Curriculum (HS-CPCs)

Join our high school and take courses that lead to a career with our Career Path Curriculum. With very few exceptions, High School courses are Advanced Placement courses. This means that students have an option of earning college credit if they take the AP exams at the end of the year. All of our students must also earn a certain number of credits in certain subjects. See the following table. Go here to see more on the core subjects.

NOTE: CPCs are ‘Career Path Courses’. Internships should be arranged with local (or internet-based) companies or organizations and need to be related to the career path the student has chosen. Internships are typically done in the senior year. For students pursuing a career path in Technology and IT, they must still take 4 additional CPCs in addition to the required Computer Science course.

7 Career Path Options through our CPCs

There is an increased demand for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical researchers.

In addition to the regular core subjects, students pursuing this career path have an opportunity to take any of the following courses and workshops:

  • Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body and its functions.
  • Microbiology: Studying microorganisms and their effects on humans.
  • Biotechnology: Focusing on the applications of biological systems in technology.
  • Environmental Science: Including AP environmental science, which explores the relationship between organisms and their environments.
  • Statistics: Including AP statistics, which is essential for understanding data and research.
  • Health Education: Basic knowledge of health and wellness practices.
  • Nutrition: Understanding the role of diet in health.
  • Psychology: Including general psychology and AP psychology.
  • Medical Terminology: Learning the language used in healthcare settings.
  • Ethics in Healthcare: Understanding the ethical considerations in healthcare.
  • Research Methods: Developing skills in scientific research and experimentation.
  • First Aid and CPR Certification: Basic emergency medical skills.

As technology continues to advance, there is a growing need for professionals in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.

In addition to the regular core subjects, students pursuing this career path have an opportunity to take any of the following courses and workshops:

  • Introduction to Information Technology: An overview of IT systems and infrastructure, including networking fundamentals and cybersecurity principles.
  • Web Development: Learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build and maintain websites, with an introduction to web servers and databases.
  • Networking Fundamentals: Study of network architecture and design, TCP/IP protocols, and the configuration of routers and switches.
  • Cybersecurity: Principles of securing networks and information, including ethical hacking, penetration testing, incident response, and digital forensics.
  • Robotics and Automation: Fundamentals of robotics and programming robots using various languages and platforms, with applications in industry automation.
  • Mobile App Development: Developing applications for iOS and Android, focusing on user interface and experience design, and integrating apps with web services.
  • Game Design and Development: Principles of game design and development using platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine, including basics of animation and 3D modeling.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Introduction to AI and ML algorithms and their applications, with hands-on projects using AI/ML frameworks.
  • Data Science and Analytics: Techniques for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data using statistical methods and machine learning.
  • Ethics in Technology: Exploring the ethical implications of technology, including privacy, data security, and the social impact of IT advancements.

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, careers related to renewable energy, environmental engineering, waste management, and sustainability consulting may see growth.

In addition to the regular core subjects, students pursuing this career path have an opportunity to take any of the following courses and workshops:

  • Statistics: Useful for analyzing environmental data.
  • Renewable Energy Technologies: Covers alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and biofuels.
  • Environmental Engineering: Introduces concepts of designing systems and technologies to protect the environment.
  • Ecology: Focuses on the relationships between organisms and their environments.
  • Sustainability Studies: Examines sustainable development practices and principles.
  • Agricultural Science: Studies sustainable farming practices and food production.

The rise of online shopping and digital platforms has created opportunities in e-commerce, digital marketing, content creation, and online retail management.

In addition to the regular core subjects, students pursuing this career path have an opportunity to take any of the following courses and workshops:

  • Introduction to Business: Covers the basics of business operations, including types of businesses, marketing, and finance.
  • E-commerce Essentials: Focuses on the fundamentals of online business, including website development, online transactions, and digital storefronts.
  • Digital Marketing: Provides an overview of online marketing strategies, including social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and email marketing.
  • Entrepreneurship: Teaches students how to start and manage their own businesses, including creating business plans and understanding market needs.
  • Business Law and Ethics: Covers the legal and ethical issues related to business, including contracts, intellectual property, and consumer rights.
  • Web Design and Development: Focuses on creating and maintaining websites, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Graphic Design: Teaches design principles and software skills for creating visual content for websites and marketing materials.
  • Marketing Principles: Covers the basics of marketing, including market research, consumer behavior, and marketing strategies.
  • Social Media Marketing: Focuses on using social media platforms for marketing, including content creation and analytics.
  • Public Speaking and Communication: Enhances communication skills, crucial for marketing and business presentations.
  • Media Studies: Examines the role of media in society and how it influences public perception and consumer behavior.
  • Statistics: Provides students with the skills to analyze and interpret data, crucial for market research and performance analytics.
  • Business Mathematics: Focuses on mathematical concepts used in business, including financial calculations, budgeting, and forecasting.
  • Economics: Gives students an understanding of economic principles and how they apply to business and commerce.
  • Psychology: Provides insights into consumer behavior and how psychological principles can be applied to marketing strategies.
  • Creative Writing: Enhances writing skills, useful for creating compelling content for marketing campaigns.

As the financial sector evolves with technological advancements, careers in finance, banking, financial analysis, and fintech (financial technology) are likely to be in demand.

In addition to the regular core subjects, students pursuing this career path have an opportunity to take any of the following courses and workshops:

  • Economics: Covers basic economic principles, including supply and demand, market structures, and the role of government in the economy. (Both Micro and Macro Economics are AP courses.)
  • Personal Finance: Teaches students about budgeting, saving, investing, credit, and financial planning for personal use.
  • Accounting: Introduces fundamental accounting principles, including the preparation and analysis of financial statements.
  • Business Math: Focuses on mathematical concepts used in business, such as interest calculations, financial analysis, and statistical methods.
  • Introduction to Business: Provides an overview of business operations, including management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
  • Financial Literacy: Educates students on making informed financial decisions, understanding financial products, and managing personal finances.
  • Principles of Marketing: Explores marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and the impact of digital marketing in the modern business world.
  • Business Law: Examines the legal aspects of business operations, including contracts, ethics, and regulations.
  • Data Analytics: Teaches data analysis techniques, including data collection, interpretation, and visualization, crucial for financial decision-making.
  • Introduction to Fintech: Explores the intersection of finance and technology, covering topics like blockchain, digital currencies, and online payment systems.
  • Entrepreneurship: Provides insights into starting and managing a business, including business planning, financing, and innovation.
  • Statistics: Covers statistical methods and their applications in analyzing and interpreting data in business and finance.

The demand for educators, trainers, and educational technology specialists may increase as the focus on lifelong learning and skill development grows.

In addition to the regular core subjects, students pursuing this career path have an opportunity to take any of the following courses and workshops:

  • Introduction to Education: Provides an overview of the education system, teaching methods, and career opportunities in the field of education.
  • Child Development and Psychology: Explores the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children and adolescents, along with psychological theories and their application in educational settings.
  • Educational Technology: Examines the use of technology in the classroom, including digital tools, educational software, and online learning platforms.
  • Teaching Methods and Strategies: Introduces various instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and curriculum development processes.
  • Special Education: Focuses on teaching students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities, and explores inclusive education practices.
  • Classroom Management: Covers techniques for creating and maintaining an effective learning environment, including behavior management and student engagement strategies.
  • Educational Assessment and Evaluation: Discusses methods for assessing student learning, evaluating educational programs, and using data to inform instruction.
  • Introduction to Counseling and Guidance: Provides an overview of the role of school counselors, including techniques for academic, career, and personal/social counseling.
  • Educational Leadership: Explores leadership roles within the education system, including administration, policy development, and school improvement strategies.
  • Diversity and Multicultural Education: Examines the impact of cultural diversity in the classroom and strategies for promoting equity and inclusion in education.
  • Literacy Instruction: Focuses on teaching reading and writing skills, including literacy development, assessment, and intervention strategies.
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Principles: Introduces the principles of career and technical education, including curriculum development, teaching strategies, and program planning.
  • Instructional Design: Covers the principles and practices of designing effective instructional materials and learning experiences.
  • Health and Physical Education: Explores the principles of health education, physical fitness, and wellness, along with methods for teaching these topics in schools.
  • Early Childhood Education: Provides an overview of early childhood education, including developmental milestones, curriculum planning, and effective teaching practices for young children.

Industries such as automotive, robotics, and advanced manufacturing may require skilled workers in areas such as automation, robotics maintenance, and supply chain management.

In addition to the regular core subjects, students pursuing this career path have an opportunity to take any of the following courses and workshops:

  • Introduction to Manufacturing: This course provides an overview of the manufacturing industry, including the principles of production, quality control, and safety standards.
  • Principles of Engineering: Students explore the fundamental concepts of engineering, including systems, technology, and the design process.
  • Robotics and Automation: This course covers the basics of robotics, automation systems, and their applications in modern manufacturing.
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Students learn to use CAD software to create precise technical drawings and 3D models for manufacturing processes.
  • Materials Science: This course examines the properties, uses, and selection of materials in manufacturing, from metals to polymers and composites.
  • Manufacturing Technology: Students study various manufacturing processes, such as machining, welding, and additive manufacturing, along with their technological applications.
  • Supply Chain Management: Students learn about the flow of goods and services, logistics, and the management of supply chains in the manufacturing sector.
  • Lean Manufacturing: Students explore the principles of lean manufacturing, including waste reduction, efficiency improvement, and value stream mapping.
  • Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Students delve into cutting-edge manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining.
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Students are introduced to AI concepts and their applications in automation and smart manufacturing systems.
  • Data Analytics for Manufacturing: This course teaches students how to analyze manufacturing data to improve processes, predict maintenance needs, and enhance product quality.
  • Workplace Safety and Health: Students learn about occupational safety standards, hazard recognition, and risk management in manufacturing environments.
  • Project Management in Manufacturing: This course focuses on the skills needed to plan, execute, and oversee manufacturing projects from start to finish.
Professional Development Courses

All high school students at Sawyer Scholastics are required to take Professional Development Courses. These include soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. In addition they must attend workshops for Resume/CV writing, interview skills, and workplace etiquette to prepare them for entering college or the workforce.