Career Technical Education (CTE)

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I (A & B).

Makerspace is a project-based course designed to provide students the opportunity to apply the principles of mathematics and science to problem-solve, design, and create a series of projects. This course will provide an introduction to tools, materials, and maker culture associated with Xavier Makerspace.  The Xavier Makerspace is a place for students to develop creative solutions to authentic challenges. Students will learn design thinking and explore creating with both physical and digital materials. Modules will include: electronics, circuitry, drafting/3D modeling, 3D printing, solar cell technology, wind technology, computer programming, upcycling, and robotics. Through such modules, students will apply skills to solve problems through basic engineering design and the creation process. 

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Geometry.

This course is composed of two semester-long courses: one focusing on Revit and one focusing on SOLIDWORKS.  Students taking this course will be eligible for taking a professional certification in each design software:

Revit® BIM software helps architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) teams create high-quality buildings and infrastructure. Use Revit to model shapes, structures, and systems in 3D with parametric accuracy, precision, and ease as well as to design, document, coordinate, manage, and deliver architecture projects.  Learn the fundamentals of Revit building information modeling (BIM) software with SolidProfessor. Learn about the Revit Certified User exam and test-taking strategies so you can go into the exam with confidence. The practice tests included in this course simulate the testing environment and questions you'll encounter on the actual exam.

For over 25 years, SOLIDWORKS® 3D CAD has been the trusted industry standard in design and engineering. Intuitive 3D design and product development solutions from SOLIDWORKS help you conceptualize, create, validate, communicate, manage, and transform your innovative ideas into great product designs. Create fast and accurate designs, including 3D models and 2D drawings of complex parts and assemblies.  Earning your CSWA certification can help you start or advance your engineering design career. By completing this Learning Path you'll know what to expect on the exam and how to pass. Learn SOLIDWORKS fundamentals, get familiar with the exam structure, and get your feet wet with guided practice exercises and exams.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Makerspace or Advanced 3D Modeling & Design with CAD or Introduction to Publishing

Xavier Design and Fabrication Shop provides real-world experience designing and fabricating goods for clients. Utilizing the design process, students will apply the design skills developed in previous coursework. Students will have the opportunity to work with clients to understand their work orders and deadlines. These student designers will interact with many stakeholders beyond their instructor, such as the Director of Advancement, Director of Communications, Director of Special Services, Special Services Coordinators, etc. Students will develop real-world skills such as communication, basic accounting and financial projections, project management, digital design, and fabrication skills. In addition, students will learn about collaboration and take on rotating roles throughout the year from project to project. These roles include General Manager, Office Manager, Production Manager, and Sales. 

All freshmen take this class or Introduction to Makerspace; concurrent enrollment in Freshman Seminar.

In this introductory course, students will learn foundational concepts and skills of programming and computer science (CS). The course is designed to be fun, engaging, relevant, collaborative and accessible for all students, regardless of background or prior experience. Students will build their understanding of programming and computer science through interactive coding explorations, practices, and projects in Python, where they will create animations, graphic designs, and other interactive programs. Supplemental online and unplugged activities foster students’ deeper understanding and allow them to demonstrative their creativity, communication and critical thinking skills. Students are engaged and motivated as they quickly learn how computer science impacts the world around them and relates to their own interests and experiences.  This is a blended learning online course offered by Edhesive Online Learning, facilitated by a Xavier instructor.

This course is open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.

UTeach Foundations of Cybersecurity is a yearlong high school curriculum designed to introduce students to foundational concepts, principles, and tools of cybersecurity. Based on the High School Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines, the course is structured around eight Big Ideas: ethics, establishing trust, ubiquitous connectivity, data security, system security, adversarial thinking, risk, and implications. By the end of the course, students will understand the broad impact of cybersecurity, engage in ethical reflection, and grasp essential principles for security requirements and mechanisms. The curriculum covers historical events and their cybersecurity impacts, relevant laws and policies governing data, and economic trade-offs in decision-making. Additionally, students analyze threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks, evaluate tools for cyberphysical systems, and practice encryption techniques for securing data across networks. The lessons and materials used throughout this curriculum incorporate project-based learning (PBL), a pedagogical approach that actively engages students in the educational process, improves retention, and develops problem-solving, critical thinking, and group communication skills. 

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I (A & B).

This course is intended for students who are brand new to programming. The foundations of computer science using the Python language will be covered.  The course is designed to prepare students for AP Computer Science A and will focus on beginning computer science, number calculations and data, and decision-making using loops.  Students must have a personal computer to utilize in the classroom and at home.  This is a blended learning online course offered by Edhesive Online Learning, facilitated by a Xavier instructor.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I (A & B).

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science through the language of Python. We would start by using either Code.org or CodeHS as a teaching platform. The curriculum is made up of a series of learning modules that cover the fundamentals of programming. Each module is made up of short video tutorials, example programs, quizzes, programming exercises, challenge problems, and practice problems.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of AP Computer Science Principles.

This course is designed for students who are serious about programming. JAVA requires a good mathematical background and strong problem-solving skills. The course is designed to prepare a student for the Advanced Placement® Computer Science exam, level A. Topics include: simple, user-defined and structured data types, algorithm development, decisions and loops, arrays, recursion, searches and sorts, data abstraction, and classes.   This is a blended learning online course offered by Edhesive Online Learning, facilitated by a Xavier instructor.

Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior standing; one year of Visual and Performing Arts toward graduation requirements.

Introduction to Entrepreneurship is a year-long course designed as a project-based college prep course where students develop their own business idea based on the current real-world market. Students will generate a complete business plan that will be improved throughout the course as they put into practice their newly acquired knowledge regarding: business ownership structure, financial forecasting, the importance of social responsibility, competitive advantage, and market research. Throughout the course, students will complete case studies to understand business theory and then put this into practice with their own individual business plans. The course will culminate with students pitching their business plans to industry professionals.   

Prerequisite:  Election into Student Leadership Council or by administration recommendation.

This elective course will bring together many of the characteristics we strive to develop during a student's time at Xavier.  Having already been recognized as leaders as members of the Student Leadership Council, this group will have direct input on the activities and direction of the larger student body and associated activities.  They will develop in themselves practical and technical skills to plan, execute and evaluate events, dances, rallies, house meetings, donations drives, etc. They will develop business plans, budgets, marketing plans, and all of the components associated with delivering engaging and high-caliber events, activities, and services. Concurrently, students in this class will continue to develop their interpersonal and spiritual attributes to truly live out the Ignatian/Jesuit principles of being contemplatives in action and men and women for and with others.  This course involves a special commitment as students must be available for the many activities beyond the usual school day hours. 

Prerequisite:  None. 

Students study the history, responsibility, and power of journalism and mass media productions. Students explore traditional and online forums with the Xavier community through 3 different student publications—Saints Quarterly, Yearbook, and ShookFoil. Students function as staff members and learn various aspects of the publication process, including layout and design, copywriting, editing, photography, budget and finance, and promotion and publicity. During both semesters, students are responsible for producing complete layouts to meet publication deadlines. Students utilize the industry standard, InDesign, part of the Adobe Creative Suite, to create publications. Students cultivate writing in a variety of forms for differing audiences and purposes. Further, students develop and refine journalistic skills and research relevant topics while planning, organizing, and preparing each of the publications. Digital and social media are tools for learning. Students create, clarify, critique, and write to communicate effectively via these publication formats. 

Prerequisite:  This course is open to Junior and Senior students who have successfully completed Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP Chemistry, and minimally co-enrolled in Physics.

This course involves hands-on learning experience/practicum in sports injury management. It is a service-oriented class. Students work with the athletic teams, assisting with medical coverage of practices and sports events. Students learn and are actively involved in athletic injury management, including injury prevention, immediate care, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and administrative tasks. This class includes American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR certification, completion of several clinical competencies (taping, stretching, splinting, assessment, etc.), periodic quizzes, and a personal evaluation of the student’s effort, enthusiasm, and responsibility. Emphasis is placed on the Athletic Training discipline and students work as “student athletic trainers”. Specific topics addressed include first-aid skills, muscle conditioning, sports nutrition, modality use, rehabilitation devices/protocols, and many more. Basic anatomy and physiology are discussed when indicated.