Career/Technical Education
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!
Business Marketing Pathway
Introduction to Business & Marketing (BUS105/106)
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.
Advanced Marketing (BUS111/112)
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.
Exploring Computer Science (BUS120/121)
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.
Computer Service (BUS401/402)
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Want to learn how to build, upgrade, and repair computers? If so, then this course is for you! You'll gain skills relating to installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of common devices such as desktops, laptops, network and wireless devices, printers and monitors. You'll master the installation and troubleshooting of common components such as CPUs, memory, disks, power supplies, and expansion cards, as well as gain valuable practical knowledge of security concepts, customer service, and business processes. This program prepares you for the CompTIA A+ Computer Technician certification exam and builds practical job skills valued in virtually every business seeing where technology is used.
Yearbook (ELE401/402)
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.
AP Computer Science Principles (SCI395/396)
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.
STEM Pathway
Introduction to Engineering (SCI401/402)
9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Introduction to Engineering provides a space for making, learning, exploring and sharing using high tech tools. Students are encouraged to develop a maker mindset of creating something out of nothing and exploring their own interests. Some of the skills learned are electronics, 3D printing, 3D modeling, coding, robotics and even wood-prototyping. High tech tools include 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, soldering irons and sticker cutting machines. This course is open to all students, and no prior engineering experience is necessary. This is the first class in the Engineering and Manufacturing sequence.
Physics (SCI301/302)
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.
Engineering Design & Development (SCI411/412)
10th, 11th, or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Engineering
In this capstone course, teams of students spend the year solving problems of their own choosing. The teams apply principles developed in the preceding engineering courses and are guided by a community mentor. They brainstorm possibilities, research current patents and regulations, construct a working model, test the model in real life situations (or simulation), document their designs, and present and defend the design to a panel of experts. Students receive college credit upon completion of this course.
Human Services Pathway
Introduction to Culinary (ELE601/602)
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Semester or 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.
Advanced Culinary (ELE611/612)
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.
Health Science Pathway
Principles of Biomedical Science (SCI111/112)
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.
Unit 1: Medical Investigation
Unit 2: Clinical Care
Unit 3: Outbreaks and Emergencies
Unit 4: Innovation, Inc.
Human Body Systems (SCI221/222)
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.
Medical Interventions (SCI321/322)
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.
Skilled/Technical Science Pathway
Introduction to Photography/Filmmaking (ART201)
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade
Semester Long Course
Intro Photography/Filmmaking is an entry-level course designed to introduce students to the world of visual 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 take a full year of photography can sign up for Advanced Photo or Advanced Film during 2nd semester.
Advanced Filmmaking (ART213/214)
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.
Advanced Photography (ART211/212)
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.
Introduction to Graphic Design (BUS501/502)
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.
Intermediate Studio Art & Design (ART111/112)
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.
Advanced Studio Art & Design (ART121/122)
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.
Introduction to Manufacturing Technology (IND101/102)
9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
Year Long Course
This is a hands-on class where we teach you to use the hand and power tools which are typically used in industry for making things. It begins with basic woodworking skills. Projects include the use of advanced technology such as a laser engraver and computer controlled (CNC) router. You do not need any prior knowledge to be successful in this class, we teach you everything you need to know. Projects also include working with plastics and sheet metal.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology (IND111/112)
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to ManuTech
This course is a continuation of Manufacturing Technology I and adds Welding and machine tools such as the metal lathe and milling machine to the tools you will know how to use. A more in depth use of the CNC router and more complicated plastics projects are included. You will also have more time to work on projects of your own choosing. These skills are highly prized in manufacturing businesses. We are setting you up with skills for potentially high paying careers where there are currently a lot of unfilled openings.
Construction Technology (IND201/202)
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
This is a year-long, hands on class where you will build sheds in the fall and spring. You will use typical construction hand and power tools plus learn the basics of house wiring and plumbing. You will have the opportunity to receive an OSHA 10 safety training certificate. You will learn about blueprint reading, building permits, and a whole range of other construction related things. If you want to do stuff and build things, this is a class for you!