San Dieguito Union High School District

The Architectural Design pathway provides learning opportunities for students interested in preparing for careers in such areas as architecture, industrial design, and civil engineering.

 

Students discover the interconnected relationship between communities and their landscape settings. This hands-on, project-based studio course emphasizes design thinking through tangible creation: students will develop fluency in drawing, build physical models, and implement their own plant plans in the student garden and around campus. The curriculum is enriched with a site tour of the Getty Center Central Garden and direct engagement with professional landscape architects. By the end of this experience, students will possess a foundational design portfolio and a clear understanding of landscape architecture as a career path and field of study.

 

 Architectural Design (Capstone)

Students build upon their foundational knowledge and apply design principles directly to the built environment. This hands-on studio experience is focused on projects that challenge students to define the hierarchy and order of space, explore materiality and form, and integrate site analysis with programmatic needs. The curriculum offers professional exposure through site tours of the Eames and Hollyhock houses in Los Angeles and interaction with practicing architects. Students will finish the term with a design portfolio for college admissions, and those wishing to continue their architectural study can register for the next level, Advanced Architectural Design Studio.

 

 

 

San Dieguito HS Academy

 

Biotechnology is the application of advances made in the biological sciences, developing new technologies and products that help improve our lives.  Biotechnology is primarily used in the health and medicine fields, but is also found in agriculture, chemical, and environmental engineering.  

 

 

 

introduces students to the dynamic field of biotechnology through hands-on laboratory investigation and scientific inquiry. Students explore the structure, function, and processes of living organisms while developing practical lab skills essential to biological science careers. Through experimental protocols, students learn to pose questions, design investigations, analyze data, and construct evidence-based explanations. The curriculum integrates biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering principles to solve real-world problems. Students build professional communication and collaboration skills while exploring diverse career opportunities in biotechnology, healthcare, research, and industry. This course prepares students for advanced study and provides foundational knowledge applicable to the Biotechnology pathway and related STEM fields.

 

explores both the science and business of biotechnology, preparing students for college and career success in this rapidly evolving industry. Students deepen their knowledge of biological research while examining its integration with chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, business, and information technology. Through laboratory investigations, project-based learning, presentations, and collaborative discussions, students develop advanced technical and professional skills. The curriculum emphasizes career readiness, including internship preparation and professional interview techniques. Students evaluate diverse post-secondary education and career pathways in biotechnology, gaining practical experience that bridges academic learning with real-world industry expectations in research, healthcare, business, and related fields.

 

Canyon Crest Academy

 

Business Management consists of planning, leading, and controlling an organization or effort to accomplish a goal. In the Business Management pathway, students learn entrepreneurship and business fundamentals, goal-setting, resource allocation, organizational structure and management techniques, economics, financial data, risk management, information technology, and supply chain management.  

 

 

Introduces trends and opportunities in today's dynamic business environment as they relate to economics, global markets, social responsibility, business ownership forms, entrepreneurship, management, human resources, marketing, operations, and accounting. Students gain important business context and discover many business career and educational opportunities. The course also introduces personal -nance and essential soft skills, while engaging students in the 21st-century competencies of Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. Students will gain hands-on experience working with peers, business professionals, and the community to practice these skills. Students will learn how to leverage technology to solve business problems, support effective operations, and create entrepreneurial opportunities.

Students will explore marketing trends and how they impact business and consumer decisions. This class examines how companies communicate value, influence consumer behavior, and compete in today’s marketplace. Students will understand basic marketing principles that include advertising, promotional strategies, publicity, consumer behavior, and social media. Students will have the skills needed to create integrated marketing campaigns, and to put together a marketing portion of a business plan. The course uses a variety of platforms and media that allow students to analyze the business climate by studying entrepreneurs, businesses, and marketing strategies. The course uses project-based learning utilizing technology, guest speakers, case studies, and digital marketing simulations - with opportunities to earn certifications.

 

Challenges students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in Intro to Business, Marketing, and Accounting, to real-world projects, cases, and business operations. Throughout the course, students will explore the core functions of management, as well as the process of starting, owning, and operating a business. Using their growing leadership and entrepreneurial skills, students will manage real business ventures. Learning experiences include project-based activities, simulations, collaborative group work, and an analysis of the current business environment through case studies. Students will strengthen their professional communication by delivering presentations, completing group projects, and engaging with community partners. This course prepares students for future studies and roles in management and entrepreneurship.

 

Roles in Finance aren’t only about numbers; they require interpersonal skills as well. The world of Finance includes many disciplines, and Finance personnel are critical to the team’s function and success. In Business Finance, we familiarize students with many aspects of finance, including accounting, and the management of the assets, liabilities, equity, and cash flow. This course also covers financial analysis like ROI and ROE, financial planning, and various financial services like banking, insurance, and securities and investments. 

 

Canyon Crest Academy

Torrey Pines High School

La Costa Canyon High School

 

The Cabinetry, Millwork, and Woodworking pathway provides learning opportunities for students interested in preparing for careers in cabinet construction, millwork, finish carpentry, and furniture making for both production and custom products.

 

Courses in the Pathway: 

Woodtech 1 (Concentrator)

Wood Tech 1 is a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of woodworking and safe shop practices. Students learn how to work confidently with both hand tools and power tools while exploring the properties of wood as a material. The course emphasizes measurement, layout, joinery, design, and craftsmanship. Projects typically include small boxes, cutting boards, simple furniture pieces, and other functional items that build foundational skills. Safety, responsibility, and attention to detail are emphasized throughout. No prior experience is required—Wood 1 is designed for beginners who want to learn practical skills and express creativity through building.

 

Woodtech 2 builds on the skills learned in Wood 1, allowing students to take on more complex projects and advanced woodworking techniques. Students deepen their understanding of joinery, furniture construction, wood selection, finishing, and safe machine operation. This course encourages creative problem-solving and independent design, giving students the opportunity to plan and construct larger or more intricate pieces such as small furniture, cabinets, or custom-designed projects. Wood 2 emphasizes craftsmanship, precision, and design thinking, preparing students for advanced coursework, career-technical pathways, or personal craftsmanship beyond high school.

 

Torrey Pines High School

San Dieguito HS Academy