Elective Pathways

Students may select electives among four pathways starting in their junior year. Electives will offer students opportunities to identify areas of interest that they may wish to study at the university level. Students do not need to select their electives in only one area. The four areas are:

• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Business
• Engineering
• Science & Mathematics

Technology electives may be taken in conjunction with any pathway listed above. In order for students to select a career pathway that is meaningful, extensive investigation and self-reflection will be done during their freshman and sophomore years.

It is important to stress that the student's career development is a joint effort among the student, his/her parent/guardian and SJCA. The career plan is the student's individual road map. The pathways are flexible, with crossroads and intersections that allow a student to change directions if a new career interest arises.

Program Outline

Freshman & Sophomore Years

In the freshman and sophomore years, students will take the required core curriculum while determining their interests, aptitudes and strengths. Through active research, goal setting and reflection, students will create their own personal blueprints for the future in collaboration with their parents.

The emphasis during the freshman year will be to develop academic proficiency by enhancing the student's learning potential with the development of study skills and the analysis of personal learning styles. This awareness will be supported by workshops in time management and communication skills.

In the sophomore year, students will have a better understanding of their capabilities in mathematics, science and the humanities. During this year, they will engage in career awareness activities including career interest surveys and exploration. With a better understanding of themselves, their leadership program will emphasize team building and skills that will assist in collaboration and cooperation.

Junior & Senior Years

The emphasis in the junior and senior years is the selection of the appropriate electives to prepare students for their postsecondary career choice. These last two years will be spent job shadowing, mentoring, résumé building and experiencing mock interviews in preparation for higher-education admission and selection of a university major. The leadership emphasis in these final years focuses on organizational and social leadership.

The elective pathways will be anchored in the portfolio program.