and financial management principles, sales, marketing and recruitment; event promotion, scheduling and management; facilities management; public relations; legal aspects of sports; and applicable health and safety standards.
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Business & Marketing
Students meeting course competencies may qualify for college credit. Prepare yourself for the real-world in this project-based business course. The skills developed in this class will benefit you in any post-secondary education and/or career choice. The DECA Chapter goals allow you to practice your new skills in a season of competitive events at the area, state, and international level. Successful students are rewarded with travel, scholarships, internships, and/or career opportunities.
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
This course introduces students to the world of computer science, innovation and problem solving. ECS aligns well with many career pathways including: Information Technology, Engineering and Design, Arts, Media and Entertainment Technology among others. Computing is involved in virtually every field of study, career and aspect of society today. Whatever you plan to study in college or pursue as a career, you will need the knowledge and skills founded in computer science.
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Are you interested in taking pictures for the yearbook at school events? Do you love to write stories, manage projects, or create graphic designs? This yearbook class offers students a variety of active roles in the publishing business. Everyone has an opportunity to become an author, photographer, editor, graphic designer and sales person. You can be proud knowing you helped publish, capture, and preserve West Valley’s memories in the Eagle yearbook. This class requires an out of class commitment and strict adherence to deadlines.
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Completion of concurrent enrollment in Geometry
This is a full year, rigorous course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.
9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Engineering is a modern and fun science course. This course is designed for young learners who are curious about how things work and eager to explore the basics of engineering. It's the perfect starting point for kids to discover the wonders of designing, building, and creating. You'll become a little inventor, making awesome stuff from scratch and learning about how things work.
Here's some of the amazing stuff we'll do:
Dive into the world of 3D modeling, where you can design anything from toys to skateboards— all from your own ideas.
Bring those designs to life using 3D printers, turning your virtual creations into real objects.
Experience the magic of Laser cutters, cutting your designs into all sorts of materials to see your ideas really take shape.
Play with electronics to see how they power up our lives.
10th, 11th, or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Engineering
This course is an exciting step beyond the introductory engineering class, specially designed for young, imaginative minds. It's a place where science, big ideas, and super machines come to life! Here, creativity knows no bounds as we explore larger-than-life projects and learn how to use cool, high-tech tools. Students can take Advanced Engineering more than once.
Fun with Advanced Tools: Get hands-on with awesome gadgets like 3D printers and simple robotics kits. These aren't your ordinary school supplies – they're the keys to building amazing things!
Exciting, Big-Scale Projects: Dive into projects that are not just big in size but also big in imagination! Whether it's building a giant tower or a fantasy vehicle, these tasks are all about dreaming and doing.
Solving Puzzles the Creative Way: Use your engineering skills to solve fun puzzles and challenges. You'll learn to think like an engineer, turning your cool ideas into even cooler creations.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Work with friends on group projects where everyone's ideas matter. Together, you'll build something you couldn't have done alone.
Your Project, Your Rules: Ever dreamed of designing your own house or go karty? Here's your chance! You'll get to work on your very own project, making something you're truly excited about..
10th, 11th, or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Physics is the branch of science which studies the phenomena of matter and energy including velocity, accelerations, force, energy, machines & electrical circuits. We will explore and test the theories using mathematics and 21st century skills to ask questions and see the world through a scientific lens. We will also combine hands-on labs and engineering projects to explore the world of physics.
11th or 12th grade
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Engineering
Advanced Engineering with Honors – an exhilarating expansion beyond the standard engineering classes, specially crafted for young, imaginative minds with a keen interest in diving deeper into the world of engineering. This course is where science, grand ideas, and high tech manufacturing machines spring into action! Here, the bounds of creativity are expanded as we explore grand-scale projects and master the use of cool, high-tech tools.
In the Honors section of our Advanced Engineering course, students will not only engage in the standard set of challenging and exciting projects but will also have the opportunity to extend their learning and leadership skills in unique ways:
Student-Driven Projects: Honors students will have the freedom to pursue their own project ideas. This encourages individual creativity and innovation, allowing students to explore areas of personal interest or passion within the field of engineering.
Community Leadership Project: Each student will be required to lead a community-focused project. This initiative aims to apply engineering solutions to real-world community issues, fostering a sense of social responsibility and the practical application of engineering skills in a community setting.
Onshape Certification: Students in the Honors program will take the Onshape certification test. Onshape is a cutting-edge CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, and gaining certification in this tool not only enhances students' design skills but also adds a valuable credential to their portfolios.
Mentorship Role: Honors students will be required to mentor first-year students in the Advanced Engineering course. This mentorship role is designed to develop leadership and teaching skills in our advanced students, while also providing support and guidance to newcomers in the program.
These additional components are designed to enrich the learning experience for our Honors students, giving them opportunities to lead, teach, innovate, and make a tangible difference in their community. This program is ideal for students who are not only passionate about engineering but also eager to develop their leadership and social impact skills.
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
If you enjoy cooking, this class is for you. First semester we begin with basic culinary skills, terminology, safety, sanitation and teamwork. Units include fruits and vegetables, knife skills and baking. Second semester learning continues by putting full meals together which include breakfasts, lunches, dinners. International cooking is included. A variety of labs and projects are offered throughout both semesters. Opportunities to participate in both SkillsUSA and FCCLA projects will be offered. Students will be given the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized Food Handlers permit. Articulation with SCC will make the opportunity available for students to earn college credit during the first semester.
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Culinary
This class gives you the opportunity to learn what it takes to work in the Food Industry. Labs and projects include catering opportunities and labs all geared towards building the skills necessary for career development in the area of hospitality. Opportunities to participate will include SkillsUSA, FCCLA and ProStart competition teams.
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Principles of Biomedical Science is a hands-on, project-based learning experience that introduces the basics of biomedical science through the use of technology. In this course you will investigate and ask questions, you will learn about careers in the biomedical field, and perform experiments using the scientific method and science concepts that we explore throughout each unit. You will be expected to seize each day as an opportunity to learn something new and connect with your peers; all while enhancing your 21st-century skills. Students need to be self motivated and willing to collaborate with peers in order to be successful in this course
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Principles of Biomedical Science
Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use medical devices such as sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs to monitor blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory sounds. Students take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases. Exploratory labs may include dissection of sheep brain, pig kidney and a cow eye. Students need to be self motivated and willing to collaborate with peers in order to be successful in this course
11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Human Body Systems
Students investigate a variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease as they follow the life of a fictitious family. The course is a “How-To” manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body. Students explore how to prevent and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; prevent, diagnose and treat cancer; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through these scenarios, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade
Semester Long Course
Intro to Photography/Filmmaking is an entry-level course designed to introduce students to the world of visual media production, both with still images and motion pictures. In this course, students will learn how to operate specialized digital cameras for producing both photos and films. Areas of emphasis include camera care and operation, composition techniques, safety practices, design elements, lighting, and presentation. Students that would like to move beyond Intro can sign up for either Advanced Photo or Advanced Film during 2nd semester.
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Semester or Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Photography
Advanced Filmmaking is an intermediate-level course designed to continue student development in the world of filmmaking and movie production. Skills learned in Intro Photography/Filmmaking are taken to a new level, with focus in scene composition, visual recording methods, directing, cinematography, and post-production editing, including music and sound.
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Semester or Year-Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Photography
Professional Photography Careers
Advanced Photography is an intermediate-level course designed to continue student development in the world of image capture and digital editing and design. Skills learned in Intro Photography/Filmmaking are taken to a new level, with focus in studio lighting, digital image editing, critical analysis, presentation, and finishing.
9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
Year Long Course
This course introduces students to the principles of graphic design & visual communication. Emphasis will be placed on the design-process using methods, strategies & techniques to create original student artwork. Students will apply their knowledge of the principles of design in order to strengthen their ability to visually communicate ideas. We will explore a range of design techniques using various art materials, software programs & tools. Students will analyze, critique artworks and learn about the origins of graphic design in the history of art. Students will be exposed to a variety of disciplines within the graphic design field, which include but are not limited to logo design, poster design, typography, packaging design, and digital illustration.
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Studio Art or Intro to Graphic Design
Fee: $15 supply fee
This course provides an opportunity for students to expand on studio art and graphic design in greater depth from ART101/102. Emphasis is placed on experimenting with techniques, developing your art aesthetic, and form. In this course, students will explore a variety of mediums and subjects such as acrylic painting, textile design, paper mache sculptures, product design, calligraphy, still-life, portraits & digital art. Students will also learn the methods of working with clay such as coiling, slab building, and throwing on the wheel. Throughout this course, students are encouraged to explore individual styles while producing a diverse body of three-dimensional work.
11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Studio Art & Design
Fee: $20 supply fee
An upper-level course designed for the student who wishes to further develop skills and techniques that were introduced in ART111/112. This is a desirable course for any student wishing to develop a portfolio for college. Students will be continually encouraged to expand their creative ideas as well as their technical potential. An emphasis on curating art, developing techniques, public art installations & building an art portfolio. Topics may include: website design, oil painting, master artists, animation, ceramics, illustration, sculpting & portraits. At the end of this course, students will collaborate on an art show to exhibit their artwork throughout their studies. This is a fast-paced course that requires a substantial amount of independent studio time.
10th, 11th, or 12th grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Graphic Design
Take your graphic design skills to the next level with our Advanced Graphic Design class! This course is designed for 10th-12th grade who have a strong foundation in graphic design principles and are eager to explore more advanced techniques and concepts. This class is ideal for students aspiring to pursue careers in graphic design, digital media, marketing, or related fields. Whether you plan to study design in college or want to enhance your creative skill set, the Advanced Graphic Design class will empower you to create impactful visual communication.
9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
Year Long Course
This class is all about getting hands-on with tools commonly used in industries to create things such as cutting boards, bandsaw boxes and clocks. We start with the basics of woodworking and later move on to working with sheet metal. No previous experience is required – we teach you everything you need to know. If you enjoy hands-on learning and making things, this class could be a perfect fit for you! This is a great start pointing for a CTE Pathway.
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to ManuTech
This course builds on Manufacturing Technology I, introducing welding and machine tools like the metal lathe and milling machine. You'll gain additional hands-on
experience and more freedom to pursue your own projects. These skills are valuable in
the manufacturing industry, opening up opportunities for well-paying careers with
numerous job prospects.